The human papillomavirus (HPV, HPV- human papillomavirus) or papillomavirus is a group of infections that includes more than 100 types of viruses, 80 of which are pathogenic to humans. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, 70% of the world population are carriers of HPV. In most cases, the infection occurs after the onset of sexual activity and can be asymptomatic for a long time.
Causes of HPV Infection
Symptoms of papillomavirus infection in women can be: various types of warts, flat and genital warts, dysplasia of the cervix. However, the most dangerous manifestation of the pathology is the development of cervical cancer. There is also evidence linking the development of tumors of the anus, external genital organs, vagina with infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV type 16, 18, 45, 56).
Transmission mode:
- Sexual contact.It is the main route of transmission of human papillomavirus infection. Using a condom during intercourse significantly reduces the risk of infection with the human papillomavirus, however, it does not provide a reliable guarantee that infection will not occur, as the viral particles are very small in size.
- Path of the familiar contact.The causes of infection are the use of products for intimate hygiene of the joints: towels, soap, use of a public toilet, a toilet.
- Natural childbirth.HPV can be passed on to babies who become infected when a baby passes through the birth canal of an infected woman.
The source of this infection is the patient's skin and mucous membrane cells. In this case, a person himself may not know that he has become a carrier of the virus, as warts and papillomas can be microscopic in size and remain invisible during visual inspection.
Predisposing factors contributing to the development of a viral infection:
- the onset of sexual activity at an early age;
- promiscuous sex without using a condom;
- frequent abortions;
- the presence of infectious diseases of the genital organs;
- long-term use of oral contraceptive methods;
- decreased immune response of the body;
- non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- if the sexual partner has HPV;
- exposure to frequent stressful situations;
- bad habits.
Through the pores, cracks, microtraumas of the skin and mucous membranes, the virus penetrates the basal layer of the epithelium, which ensures normal growth and renewal of the skin and mucous membranes. The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of the cells of the basal layer carries information about the healthy structure of the cells. A viral particle, being incorporated into the DNA, modifies this information, resulting in the formation of affected cells which, in the process of growth and division, cause the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection in women
One of the possible manifestations of human papillomavirus infection is the appearance of genital warts and papillomas. They are specific formations that have the appearance of a cauliflower, a bunch of grapes or a cockscomb, pink-red or flesh-colored. Depending on the type and type of virus, they can infect a person's skin and mucous membranes.
Genital warts can form around or near the anus, especially in the case of anal intercourse.
Papillomas can occur on the skin around the fingers, toes, hands, around the eyes, armpits and scalp. Sometimes they also form on the soles of the feet and cause characteristic pain when walking.
This type of disease rarely degenerates into a malignant tumor and cancer, however, in order to prevent the development of the disease, the formations are surgically removed.
Consequences of HPV Infection
Human papillomavirus in women can lead to significant growth of genital warts, papillomas, flat warts, which cause a feeling of discomfort, pain, and when injured, bleeding of varying severity can occur.
HPVs of the eighteenth and sixteenth types are the most dangerous, as they lead to the development of cancer. Cervical cancer, which has been reliably linked to infection with the human papillomavirus, ranks second among various malignant diseases in women. The mortality rate from it reaches fifty percent.
Flat warts
The disease is characterized by the formation of flat plaques that practically do not rise above the level of the skin.
Very often the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix is affected.
The cosmetic defect with them is much smaller than with genital warts.
This type of disease has a higher risk of degeneration into cancer.
Dysplasia of the cervical mucosa
Pathology is a change in the normal structure of cells in the mucous membrane of the cervix, which is called atypia. This condition in gynecology is considered precancerous and requires intensive observation and treatment.
The disease in most cases is asymptomatic and is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. Dysplasia of different degrees of severity is distinguished: mild, moderate, severe. The choice of treatment method depends on the severity.
Cervical cancer
This is the most dangerous manifestation of the disease. Cervical cancer ranks second among cancers in women and is associated with HPV type 16, 18 infection.
The disease can proceed without clinical signs or manifest with non-specific symptoms: weakness, increased fatigue, weight loss, vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.
Disease treatment methods
If there are signs of HPV infection, given the danger of consequences, do not self-medicate.
To choose the optimal treatment tactics, you need to consult a gynecologist, who, after a thorough examination and conducting the required tests, will prescribe adequate therapy.
Until now, no drug has been invented that can cure HPV forever. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the concentration of the virus in the body to prevent further progression of the disease.
Main areas of therapy:
- treatment of manifestations (warts, papillomas, dysplasia);
- antiviral therapy;
- the use of funds aimed at increasing immunity.
In the presence of papillomas, genital warts, warts, areas of dysplasia, even small ones, it is recommended to remove them, since the presence of neoplasms increases the concentration of viral particles in the body of a woman, which contributes to furtherprogression of the disease.
Surgical treatment
The methods for removing genital warts, papillomas, warts and dysplasia are as follows:
- surgical;
- cryotherapy;
- diathermocoagulation;
- laser coagulation;
- radio wave therapy;
- chemical attack.
The surgical method consists in removing growths with a scalpel, it is the cheapest method of treatment, however, after it, a pronounced cosmetic defect remains, and the healing period is significantly lengthened. There is also the risk of secondary infection. Therefore, this type of surgery is used in extreme cases.
During cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area, which freezes the pathological formation. After a few days, the papilloma or condyloma disappears, and a small wound forms under it, which heals in 10-14 days.
Diathermocoagulation is the application of high temperatures to the affected skin areas. This procedure is quite painful and therefore requires anesthesia. The disadvantage of this method is the formation of rough scars in the place of pathological formations.
During laser coagulation, the impact of laser beams on the affected area leads to the drying of the neoplasms. In their place, a dry crust forms, which soon disappears without leaving scars. This type of treatment is the most delicate, but its high cost is considered a disadvantage.
Radio wave therapy consists of exposing the affected area to radio frequency waves. When using this type of treatment, there is no risk of bleeding, no pronounced scars are formed, but the disadvantage is the high cost.
The chemical method is used when there is a small formation. A special drug is applied to the affected area. After several applications, a crust forms on the treated area, which disappears after a few days.
Drug use
Drug therapy for human papillomavirus infection includes the use of the following drug groups:
- antiviral drugs;
- immunostimulants.
To reduce the concentration of the virus in a woman's body and prevent its further reproduction, a long course of antiviral therapy is prescribed. Drugs are used in the form of tablets and suppositories, the dosage and duration of the course of treatment should be determined only by the attending physician.
Immunostimulants are prescribed after an analysis and detection of a reduced level of immunity in order to increase the body's defenses, accelerate the appearance of immune cells and stimulate the production of antibodies aimed at fighting the virus.
Treatment of HPV infection in pregnant women
The presence of human papillomavirus infection in a woman's body does not affect the reproductive system and is not a contraindication to pregnancy. If an exacerbation of HPV occurs during pregnancy, therapy for this condition is not carried out during this period, treatment is prescribed after delivery.
However, a woman should be monitored by a doctor for the entire duration of pregnancy. With the development of severe discomfort, gentle methods of therapy are prescribed. In extreme cases, when there are contraindications to vaginal delivery due to the progression of HPV, a caesarean section is performed.
Getting rid of HPV with folk remedies
At home, you can use folk remedies such as decoctions and herbal infusions - for the treatment of papillomatosis, ointments - to get rid of the resulting warts, papillomas and warts.
Ways to prepare decoctions and infusions for the treatment of human papillomavirus infection:
- Horsetail, nettle, rosehip, dandelion roots, plantain leaves are mixed in equal quantities. At 3 st. L. Add 800 ml of water to the mixture obtained, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, then leave to infuse for 3 hours. Apply 1 glass 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
- Oregano, yarrow, immortelle, St. John's wort, birch buds, nettles, calendula, coltsfoot, caterpillar roots, chamomile flowers, twine, plantain leaves, celandine, lime blossom, caraway seeds, sage comemixed in equal quantities. Pour 2 tablespoons into a thermos. L. from the resulting mixture, pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave to infuse overnight. Take 0. 5 cups 4 times a day.
- Valerian root, lemon balm, oregano, lime blossom, hop cones and motherwort are mixed in equal quantities. Pour 1 tablespoon into a thermos. L. into the resulting mixture, pour 0, 5 liters of boiling water and leave to infuse for 3-5 hours. Apply 250 ml twice a day.
For the treatment of local manifestations the following applies:
- Celandine juice. The juice is obtained from fresh leaves or purchased at the pharmacy. Before applying the product, the skin of the affected area should be steamed and the healthy areas near the affected area should be treated with a greasy cream. Celandine must be applied carefully to the affected skin. The procedure must be repeated every two days for a week until the pathological formation disappears.
- Garlic. The vegetables should be grated on a fine grater and mixed with skin cream to form a viscous consistency. Apply the resulting mixture to the areas of the formations for 2-3 hours every day for a month. After the procedure, wash the skin with soapy water.
- Young walnuts. They need to be crushed with a meat grinder, pour the resulting mixture into a 0. 5 liter glass jar so as to fill 2/3, pour the rest of the container with kerosene. Leave to infuse for 20 days, then filter with gauze. Infusion to treat the affected skin 2 times a day.
After therapy and elimination of external manifestations of HPV, a woman must visit a gynecologist every six months to monitor and prevent further progression of the disease.