Human papillomavirus infection (Human papillomavirus). What is human papillomavirus, what are its symptoms and how to treat it

The causes and risk factors for HPV infection in women (virus) are very diverse. Few people know what symptoms are observed when diagnosed with HPV in women and what needs to be done when they are detected, what methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HPV exist.

Human papillomavirus: pathogenesis and etiology

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection. Anyone can become infected with the virus, regardless of gender and age. It is dangerous for women because some strains cause cervical cancer. To date, about 600 strains or types of the virus have been discovered, roughly divided into 3 varieties:

1. Non-oncogenic.
2. Oncogenic with a low risk of developing cancer.
3. Oncogenic with a high risk of cancer.

When a virus enters the body, it may not manifest itself in any way, and most often the body fights the infection on its own. But sometimes it is found in the form of warts - genital warts. The most common cause of HPV is a disruption of the immune system. The papilloma virus can only be transmitted from a person who has condylomas. You can become infected with HPV:

1. Most often during unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal).
2. At birth, if the woman had condylomas.
3. During everyday contact with an HPV carrier, in public places, for example, in a swimming pool, nail salon, public toilet (the virus enters the body much more easily in the presence of abrasions and open wounds).
4. During shaving, hair removal (self-infection occurs).

The papilloma virus in a pregnant woman will not harm the development of the fetus; the child may not become infected with the virus if the mother has no symptoms; If transmission of the virus does occur, the infection may disappear on its own after some time. But if there are condylomas, the child can become infected while passing through the birth canal. In the future, the infected child may develop polyps of the upper respiratory tract.

Clinical manifestations of HPV in women

The incubation period of human papillomavirus infection can range from several weeks to several years. A number of signs of the following nature indicate that a woman has the papilloma virus. More often with HPV in women, the symptoms are as follows:

1. The appearance on the genitals (outside, on the walls of the vagina and cervix) of genital warts, 2-10 mm in size, painless, flesh-colored or pink, with an uneven or smooth surface. They can be located on other parts of the body, occasionally in the oral cavity.
2. Papillomas located in the vagina can be injured during sexual intercourse, which causes pain, itching and bleeding.
3. During pregnancy, the number of warts may increase or disappear completely. There may also be an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
4. Growths in the vagina and cervix can complicate the birth process and cause heavy bleeding.

Having discovered symptoms of HPV, a woman should definitely contact a gynecologist, undergo the necessary examinations and receive the required treatment.

Cancer risk with HPV

Cervical cancer develops when you have HPV types 16 or 18. It can take more than 15 years from infection to cancer development. The risk of developing cancer is increased under the following conditions:

• hormonal disorders;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• smoking;
• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases);
• inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
• decreased cellular immunity.

What signs may indicate malignant degeneration of cervical cells?

1. Bleeding from the vagina that is not related to menstruation, bleeding after menopause, as well as blood after sexual intercourse, gynecological examination, douching.
2. Menstrual irregularities.
3. Pain in the lower abdomen, as well as pain during sex.
4. Rapid loss of body weight.
5. Deterioration of general condition, prolonged increase in body temperature, weakness.

Diagnostic methods

If an HPV infection is suspected, a woman must undergo the following diagnostic procedures:

1. Examination by a gynecologist.
2. Laboratory testing of vaginal discharge using PCR to determine the type of virus.
3. vaginal discharge, which will show whether there are changes in the cells of the cervix (to exclude cancer).
4. If changes in the cells are detected, colposcopy (examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope) is prescribed with a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample for subsequent histological examination).
5. Analysis for other infections, including sexually transmitted ones.

Treatment of pathology

Condylomas may disappear on their own after 2-6 months, but the virus may still be present in the body. To date, no medicine has been developed to destroy it. Several methods of treating the human papillomavirus have been developed: symptomatic treatment, which consists of removing condylomas; several methods for removing warts - their choice depends on the number of tumors, the general condition of the patient, the presence of allergic reactions, and the risk of possible complications after a particular procedure. When choosing any of the methods, re-formation of growths is possible.

Methods for removing genital warts:

1. Cryocoagulation - cauterization of condylomas with liquid nitrogen. Course of treatment: 1 session per week, for 2-3 weeks. The procedure is a little painful. This method is not used to remove condylomas in the vagina and cervix.
2. Cauterization with keratolytics - trichloroacetic and dichloroacetic acid. Course of treatment: 1 session per week for 2-3 weeks.
3. Electrocoagulation - removal using high-frequency electric current. Before this procedure, local anesthesia is administered.
4. Laser removal is an effective technique that is also used to remove vaginal condylomas or tumors located in the urethra. The procedure is a little painful. Often prescribed to remove re-grown formations.
5. Surgical - removal of condylomas by cutting with a surgical scalpel or scissors. Before the procedure, local anesthesia is administered. This treatment method is not effective enough compared to more modern ones.

After removal of condylomas, it is recommended to keep the damaged areas of the skin clean and dry, and not to injure them.

If any side effects occur after the procedure, you should immediately consult a doctor. During the period of treatment of symptoms of infection, it is necessary to stop sexual intercourse.

If, along with HPV, other infections are detected in a woman, then their treatment is also necessary. When HPV is detected in women during pregnancy, treatment is carried out only in extreme cases and mainly by cauterization with liquid nitrogen. If a woman in labor has a large number of condylomas, a caesarean section may be recommended.

It is contraindicated to try to remove condylomas yourself, as this can lead to bleeding or infection in the wound. It is not recommended to resort to various folk remedies, as this entails various complications.

Prevention of papillomavirus

If HPV is detected and condylomas appear in a woman, she needs to be examined regularly, every 6 months, by a gynecologist, since there is a risk of developing cervical cancer. It is necessary to use condoms when having sexual intercourse with unfamiliar partners. This will help avoid infection not only with HPV, but also with other sexually transmitted infections.

Vaccination is used to prevent certain strains of HPV. For this, the drugs Cervarix and Gardasil are used.

For her own safety, every woman should know what HPV is in gynecology. This pathology is infectious in nature and is one of the most common diseases affecting the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Often the symptoms of the disease do not appear for a long time; the course is chronic.

Features of HPV

Human papillomavirus is an infection that is characterized by the appearance of numerous benign papillary tumors. In total, doctors know more than 600 types of this disease. In gynecology, about 40 of them occur in women and men.

HPV strains are divided into three main groups:

• highly oncogenic;
• low-tumorigenic;
• non-oncogenic.

The most dangerous group is the first - in this case, the human papillomavirus in gynecology in women can develop into a cancerous tumor. The latter type includes vulgar warts and papillomas. A high degree of oncogenicity was detected in thirteen types of the virus, the most dangerous being HPV 16 and 18.

According to WHO, almost 70% of women are infected with the virus. Diseases of the intimate area occur in only 5%.

In a “dormant” state, the papillomavirus can live in the body throughout life, without manifesting itself or causing concern. This phenomenon is called “asymptomatic carriage.” A woman may not be aware of her illness, but can still infect her sexual partner. You can only find out about the presence of the virus during a full examination.

Methods of infection

A viral infection can enter the body through household or sexual contact. Infection is possible in one of the following cases:

• when kissing;
• during sexual intercourse;
• when the genitals come into contact;
• while using things of an infected person;
• through skin injuries or cuts.

Even protected sexual intercourse is dangerous - a condom is not a barrier to infection. For some time, the virus lives outside the human body; a warm, humid environment suits it, which makes visits to saunas, steam baths or swimming pools dangerous. Infection is also possible during the baby's passage through the birth canal.

People with weakened immune systems and those who are promiscuous are at particular risk. Frequent stress, long-term use of combined oral contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections and hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to infection.

Main symptoms

Symptoms of HPV can be obvious, subtle or hidden. In the first case, patients usually seek help from a doctor - they are concerned about pathological neoplasms and other accompanying signs of the disease. With the erased type, condylomas do not yet appear, but the woman begins to feel minor discomfort. The virus is detected only after diagnostic tests. The latent course is characterized by the complete absence of specific symptoms.

When the infection enters the active stage, a woman encounters the following manifestations of HPV:

• discomfort after sexual intercourse;
• pain during sex;
• specific secretions;
• unpleasant odor from the vagina;
• slight traces of blood after sex;
• itching in the genital area.

To prevent the transition of benign tumors to malignant, it is necessary to begin treatment as early as possible. This can only be done if the infection is detected in a timely manner.

With high activity, HPV in gynecology looks like numerous round growths. They are convex and dense, the color is most often flesh-colored. There is no pain on palpation. Genital warts usually appear in the anal and genital areas.

The appearance of growths is a sign of long-term development of the virus, which provokes pathological changes in the structure of the epithelium.

They are usually localized in the rectum, cervix and vagina. The edges of the new growths are uneven and sharp, the color is brownish or flesh-colored. After some time, single condylomas can unite into a continuous infectious focus.

It is because of them that itching and discomfort occur during sexual intercourse. If the formation is damaged, a liquid with a pungent odor or a small amount of blood is released. Serious injuries lead to inflammation and infection.

Necessary diagnostics

Even if the papillomavirus has noticeable visual manifestations, a simple examination alone is not enough to confirm the diagnosis. It is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes:

• immunology;
• colposcopy;
• cytology.

First, the gynecologist must examine the genitals and vagina using a speculum. Immunology is an HPV test that allows you to determine the presence or absence of DNA infection in the body. For cytology, a smear is taken from the cervix or cervical canal. This analysis allows us to identify a number of diseases at their early stages.

Colposcopy is a painless examination method. A special device is used for it, which allows you to examine the cervix and uterus at thirty-fold magnification. Discomfort occurs only when it is necessary to use vinegar - upon contact with this liquid, the dysplastic pathogenic areas turn white.

Precautionary measures

Even if there is no suspicion of papillomavirus, gynecologists recommend regular systematic checks. This will allow timely detection of the disease and initiation of treatment before the risk of progression to oncology appears.

Until the age of thirty, you should be tested for VCR every three years if the tests are negative and once a year if the tests are positive.

After thirty, with negative VCR and normal smears, tests are repeated every five years. If immunology is positive, further tactics of behavior are determined by the attending physician. By the age of sixty, a woman is recommended to be tested for high-risk papillomas at least twice. If everything is in order, repeat tests are necessary.

Treatment

It is impossible to get rid of it once and for all in gynecology. The main goal of therapy is to normalize the immune system, reduce the number of virus particles and remove the external manifestations of the disease. With an integrated approach, the prognosis is quite favorable.

To activate the body's natural protective resources, immunomodulators are used: they help the production of specific cells that interfere with the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. Antiviral drugs defeat the source of the causative agent of papillomavirus. To eliminate the tumors themselves, solutions, ointments or creams are needed. If the effectiveness of local drugs is low, experts recommend resorting to hardware or surgical removal of papillomas.

Drug therapy

To suppress the activity of the virus, the following may be prescribed:

• Panavir: compares favorably not only with antiviral, but also with immunomodulatory properties. Quickly eliminates the inflammatory process and relieves pain. Improves tissue regeneration, “triggers” the synthesis of natural interferon. The basis of the product is herbal, which makes it practically hypoallergenic, and there are practically no contraindications or possible side effects.
• Altevir: the drug increases the number of T-lymphocytes and microphages, allows you to quickly block the process of RNA synthesis in viral cells. Reduces the replication of oncogenic cells, quickly relieves inflammation. Available in the form of an injection solution. It has a large number of side effects, including loss of appetite, nausea, migraines, weakness and fever. Not suitable for people with kidney, liver and cardiovascular pathologies, patients with hepatitis or diabetes, pregnant and lactating women.
• Allokin-Alpha: is available in powder form, from which an injection solution is prepared. Effective against hepatitis viruses, influenza, herpes and papillomas in gynecology. Recognizes and dissolves defective cells, improves the conduction of impulses through nerve endings, and eliminates inflammatory processes. Therapy is possible if there are no clinical lesions of the cervix.

• Viferon contains interferon and vitamins C and E. It is a local immunomodulator with healing and antioxidant properties. Speeds up the treatment process and allows you to reduce the dosage of antibiotics.
• Genferon eliminates the inflammatory process, helps fight viruses, increases cellular and general immunity. Acts as a local anesthetic, as well as a stimulator of tissue regeneration. Available in the form of suppositories, rectal or vaginal.
• Isoprinosine damages the genetic apparatus of HPV in gynecology in women, reducing its concentration in the body. Suitable for preventing infections, eliminating clinical manifestations of the disease. Available in tablet form.

It is prohibited to prescribe any medications yourself. Drug therapy is carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician. The dosage and duration of the course are determined individually, based on the patient’s age and clinical picture.

Local remedies

Medicines for local influence on papillomas in women can be chemical or cytotoxic. The first ones contain acids. The growth cells receive a chemical burn, which promotes mummification and drying. When new healthy dermis appears underneath, the neoplasm falls off. Similar products include Superchistotel, Ferezol and Solkoderm.

Treatment with cytotoxic drugs provokes the destruction of papillomas cells. The active substance of such products is usually podophyllotoxin - it cauterizes and provokes the death of “excess” tissue. The growth gradually dries up and falls off, leaving only normal healthy skin. Poddofilin and Condilin have these properties.

Removal methods

Removal of papillomas in gynecology is carried out using the following methods:

• cryodestruction: freezing with liquid nitrogen;
• radio wave knife: removal occurs by layer-by-layer evaporation of cells;
• surgery: growths are removed with a scalpel;
• laser: a directed beam burns the tumor;
• electrocoagulation: cauterization with electric current.

All methods can be classified as low-traumatic. The impact goes directly to the tumors, the surrounding tissues are practically not damaged. In some cases, local anesthesia is necessary. The patient can return home on the day of surgery.

ethnoscience

Treatment with folk remedies cannot fully replace therapy using medications. With your doctor's approval, some prescriptions may be used. Most often, they play the role of auxiliary agents that can speed up the healing process or have a local effect on the formations themselves.

The most effective natural “cure” for the treatment of HPV in women in gynecology is celandine. Both a fresh plant and ready-made pharmaceutical oil can be used. Apply the liquid to skin growths 2-3 times a day. With constant use, it will begin to dry out and fall off quickly.

You can also prepare a decoction of chaga, string and celandine. Mix a tablespoon of each herb and brew with boiling water (450-500 ml). The container is covered with a lid, the liquid is infused until it cools completely. Afterwards, the broth is filtered through a bandage or gauze and poured into an ice tray. Cold cubes are applied to the growth three times a day, for 2-3 minutes.

Laundry soap has antibacterial and drying properties - it is sometimes even used to treat gynecological diseases. A small soap is poured with hot water and whipped into a thick foam. It is applied to the growths before bedtime, the “course” lasts 3-5 days. It is recommended to use this method only for treating external tumors. Laundry soap can be replaced with tar soap.

To enhance the protective properties of the body, a special decoction is prepared. It includes the following herbs:

• dandelion root;
• Melissa;
• nettle;
• horsetail;
• plantain.

Herbs are mixed in equal proportions. A tablespoon of the final mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water (200 ml) and simmered in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. The liquid is infused in a warm place for another three hours. During the day you need to drink the entire glass, dividing it into four equal portions.

Prevention

The main method of protection is vaccination against HPV. It is advisable to undergo it before the onset of sexual activity, during adolescence. You can get vaccinated at an older age, but there is a high probability that the infection has already occurred and the vaccine will not work. Two types of drug are used - Cervarix and Gardasil. Vaccination is carried out in three stages and takes six months. After the body is protected from the carcinogenic type of virus, medications provoke lasting immunity.

Despite the fact that HPV cannot be completely cured, even if the virus is present in the body, you can lead a full life. The main task of a woman is to regularly visit a gynecologist in order to notice the transition of the disease to the acute stage in time and begin treatment.

This will minimize the risk of a normal tumor turning into an oncological one. You should go to the doctor at least once every six months and if any alarming symptoms appear.

It is also necessary to regularly strengthen the immune system. This is facilitated by giving up bad habits, proper balanced nutrition and moderate physical activity. The diet should contain enough vegetables and fruits; in the cold season, taking vitamin and mineral complexes is mandatory.

Human papillomavirus (or HPV) is a family of viruses that cause warts, papillomas, dysplasia, or cancer of the cervix and genitals in humans. This is the most common viral infection of the genital area.

General family: Papillomaviridae. Latin name: Human Papillomavirus.
Abbreviation: HPV (as written in tests).

For doctors and students: the entire history of changes in the classifications of papillomaviruses on the website of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses - link.

What kind of virus is this?

1. Over 50 years, more than 100 types of human papillomavirus have been discovered. Pathogenic for humans - 80 types.
2. According to WHO, 70% of the world's population is infected with HPV by the age of 50.
3. In children, papilloma viruses cause warts.
4. In women, HPV types 16 and 18 are more likely than other types to lead to cervical cancer. Every year, 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide.
5. HPV is the overwhelming cause of genital cancer in women and men.
6. It is not possible to cure HPV completely and forever. You can only temporarily suppress its development and prevent formations from appearing.
7. The most effective prevention against cervical and genital cancer throughout the world is considered to be a vaccine against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of papillomaviruses.

This is what HPV looks like under an electron microscope

How does infection occur?

The source of the virus is the skin cells of a sick person. Not blood! Not saliva! Only skin or mucous cells.

If a patient has a papilloma, even a small one, it is the direct source of the virus!
However, upon examination, the patient may not yet have a wart or condyloma. The changes may still be microscopic and not visible to the eye (subclinical stage of the disease). But such a person can already transmit the virus to another person.

Infection usually occurs in childhood. Through microdamages to the child's skin (scratches, abrasions), the papillomavirus penetrates the skin and causes the appearance of warts. We read about what types of warts there are here: link.

In adults, certain types of virus (discussed below) cause the development of anogenital warts, or genital warts, on the genitals (). The transmission mechanism of these types is predominantly sexual.
But contact-household transmission is also theoretically possible - through general hygiene items, the toilet rim, taking a bath, visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, etc.

Through microtraumas of the genital organs, the virus is transmitted from one sexual partner to another. In this case, the patient may also not have any changes visible to the eye. But there may be microscopic changes in the mucous membrane of the genital organs. And these altered cells are the sources of the virus.

Next, the virus penetrates the skin or mucous membrane and is met by various cells of the human immune system. In most cases, immune cells destroy the virus. Read more about the work of the immune system.

But if the immune system is weakened, the virus manages to penetrate the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes, HPV DNA is integrated into the chromosomes of the cells and changes the functioning of these cells. The cells begin to divide excessively and grow in a limited area, externally turning into warts and papillomas.

The incubation period can be short - 3 months, or it can last for years. That is, the virus is in the body, it can be present in just a few epithelial cells. But the immunity is strong enough to prevent it from developing into a full-fledged formation visible to the eye.

This is how the papilloma virus develops in the skin

Remember

The types of HPV that cause warts enter the body during childhood.

The types of HPV that cause genital warts enter the body primarily through sexual contact.

In rare cases, the development of human papillomavirus infection in the human body can lead to malignancy (that is, degeneration into cancer). Therefore, all types of papillomaviruses are classified according to the degree of oncogenicity (that is, according to the degree of possible cancer development).

HPV types, oncogenic and non-oncogenic

(according to studies by McConcl D. J., 1991; Lorincz A. T., 1992; Bosch E X. et al., 2002; Kozlova V. I., Puchner A. F., 2003; Syrjanen S., 2003; Shakhova N. M. et al., 2006;).

1. Non-oncogenic HPV types, that is, those that never cause cancer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49
2. Low-oncogenic HPV types (very rarely cause cancer): 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72
3. Types of average oncogenic risk (average percentage of cancer degeneration): 26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65
4. Highly oncogenic HPV types (high risk of cancer degeneration): 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. This is especially important in women.

By the way, sometimes the classification changes. For example, HPV type 58 in women is no longer highly oncogenic. It began to be classified as a type with average oncogenicity.

Occurrence in diseases

• In 73-90% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18 and 45
• In 77-93% of cases with cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31 and 59
• In 80-94% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31, 33 and 59
• Precancerous conditions in urology and gynecology are often combined with types 61, 62, 68, 70, 73 of HPV.

Most often found in analyzes

• human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16) - 50%
• human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18) - 10%

HPV types 16 and 18

Symptoms and clinic

Symptoms and manifestations of HPV infection are warts, papillomas, dysplasia and cervical cancer. Different types of viruses lead to different manifestations in patients.

1. Warts

They are caused by the following types of HPV - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49.

• juvenile (or flat) warts - caused by types 3 and 5 of the virus. These are small flat elevations on the skin that occur mainly in children. This type of wart is described in detail.
• spinules (or plantar warts) - caused by types 1 and 2 of the virus (you can read more about them).
• vulgar warts on the fingers - caused by type 2 viruses (detailed article about them).

2. Genital warts

Localization: on the genitals, in the anus, in the oral cavity and on the lips (types - 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 35). Read more about these warts -.

The main mechanism of transmission of this disease in adults is sexual. Very rarely, a contact route of transmission can occur - through shared toilet items, through a dirty toilet rim, using a shared bathroom, in a bathhouse, etc.

If a mother suffering from genital condylomatosis gives birth to a child, he will also become infected and subsequently may also develop genital warts or papillomatosis of the larynx and respiratory tract (discussed above). However, the frequency of such symptoms in infants is extremely low. Children have a fairly high level of immunity, which protects them from such manifestations of infection.

3. Laryngeal papillomatosis

Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals. It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners. Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

5. Dysplasia and cervical cancer

More serious clinical manifestations of HPV infection in women are cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, or dysplasia) of the cervix and cervical cancer (see photo). This is the most common type of malignant course of this infection. More detailed article about CIN and dysplasia -.

In the photo - cervical cancer

Remember

Cervical erosion and HPV are FAR from the same thing. A detailed article about what cervical erosion is and how it differs from dysplasia and HPV -.

Modern medicine declares with 100% certainty that cervical cancer is caused exclusively by papillomavirus types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 66, 67.

The diagram shows the development of HPV infection over the years

6. Skin cancer of the penis (Bowen's disease)

Caused by virus types 16 and 18.

Today, some foreign scientists believe that the human papillomavirus is the cause of cancer of any location. Since cancer is a malignant tumor of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membrane, therefore, the HPV virus, which causes dysplastic phenomena in the epithelium, causes the appearance of cancer. And with cervical cancer this has been proven 100%.

There is evidence for breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, although it has not yet been formalized into global recommendations. And, according to some cancer researchers, the day is not far off when cancer of other locations (for example, intestines) is also recognized as the result of the activity of the human papillomavirus in the human body.

Remember

Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of these) is activated only when immunity decreases.

Diagnostics

1. PCR analysis

The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. Using special reagents, the presence of HPV DNA in material from a patient is determined. The most common types of analysis for HPV are virus types 16, 18, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.

Material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the woman’s vagina and cervix. In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis.

Below in the photo is an example of a PCR analysis and its decoding.

PCR can detect the presence of the virus even in a latent (that is, sleeping) state. Therefore, it is important to determine the viral load, or concentration of the virus.

The PCR reaction can also give a false result, both a false positive and a false negative result, especially if the conditions for its implementation are violated (even a push of the table on which the study is being carried out can lead to such a false result).

Thus, according to modern researchers in the West, up to 20% of all PCR results for papillomavirus were false. And this fact did not depend on the complexity of the equipment and the quality of the reagents.

2. Digene test

New research gaining popularity in the medical community. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant concentrations of the virus. Thanks to this test, it is possible to identify whether the viruses in the patient’s body have a high or low degree of oncogenicity.

The Digene test is used in conjunction with a cytological examination of the cervix, and they are also evaluated comprehensively.

3. Examination by a gynecologist and/or urologist

4. PAP test

Other names are cytological examination, or "Pap smear."

A smear taken during a gynecological examination is examined. This study is often called "liquid-based cytology", or simply "cytology".

In this case, a laboratory doctor, under a microscope, determines the presence or absence of pathologically altered cells, which should not normally be present, but they appear only with the development of the disease. The presence of such altered cells may indicate the presence of CIN (or cervical dysplasia) in a woman.

5. Histological examination

A microscopic piece of tissue is examined, also taken during a gynecological or urological examination. Another name for this test is “biopsy”. Under a microscope, the doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.

How to interpret an HPV test?

Example of PCR analysis for HPV

Interpretation of the analysis

The unit of measurement is the number of genome equivalents (in simple terms, the number of viruses) per 100,000 human epithelial cells (that is, by 10 to the 5th power).

Abbreviated as: Lg

Gradations:

1. 3 – 5 Lg. This is a clinically significant indicator. The risk of developing the disease is average. It is necessary to undergo examination by a doctor.
2. > 5 Lg. High viral load. You should definitely undergo a full examination to exclude cervical dysplasia.

What is reference value

This means the average statistical indicators for this study for this age group. That is, in simple terms, reference values ​​are the norm.

For HPV, the reference values ​​are negative. That is, normally there should not be HPV DNA in the tests.

What is KVM?

KVM is the control of material taking. Normally, the doctor should take a scraping so that the sample of material contains at least 10,000 (or 10 to the power of 4, or 4Lg) epithelial cells.
If the CME value is less than 4Lg, this means there are few cells for analysis. The analysis is not recommended, as it will not be informative, and the doctor is advised to repeat the collection of material.

Treatment

Remember

• In the treatment of human papillomavirus, you need to know: the virus may not be completely removed from the body. The main goal of treatment is to remove manifestations of the virus and reduce its concentration in the body so that the human immune system itself suppresses the virus.
• First, the doctor must make the correct diagnosis, and this is already half the treatment!!!
• Self-medication has low effectiveness and can lead to progression of the process. Self-medication for diseases of the genital area is especially dangerous.
• With all types of treatment, a healthy lifestyle that increases immunity is required.

3 areas of treatment are required

• removal of manifestations - warts, condylomas, dysplasia (erosion) or cervical cancer
• taking antiviral drugs (rarely used in the treatment of warts)
• strengthening the immune system (rarely used in the treatment of warts)

1) Removal

Laser removal of papillomas

Radio wave removal of papilloma

The radio wave evaporates the formation in the same way as a laser. .

Removing papilloma with a scalpel

Removal of papillomas with an electric knife

In fact, this is the same scalpel, only electric. Currently, it is practically not used in cosmetology.

Removal with liquid nitrogen

A detailed article about this method -

Cauterizing agents

Local necrotizing drugs (acids, alkalis) are used:
- Super clean
- Solcoderm ()
- Duofilm ()
- Collomak()
- Verrucacid, or feresol ()
- Condilin ()
- and a number of others.

2) Antiviral drugs

• Isoprinosine (or groprinosin): 2 tablets - 3 times a day; 14-28 days (more detailed article about this drug -).
• Allokin-alpha: 1 ampoule, powder dissolved in 1 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride, administered subcutaneously once every two days, course - 6 injections (described in more detail about Allokin).
• Epigen intimate spray: spray the affected area 4 times a day throughout the entire treatment period (more detailed instructions).
• Panavir: available in different forms - gel, spray, suppositories, injection solution - it all depends on the prevalence and localization of the process (detailed material about Panavir).

3) Drugs that enhance immunity

Polyoxidonium, roncoleukin, immunal and others:

• Immunal: 1 tablet - 4 times a day, course from 2 to 8 weeks.
• Reaferon: powder 1 bottle (1 million units), diluted with water (half a teaspoon), drink 30 minutes before meals - 2 times a day, for 10 days.
• Polyoxidonium: 1 suppository (12 mg) inside the vagina or rectum at night, every other day - 10 times.

Folk remedies at home

Celandine grass

Papilloma is smeared with fresh celandine juice several times a day.
More details about celandine are described.

Treating the spike with garlic

Kills viruses. Apply garlic juice or apply cut plastic to the wart

HPV and pregnancy

Attention

The human papillomavirus does not affect reproductive function, that is, the virus does not prevent a woman from having a child.

If a human papillomavirus infection is detected during pregnancy:

• the first thing is to find a good gynecologist and be observed by him until the birth,
• the most important thing is what manifestations of infection a woman has, the doctor’s tactics will depend on this,
• The virus has no effect on the fetus!
• warts and papillomas can be removed after childbirth,
• minimum medications (only as needed) during pregnancy,
• during childbirth, the child can become infected while passing through the birth canal,
• in the presence of expressed changes in the pregnant woman’s cervix may require a caesarean section,
• in the absence of manifestations - natural birth.

In general, cesarean section for HPV infection is rarely performed. And subsequent manifestations of infection in children are also extremely rare or insignificant.

Prevention

Prevention is the best cure. Remember this phrase, especially when it comes to the sexual sphere.

Nature has come up with a wonderful healing and prevention mechanism for humans, which then helps him not to get sick again. This is the immune system.

If a person has already had warts or papillomas once, then he subsequently develops immunity to this type of virus. Therefore, juvenile warts, spinules and warts vulgaris very rarely appear in adults.

It is on this principle that the method of vaccinating a person against various infectious diseases, including papillomavirus, is built.

This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to maintain your immunity at a high level. Read a detailed article about how to strengthen your immune system.

Specific prevention of PVI infection

• Vaccine "Gardasil" made in the USA. This vaccination against types 6, 11, 16, 18 prevents the development of infection symptoms such as genital warts, neoplasia (dysplasia, or erosion) and cervical cancer, cancer of the skin of the penis in men. In many developed countries, HPV vaccination is carried out very actively, starting from 11-12 years of age (link), until the time of sexual activity, when infection already occurs. It is given to both girls and boys.
• Vaccine "Gardasil 9". This vaccine is nine-valent, that is, it acts against 9 types of virus: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The effectiveness of preventing cervical cancer is from 98% to 100%.
• Vaccine "Cervarix". This vaccine forms immunity against 2 types of virus: 16 and 18.

Nonspecific prevention

• Personal hygiene measures in public places
• A healthy lifestyle that maintains a high level of immunity
• Correct work and rest schedule
• Moderate physical training
• Taking vitamins, fruits, juices
• Only one sexual partner (ideally)
• Using a condom during sexual intercourse

And in conclusion - several videos on the topic of the material, recommended for viewing.

Attention: If the doctor did not answer your question, then the answer is already on the pages of the site. Use the search on the site.

According to statistics, about 65% of the world's population are carriers of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and more than half of them are women. This is one of the most common infections; it is embedded in the DNA structure and remains in the body for life.

Why is HPV dangerous for women?

Unlike other diseases, the human papillomavirus in women may be in an inactive stage and, with a strong protective function of the body and the absence of provoking factors, may not manifest itself until the end of life. The onset of the active phase of the disease may be asymptomatic, which poses an additional danger. The activity of this microorganism leads to the appearance of growths on the body. Papillomas in women (see photo) cause a feeling of discomfort and can affect the quality of life, as well as pose a threat to health.

At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to begin treatment, since neglect of the disease and further weakening of the functionality of the immune system, as well as a number of other factors (hormonal imbalance, heredity, concomitant ailments) can lead to an increase in existing growths and the appearance of new ones. Also, HPV (papillomavirus) in women (see photo) is often manifested by the formation of pointed growths in intimate places (anorectal area, reproductive organs).

In the first stages, neoplasms inside the vagina and on the cervix do not cause any sensation. They can only be detected during an examination by a gynecologist. Timely diagnosis in the fight against the papilloma virus in women is very important, since further asymptomatic course of the disease can lead to the appearance of many concomitant diseases (erosion, dysplasia, inflammation). In addition, the main danger of the human papillomavirus in women (see photo) is the development of an oncological process. As a result of infection activity, benign formations have a tendency to malignancy (degeneration into malignant ones). Such a history of the disease can lead to the development of an oncological tumor on the cervix and vagina.

It should be noted that most strains of the virus have a certain window of danger status. But even the diagnosis of one of these types does not mean a 100% probability and inevitable oncological course of the disease. Timely diagnosis and an adequate treatment regimen can significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Strains with high oncological intensity include HPV 16, 18. In women, it is localized on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and manifests itself in the form of condylomatous growths, externally similar to broccoli inflorescences. Further absence of therapeutic measures is fraught with the development of oncological tumors (cancer).

In addition to papillomavirus 16.18 strains, there are other oncogenic types of HPV in women. To determine them, specific diagnostic methods are used (tests, visual inspection). Doctors believe that the main cause of its occurrence is unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner. Papillomavirus (HPV) types 31, 33 in women can cause oncological tumors on the cervix, as well as complications in the form of stage 2, 3 neoplasia. Inflammatory processes are often diagnosed, which are accompanied by minor pain. Visually, this type of infection manifests itself as pointed growths. In the early stages, a woman may not feel their presence. At later stages, symptoms of an active infectious process begin to appear. HPV type 31 in women can also cause the appearance of tumors on the labia minora, which causes significant discomfort.

Gynecologists often diagnose oncogenic growths caused by the influence of HPV type 35. Women may experience heavy discharge, which is accompanied by severe itching and pain. Most often, young girls become victims of this strain of infection. But the good news is that during this period, spontaneous elimination of the virus can be observed, without any treatment. This is due to a fairly strong immune system that is able to inactivate the infection on its own. But if this does not happen within six months, then you should seek help from a specialist.

Papillomavirus type 39 is also classified as cancer-positive. In women, the diagnosis of this strain consists of a preliminary visual examination by a gynecologist and proctologist, since the pathogen can cause the appearance of neoplasms not only in the vagina and cervix, but also in the anorectal area. The cause of HPV type 39 activity in women is hormonal imbalance and weakened immunity. The growths that appear have a pointed shape and can grow rapidly. Typical for girls who are pregnant, as well as for mature women (during menopause).

HPV types 44 and 45 are most often diagnosed in middle-aged women. A characteristic consequence of the activity of these strains of papillomavirus is the development of grade 2 and 3 dysplasia. This complication can lead to the formation of cervical cancer after about 5 years. In 20% of all patients, an irreversible process of development of a malignant tumor is diagnosed.

If we talk about HPV 52, in women it manifests itself in the form of large conglomerates of condylomatous growths in the vagina and on the external tissues of the genital organs. When examined by a gynecologist, papillomavirus type 52 in women can be detected even in the anorectal area. The peculiarity of this strain is that it can remain in an inactive state for a long time and appear with age, when the body experiences severe hormonal shocks. Young representatives of the fairer sex are not at risk of this type of infection.

Very often, young girls (teenagers) and mature women are diagnosed with papillomavirus (HPV) 51, 56, 58, 59. In women, it mainly affects the vagina and uterus. In some cases, when the disease progresses, one can observe the appearance of neoplasms in the form of pointed growths on the labia. This type of pathogen belongs to the so-called alpha group according to the degree of oncogenicity. The first stages of infection activity are asymptomatic, which significantly complicates the use of effective therapeutic measures. If left untreated, serious complications may occur (stage 1, 2, 3 dysplasia, erosion, carcinoma). The tissue cells of a woman’s genital organs degenerate into cancerous ones. This process takes place slowly. The period of HPV activity can be up to 15 years. During this time, the medical history can be significantly improved. If left untreated, an irreversible process occurs that can lead to death. Doctors recommend not to miss routine examinations in order to begin timely therapy. HPV types 51, 56 in women are diagnosed using a number of tests (PCR, ELISA). After this, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment procedures.

No less dangerous, oncogenic, include HPV types 53, 66, 68, 73, 82 in women. Lack of adequate treatment can also lead to the formation of malignant tumors in the genitourinary system.

HPV types 16, 18 in women: description, characteristics, diagnosis

According to medical practice, papillomavirus 16, 18 causes the most dangerous disease in women - cervical cancer. The probability of an oncological process is 20%. The risk group includes young girls starting from the age of 15, as well as ladies from the age of 28. The incubation period of HPV in women is about 30-45 days. For many types of this infection, a characteristic feature is an asymptomatic course in the early stages. The patient may not suspect the presence of pathology for many years.

The DNA of papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in women is introduced into the DNA structure of the cell and is fixed at the genetic level. That is why it is not possible to completely eradicate the infectious agent. Scientists are looking for ways to solve this problem without consequences for overall health. Now there are a number of effective methods aimed at preventing cancer.

HPV (type 16, 18) manifests itself in women in the form of genital warts on the mucous membranes. There are cases when papillomas of types 16 and 18 in women can form in skin folds and fat deposits.

The most accurate method for diagnosing papillomavirus 16, 18 in women is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The test material is a smear. This analysis shows the stage of the disease and the number of cells that develop during this infectious process (viral load). The doctor can also use a diagnostic method such as hybrid capture. This is a more complex, modern and most accurate analysis. This is done by examining a woman's DNA. The material for analysis is scrapings from the mucous membranes.

Modern methods of therapy involve the use of antiviral agents, as well as drugs aimed at strengthening the functionality of the immune system. Among the best medications in this group are Isoprinosine, Immunomax, Viferon. In extreme cases, one of the methods of physiotherapy or surgical intervention is prescribed.

What methods are used to diagnose HPV in women?

Human papillomavirus in women can manifest itself in any part of the body. Particular discomfort, from a psychological point of view, is caused by neoplasms in visible areas (neck, back, abdomen, face, arms). The appearance of such a cosmetic defect is associated with the presence of HPV infection. Women perceive this fact as an unexpected nuisance that needs to be quickly gotten rid of. To begin an effective fight against the disease, it is necessary to undergo a series of studies. What is their essence?

Diagnosis of HPV in women begins with a visit to the gynecologist. After a visual examination, the doctor, using a special colposcope apparatus, examines the vagina and cervix. This procedure is called colposcopy. It is necessary to determine the presence or absence of growths on the cervix or on the walls of the vagina.

It should be noted that some experts recommend that within 2-3 weeks after unprotected sexual intercourse with a potentially infected partner, you undergo an examination and conduct a series of tests for papillomavirus. For women, this event will take some time, but will prevent dangerous consequences in the future. Timely diagnosis and treatment neutralize the activity of the virus in the body.

Many representatives of the fair sex have questions about how to identify HPV? The following diagnostic tests are performed in women:

• Digene test. This is the most progressive (innovative) test for HPV in women. Thanks to this technique, you can find out the type of infection, its lifespan, stage of development, and oncogenicity of the strain. The material for the study is scraping of epithelial tissue from the vagina, urethra, and cervix. Affected cells may also be examined. A smear for papillomavirus is not taken from women during menstruation.
• PCR. The diagnostic method using the polymerase chain reaction is the most common and frequently used. How to test for HPV (papillomavirus) in women? Any biological material can be examined (urine, blood from a vein, vaginal discharge).
• Cytology. This diagnostic method involves determining the ratio of healthy cells to diseased ones. Infected cells tend to change their structure (internal structure, physiological and functional parameters, chemical composition). This process has a medical name - koilocytosis. To obtain detailed information, a scraping is done to check for HPV in women.
• Biopsy. This analysis involves removing a piece of tissue (biological material). Done in extreme cases. A biopsy is taken from living tissue or mucous membrane.

During diagnosis, the patient may visit several specialists. In addition to the gynecologist, you may need the help of a urologist, dermatovenerologist, surgeon, and also an immunologist (it all depends on the type of HPV in the woman, the location of the processes, the viral load and the state of the immune system).

Causes of HPV in women: main routes of transmission and factors influencing virus activation

Many young girls and mature representatives of the fair half of humanity may not even suspect that a dangerous infection has entered their body. What can cause infection? Where does HPV come from in women?

There are factors that do not depend on the patient herself. These include heredity and transmission of the pathogen during childbirth from the mother. Such cases make up a much smaller percentage than the acquisition of infection during life.

It should be noted that female papilloma is much more dangerous than papillomatosis in men. According to statistics, girls are at risk of cancer

ek is 70% higher than that of the stronger sex.

What are the main causes of papillomavirus in women? The main routes of transmission should be considered:

• Sexual. The HPV virus appears in girls and women after sexual contact with an infected partner. It should be noted that all types of sex (vaginal, anal and even oral sex) are dangerous. According to medical practice, even barrier contraception does not guarantee the prevention of human papillomavirus infection. In women, the causes of the disease are associated with frequent changes of partners. The pathogen quickly takes root in the body and goes through an incubation period. If during infection the immune system is weakened, the risk of rapid development of the disease, and therefore the risk of cancer, increases significantly.

• Vertical. HPV is transmitted to the child during the passage of the birth canal. If a woman has growths in her vagina, the risk of infection increases.
• Contact and household. You can become infected with papilloma by using the personal belongings of a sick person and even by shaking hands.

It is known that if the immune system functions well, then HPV may not bother a person with unpleasant symptoms and, over time, can be eliminated on its own.

There are also provoking factors that affect the activity of the virus. These include:

• Decreased functionality of the immune system. This is the main cause of HPV in women. Most often, this condition is observed after 30 years. Also, the protective function of the body is negatively affected by an unbalanced lifestyle (poor poor-quality nutrition, bad habits), and previous infections.

• Hormonal imbalances. It is for this reason that papillomas appear in girls of a very young age, during puberty. Long-term use of contraceptives often leads to hormonal imbalance. They affect hormonal levels and contribute to the manifestation of papillomavirus activity in women. The reason for the occurrence of multiple growths on the neck, chest and other parts of the body in pregnant women also lies in hormonal instability during this period. Therefore, many women note the spontaneous disappearance of warts after the birth of a child.
• Concomitant diseases and disorders of the vaginal microflora. Various infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, HIV, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, syphilis) have a detrimental effect on local and general immunity, which can activate the virus and provoke the appearance of growths.

Principles of HPV treatment in women. What is the treatment for the disease?

Women's papillomatosis can easily be considered one of the most common and dangerous diseases. Therapy consists of two directions:

• immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs.
• destruction of growths.

Some patients use traditional methods of treatment (cauterization with celandine, garlic, the use of herbs or natural oils).

It should be noted that viral papilloma in women can be treated using traditional recipes only under the supervision of an experienced specialist and in combination with traditional medicine.

The most commonly prescribed antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs are:

• Cycloferon.
• Immunal.
• Galavit.

Cytostatic agents that have a destructive effect (5-fluorouracil, Podophyllin) are also used.

To remove growths on the body, you can use one of the following methods:

• Laser therapy. Today this is a fairly common method; its essence lies in the effect of laser beams on pathological growths of the dermis. The technique has a number of advantages: painlessness, absence of blood and scars.
• Cryodestruction. Exposure to liquid nitrogen, as a result of which their tissues freeze and are rejected by healthy cells.
• Electrocoagulation. The essence of the procedure is to remove growths with high-frequency current.
• Radio wave excision. Electromagnetic waves are used, due to which the tissue of the processes evaporates. This manipulation can be carried out using the Surgitron device.
• Surgical removal. Today it is prescribed very rarely, only in case of suspected oncology. Unlike other techniques, its advantage is the preservation of excised tissue. This makes it possible to conduct a histological examination and determine whether the formation was malignant.

Prevention of papillomavirus in women: photo

Every patient should understand that it is better to prevent a disease than to eliminate its symptoms. To avoid t

severe consequences of HPV in women, it is recommended to carry out timely vaccination. Preventive vaccinations are indicated for representatives of the fair sex between the ages of 9 and 25 years. It should be noted that the vaccine will only be effective if the woman is not infected with HPV. It promotes the production of antibodies to the papillomavirus and, provided it enters the body, the immune system will be able to eliminate it on its own, that is, infection will not occur. But a vaccine is not a cure; if a girl is infected with an infection, then the vaccine will not help.

Today the vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix are used. Although vaccinations were developed to combat the most dangerous strains of the virus (HPV 16, 18), women develop strong immunity to many other types of papilloma.

The essence of nonspecific prevention is giving up bad habits, proper nutrition, avoiding stressful situations, culture of sexual relations, and constant fortification of the body.

You should also be extremely careful in public places (saunas, swimming pools, hotels with a dubious reputation). Don't use other people's things

and (for example, a towel, washcloth, slippers), since there is a risk (albeit minimal) of contracting an infection.

What is HPV in gynecology in women, and how does this disease manifest itself? This question interests many patients, since such a disease can be very dangerous to health. Papillomavirus is considered one of the most common viruses, and it has many strains. Viruses of this type provoke the formation of papillomas - special formations located on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes.

It is very important to know in gynecology in women and how exactly this disease can be recognized, since there is a high risk of developing oncological processes. It is the high probability of degeneration into a malignant tumor of some strains that poses a serious danger to women.

What is HPV

Many patients have a question about what HPV is in gynecology. In women, this disease occurs quite often and affects the genitourinary system. Thanks to the use of modern research methods, it is possible to timely identify many subtypes of papillomavirus.

The danger of this disease is that after about 10-15 years the papillomas become malignant. Sometimes papillomas are observed in a woman throughout her life and do not cause any problems other than aesthetic ones. Relapses may occur months or years after successful treatment.

Once a virus enters a woman’s body, it remains there for life. Whether relapses will occur or not depends directly on the immune system.

Main types of HPV

HPV is quite common in gynecology, and a photo of the main manifestations of the disease allows us to determine the peculiarities of its course. There are several types of this disease, which have their own specific characteristics.

Type 16 virus provokes tissue deformation and abnormal development. In addition, the disease leads to the formation of malignant tumors and papulosis, which manifests itself in the form of spots or plaques of a pale or dark red color. Skin manifestations are accompanied by severe itching and pain.

Type 18 virus has the greatest tendency to form malignant tumors. The disease negatively affects various organs and can cause tissue deformation.

Type 33 virus is characterized by the fact that during its course many flat warts are formed in the genital area. Their malignant degeneration is possible.

Virus type 35 manifests itself in the form of genital dysplasia and can cause cervical cancer.

The virus makes itself felt in the form of condylomas in the tissues of the rectum. Without the required treatment, these tumors can develop into a malignant tumor.

Virus type 68 manifests itself in the form of red rashes that provoke severe itching and burning. During intimate intimacy, a woman may experience severe pain. There is a possibility of degeneration into a malignant tumor.

How can you get infected?

What is HPV in gynecology and how exactly does this virus manifest itself, a doctor can tell you exactly. Papillomas on the external genitalia do not appear immediately after infection. It has been proven that infection occurs not only through direct contact of the genitals. You can become infected in the following cases:

• oral contacts;
• infection during childbirth;
• use of common household items.

Both a woman and a man can be a carrier of the virus. Infection occurs after sexual intercourse, and papillomas in the groin area may be absent. The child may become infected during childbirth if the mother is infected and there are characteristic rashes on the mucous membranes of the genital tract.

If you share household items with an infected person, there is also a high risk of infection.

Provoking factors

Every woman should know what HPV is in gynecology and what provoking factors exist in order to prevent the possibility of infection. Among the main points it is necessary to highlight the following:

• early onset of sexual activity;
• promiscuous intimate relationships;
• frequent pregnancies and abortions;
• long-term use of oral contraceptives;
• frequent;
• alcohol abuse and smoking.

The disease often develops in people who prefer unprotected sex and do not care about their health. The female body most often suffers from papillomavirus due to hormonal instability, exposure to stress, and reduced immunity (including during pregnancy).

Main symptoms

Based on their clinical course, there are several types of HPV infections in gynecology. largely depend on the type of disease. In particular, we can distinguish such forms of the disease as:

• hidden;
• erased;
• explicit.

The latent version of the course of the disease is characterized by the fact that the woman has no signs of the disease, and the doctor cannot detect changes through a routine examination. In this case, to identify the virus, you need to conduct a blood test to detect the DNA of the pathogen.

The erased variant of the course is characterized by the absence of papillomas, however, the causative agent of the disease can be identified by performing diagnostic tests with staining of the cervix. Symptoms of the disease may be absent or expressed in the form of minor discomfort.

If the course of the disease is obvious, the patient herself turns to the doctor, as she develops skin growths and experiences other symptoms of the pathology.

Depending on the strain of the pathogen, the following types of neoplasms are distinguished:

• flat condylomas;
• pointed;
• inverted;
• warts and papillomas that form not on the genitals, but in another part of the body.

Among the main symptoms of HPV in women, the most common in gynecology are the growth of the upper layers of the skin with blood supply from adjacent vessels. The color of the skin growths is no different from the surrounding healthy tissue. The number of such growths may vary.

Initially, signs of HPV in women in gynecology do not appear in any way, however, with intensive growth, large size of neoplasms or their location at the point of contact with clothing, papillomas can be injured, hurt and bleed. In addition, injury to papillomas can occur during sexual intercourse.

The presence of damage often leads to infection. With the active growth of tumors, the symptoms of HPV in gynecology can manifest themselves in the form of severe itching and a burning sensation.

Papillomas located in the groin area, subject to constant friction of underwear, can degenerate into malignant tumors. In addition, neoplasms on the cervix can become malignant. It is worth remembering that the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chance of preventing the development of the oncological process. That is why it is important to contact a gynecologist if you have such signs of HPV:

• pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• spotting after sexual intercourse;
• the presence of atypical vaginal discharge.

One of the symptoms of the disease is considered to be enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.

Carrying out diagnostics

Knowing what HPV is in gynecology in women, every representative of the fair sex understands how serious this disease is and how important it is to carry out treatment on time. To do this you need to make a correct diagnosis. An important step in diagnostics is laboratory tests, designed not only to identify the virus, but also to determine its type.

What is an HPV test in gynecology, and what exactly results does it show? These questions are asked by many women who have symptoms of the disease. One of the most common diagnostic methods is the PCR method, which is used to detect many different diseases. This qualitative test allows you to identify the causative agent of the disease through its DNA or RNA present in human tissues. The highest effectiveness is achieved when analyzing vaginal discharge. The test is completely safe and does not cause any discomfort.

To determine this, an HPV DNA test is performed. All these types of diagnostic tests are carried out on patients if there are certain indications, as well as in the presence of diseases and symptoms such as:

• dysplasia;
• erosion;
• warts;
• metaplasia;
• genital warts.

It will help you find out exactly what warts look like with HPV in gynecology, photo. In women, these neoplasms differ in their shape and size, it all depends on the type of pathogen that provoked the disease.

Drug treatment

Many women are interested in what HPV means in gynecology and how the disease is treated. There are many different ways to treat papilloma, but none of the methods makes it possible to completely get rid of the disease.

To treat HPV in gynecology, medications are used that destroy virus cells. At the same time, they strengthen the immune system. Complex therapy necessarily includes suppositories "Viferon" or "Genferon", which help stop the development of the infectious process and relieve external manifestations of the disease.

The drug "Isoprinosine" is intended for treatment and complex prevention. The tablets help activate the body's protective functions. To cure the disease in a short time, drugs that enhance immunity are prescribed.

If the disease is oncogenic in nature, then the drug Allokin-alpha is prescribed. This drug is used as an intravenous injection. The active components are mixed with the blood and eliminate the causative agent of the disease. The drug "Groprinosin" is widely used to combat HPV and helps eliminate the external manifestations of the disease in intimate places.

Removal of papillomas

Sometimes more radical treatment for HPV in women is required. In gynecology, it is possible to use several different methods for removing papillomas, which is determined after colposcopy. If, according to the results of the examination, no altered cells were identified, then the papilloma itself and a small area of ​​surrounding tissue are removed. If dysplasia is present, a significant area of ​​healthy tissue surrounding the tumor is removed.

The following methods are used to remove papillomas:

• laser removal;
• cryotherapy;
• electrocoagulation;
• radio wave removal;
• chemical destruction;
• argon plasma ablation.

After removal of the tumor, the patient is prescribed additional therapy with immunomodulators and special applications with antiviral drugs. To successfully complete the therapy, you must follow all the recommendations of the treating doctor.

One of the most innovative surgical techniques is the radioknife. This method avoids thermal burns of the skin and gives good results when removing pedunculated condyloma.

A common method is electrocoagulation, in which it is possible to completely destroy damaged tissue. However, it is worth noting that after electrocoagulation, small scars may remain on the skin. Thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue is negligible, so they remain virtually untouched. After removal of the papilloma, slight skin pigmentation may be observed in its place.

HPV and pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman affected by the papilloma virus often encounters clinical manifestations of this disease, which is characterized by the formation of condylomas that reach significant sizes. Often, condylomas go away on their own after the baby is born.

When planning a pregnancy, you must be tested for the presence of HPV in both partners. If a change in the epithelium of the cervix was diagnosed during pregnancy, the doctor prescribes a course of therapy using anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs, and then conducts an examination again. Treatment of HPV before pregnancy is carried out if the course of this disease has pronounced symptoms. The latent form of the disease is not considered a serious contraindication for pregnancy.

Treatment should be carried out in the first trimester, since in later stages intensive growth of neoplasms is possible, which can cause serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Infection of a child while passing through the birth canal is dangerous due to the development of laryngeal papillomatosis. This viral disease is characterized by the formation of benign tumors in the larynx or trachea.

Removal of papillomas during pregnancy is carried out using radio wave surgery. After removal, the vagina is sanitized with special antiseptics.

Carrying out prevention

The main preventive measure is vaccination against the papilloma virus. Vaccinations such as Cervarix and Gardasil will help protect against oncogenic strains. You can consult a gynecologist regarding vaccination.

It is also very important to visit your doctor regularly. Protected sexual contact and having one regular sexual partner significantly helps reduce the risk of infection. It is imperative to use your own personal hygiene products, and also avoid visiting public places such as baths and saunas.

To prevent the possibility of infection, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, as well as timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Danger of HPV

The main danger of the virus is that over time, papillomas can become malignant. That is why it is imperative to determine the type of virus, as well as timely treatment to prevent complications from occurring.

If HPV is detected during pregnancy, there is a threat to the baby's health. The greatest risk of infection occurs during its passage through the birth canal. In certain cases, a caesarean section is indicated for this disease.

HPV infection can provoke The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that for a long time it is completely asymptomatic. This leads to the woman losing the ability to conceive and give birth to a child. If left untreated, cervical cancer can be fatal.