Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes the formation of papillomas, warts, condylomas and is a triggering factor in the development of cervical and laryngeal cancer. Less often it can affect the oral mucosa, esophagus, eyelids. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of this infection has increased 10 times in the last 10 years. In our country, the prevalence of HPV infection, according to regional research, ranges from 29% to 45%. The medical community is particularly wary because about a third of all isolated viral genotypes cause the development of cancer.
Classification of the process of papillomavirus infection
Getting into a woman's body, HPV can show different activity, depending on the state of immunity. Depending on the behavior of the bacterium, there are several types of human papillomavirus infection:
- hidden flow. The virus continues in the body but does not cause pathological changes in the cells. There are no symptoms - the presence of a micro-organism can only be determined by molecular biological research methods.
- HPV-related inflammation In general, we are talking about cervical inflammation or vulvovaginitis on the background of HPV, which leads the patient to a gynecologist. In consultation, she can find out: how to treat HPV in women. It should be understood that the virus does not cause inflammation by itself but creates conditions for the activation of the inflammatory process.
- Condylomas located in the angenital area and on the mucous membranes of the genitals are a form of PVI (papillomavirus infection), where it will be necessary to use modern surgery to remove the formation. Following surgery, laser destruction, freezing or radiofrequency ablation, complex treatment is required to prevent complications and relapses.
- Dysplasia of the cervix. May be asymptomatic or cause discharge. Severe types of the disease are precursors of cancer - to avoid this condition, a proper understanding of how HPV is treated in women is more important than ever.
Classification helps your doctor choose the most effective treatment methods. Bacterial strains are also divided into groups according to their ability to cause cancer: HPV with high, moderate and low carcinogenic risk. Of the 40 variants of the virus that are transmitted through sexual contact, 14 are classified as high and moderate carcinogenic risk: -16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, - 56, -58, -59, -66 and -68 species.
How is human papillomavirus transmitted?
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of germs in the body does not mean disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, HPV infection is in most cases temporary in nature - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat male papillomavirus in women will be relevant.
The main route of transmission of the virus is contact:
- sexual;
- vertically (from mother to fetus at birth);
- household (when using one towel, razor, underwear).
Young people aged 13-30 are most vulnerable to infection with the virus. During the first sexual intercourse, the risk of infection is about 60%. The virus can also enter the body if there is no direct sexual intercourse. There are girls who are most at risk for HPV and then with its consequences. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of their genitals.
Male papillomavirus in women: causes
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of germs in the body does not mean disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, HPV infection is in most cases temporary in nature - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat male papillomavirus in women will be relevant.
- parallel pathology of the reproductive system;
- endocrine disorders;
- immunodeficiency and beriberi;
- frequent acute infectious diseases - SARS, other viral and bacterial infections;
- early sexual intercourse;
- abortions;
- smoking and drinking alcohol;
- chronic mental and emotional stress that weakens the immune system;
- excessive physical and emotional stress, irregular daily routines;
- after birth - due to stress and hormonal changes;
- long-term use of immunosuppressants and oral contraceptives.
Frequent division of sex partners also increases the risk of both infection with new virus strains and activation of existing infection. If immunity is reduced, the virus is integrated into a cellular genome, which carries a high risk of cancer - how to cure HPV in women at this stage of medical science has not yet been discovered. That is why it is so important to control the activity of the virus and stimulate the immune system properly.
Early symptoms of HPV in women and additional symptoms
The most obvious sign of the presence of HPV in a woman's body is the appearance of papillomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and skin in the angenital area. They do not cause pain and usually go unnoticed for a long time. However, the activity of the virus can cause the appearance of other unpleasant symptoms, because a woman will immediately contact a gynecologist:
- pathological discharge from the vagina, together with itching and burning;
- frequent episodes of vaginitis, bacterial inflammation;
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
At the examination, the doctor sees benign formations on the skin, changes in the cover of the cervix, signs of inflammation. Cancer can only occur in the later stages of chronic papillomavirus infection.
Is there a cure for human papillomavirus?
To understand how HPV is currently treated in women, it is necessary to understand the methods available for the treatment of human papillomavirus infection. At present, HPV infection treatment is reduced to the following activities:
- prevent the progression of HPV infection;
- elimination of clinical symptoms;
- stimulation of global and local antiviral immunity.
There are no drugs that cause the virus to disappear completely from the body. However, research is underway in this area - physicians' focus is on the need for combination therapy for various symptoms of HPV. Genetic research is promising. Researchers are considering the possibility of "rewriting" the virus code to destroy itself instead of spreading it. Reducing virus copies restores local immunity and eliminates chronic inflammation.
Information for physicians on the topic "How to treat HPV in women" is currently detailed in the current clinical guidelines.
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
Women should undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist at least once a year. There is also a need to see a doctor when you experience any disturbing symptoms:
- genital tumors;
- warts on other areas of the skin and mucous membranes;
- lower abdominal pain;
- unusual discharge or foul odor from the vagina;
- itching, swelling, redness of the genitals.
In situations where sexual intercourse has taken place accidentally, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist. He will perform an examination, take a gynecological smear and scrape to diagnose HPV.
If papillomas appear in other parts of the body, consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. When papillomas or condylomas grow in the anus, proctologist intervention may be needed. This will help determine the treatment options and what remedies for papilloma should be prescribed to a patient in a particular case to buy at a pharmacy.
General treatment system
The main weapon in the fight against HPV is the constant immunity of the individual himself. The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention draws attention to the fact that in 90% of cases in contact with the virus, no clinical symptoms develop due to the self-suppression of the virus by natural immunity.
Treatment of HPV infection should be comprehensive and aimed at:
- treatment of concomitant diseases;
- elimination of external symptoms of disease - medical and, if necessary, surgery;
- reduction in viral load;
- stimulation of the body's own defenses.
Prolonged psycho-emotional stress, poor environment and complications reduce a woman's immune system's ability to deal with the virus on its own. There are drugs that have a direct antiviral and immunosuppressive effect, help strengthen the body and lead to a reduction in viral load. These modern medicines contain sprays with activated glycyrrhizic acid, which is derived from licorice root. It helps prevent the virus from multiplying early and reduces the number of copies of HPV genes in the body. The tool has a special spout in the vagina to give medicine to the cervix and even out its distribution along the walls of the vagina. Antiviral and immunosuppressive therapy in the latent course of papillomavirus infections can prevent the onset of unpleasant symptoms and turn the infection into a more aggressive form. If the virus caused changes in the genitals and cervical epithelium, the spray helps:
- relieve inflammation;
- eliminate itching;
- restore the integrity of the mucous membrane;
- increase local immunity.
The use of the product is also an indication during the preparation period for the removal of benign HPV-induced formations, to reduce the activity of the virus and prevent relapses. The medicine helps to rejuvenate the skin and prevent the upper infection from sticking.
Removal of papillomas and warts
Benign benign HPV-dependent formations can be performed using the following methods:
- cryodestruction - exposure to tumors with cold;
- electric coagulation - treatment with high-frequency current;
- laser removal - layer-by-layer exposure to laser radiation until scab appears;
- chemical destruction - treatment with special chemical solutions applied to warts and destroying them;
- surgery - in view of the high risk of recurrence after this type of destruction, it is prescribed specifically - if it is impossible to use other methods.
Among the new developments in the treatment of HPV is the CRISPR / Cas9 system, which almost completely cuts DNA and incorporates part of it, thereby inactivating the further spread of the virus.
Prevention
To prevent this, it is recommended to use contraceptive contraceptives (condoms), which, although not a complete protection against HPV, will reduce exposure to the virus. You should be specific in choosing a sexual partner. In case of accidental connection, a special spray can be used to prevent HPV, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus infection.
To date, HPV vaccination is the most effective. It protects against the most common and malignant types of human papillomavirus. In many countries, HPV vaccination is included in the mandatory vaccination calendar. The most effective time for vaccination is during childhood and adolescence. It was previously thought that after 20 years of vaccination it does not make sense. However, recent research has shown that HPV vaccination is appropriate and effective until the age of 45-47.
If a viral infection occurs, the task of contraception is to maintain the patient's good health, especially the good condition of his immune system. Women should see a gynecologist regularly to diagnose viral diseases in the early stages.