Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes papillomas, warts, and condylomata, and is a contributing factor to the development of cervical and laryngeal cancer. It usually affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and conjunctiva. According to the World Health Organization, the number of infections has increased tenfold in the last 10 years. The prevalence of HPV infection in our country varies from 29% to 45%, according to regional studies. The medical community is especially wary because one-third of all isolated virus genotypes contribute to the development of oncological pathology.
Classification of the course of papillomavirus infection
Once in a woman's body, HPV can show different activity depending on the state of the immune system. There are several variants of human papillomavirus infection, depending on the behavior of the pathogen:
- secret stream. The virus remains in the body, but does not cause pathological changes in the cells. There are no symptoms - the presence of the microorganism can be determined only by using molecular biological research methods.
- As a rule, inflammation associated with HPV, we are talking about cervicitis or vulvovaginitis on the background of HPV, which leads the patient to the gynecologist. In consultation, she can learn: how to treat HPV in women. The virus does not cause inflammation on its own, but it should be understood that it contributes to the activation of the inflammatory process.
- Condyloma located in the anogenital area and in the mucous membrane of the genital tract is a type of PVI (papillomavirus infection) course, which requires the use of modern surgical methods to eliminate the forms. Comprehensive treatment is required to prevent complications and relapses after surgical removal, laser destruction, cryodestruction, or radiofrequency coagulation.
- Dysplasia of the cervix. May be asymptomatic or may leak. Severe forms of the disease have spread to cancer - it is more important than ever to understand how HPV is treated in women to prevent this condition.
Classification helps the doctor to choose the most effective treatment tactics. Pathogenic strains are divided into groups according to their ability to cause cancer: high, medium and low oncogenic risk HPV. Out of 40 variants of sexually transmitted viruses, 14 are classified as high and medium oncogenic: -16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, - 56, - 58, Types -59, -66 and -68.
How is human papillomavirus transmitted?
HPV infection among women reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not mean disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, HPV infection is, in most cases, temporary - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If not, the question of how to treat female papillomavirus will be relevant.
The main way the virus is spread is through this connection:
- sexual intercourse;
- vertical (from mother to fetus at birth);
- household items (using a towel, razor, underwear).
Young people aged 13-30 are most susceptible to the virus. The risk of infection during the first sexual intercourse is about 60%. The virus can enter the body even in direct contact. These girls are most at risk for HPV, followed by its consequences. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of their genitals.
Human papillomavirus in women: causes
HPV infection among women reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not mean disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, HPV infection is, in most cases, temporary - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If not, the question of how to treat female papillomavirus will be relevant.
- concomitant pathology of the reproductive system;
- endocrine disorders;
- immune deficiencies and beriberi;
- often acute infectious diseases - SARS, other viral and bacterial infections;
- early sexual intercourse;
- abortions;
- smoking and drinking alcohol;
- chronic psycho-emotional stresses that weaken the immune system;
- excessive physical and emotional stress, chaotic schedule;
- postpartum period - due to stress and hormonal changes;
- long-term use of immunosuppressants and oral contraceptives.
Frequent change of sexual partners increases the risk of infection with new strains of the virus and the activation of existing infections. When the immune system is weakened, the virus integrates into the cellular genome, leading to a higher risk of cancer - at this stage of medical science, it is not yet clear how to cure HPV in women. Therefore, it is important to control the activity of the virus and properly stimulate the immune system.
The first signs and additional symptoms of HPV in women
The most obvious sign of HPV in a woman is the appearance of papillomas on the mucous membranes of the genitals and on the skin of the anogenital area. They do not cause pain and, as a rule, go unnoticed for a long time. However, the activity of the virus can lead to other unpleasant symptoms, so the woman should immediately consult a gynecologist:
- pathological discharge of the vagina accompanied by itching and burning;
- frequent recurrence of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis;
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
On examination, the doctor sees harmless structures in the skin, changes in the epithelium of the cervix, and signs of inflammation. Cancer can occur only in the later stages of chronic papillomavirus infection.
Is there a cure for human papillomavirus?
To understand how HPV is currently being treated in women, it is important to understand the treatment available for human papillomavirus infection. Currently, HPV infection therapy is reduced to the following interventions:
- Prevention of HPV infection;
- elimination of clinical manifestations;
- Stimulation of systemic and local antiviral immunity.
There are no drugs that can completely eradicate the virus from the body. However, research in this area continues - doctors' attention is focused on the need to combine different manifestations of HPV. Research in the field of genetic engineering is promising. Researchers are considering "rewriting" the virus code to self-destruct instead of spreading it. Reducing viral replications restores local immunity and eliminates chronic inflammation.
Information for physicians on the topic of "How to treat HPV in women" is currently provided in full in current clinical guidelines.
When to see a doctor?
Women should be examined by a gynecologist at least once a year. You should also consult your doctor if you have any anxious symptoms:
- tumors in the genital area;
- warts on the skin and other areas of the mucous membranes;
- lower abdominal pain;
- abnormal discharge of the vagina or an unpleasant odor;
- itching, swelling, redness of the genitals.
In case of accidental sexual intercourse, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. She will perform tests, gynecological smears and scrapings to detect HPV.
If papillomas appear in other parts of the body, a dermatovenereologist should be consulted. Proctologist intervention may be required when papillomas or condylomata grow in the anus. This will help determine treatment tactics and what remedies for papilloma should be prescribed to the patient at a particular time to purchase at the pharmacy.
General scheme of therapy
The main tool in the fight against HPV is a person's own stable immunity. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that in 90% of cases associated with the virus, the clinical manifestations do not develop due to the virus's natural immune suppression.
Treatment of HPV infection should be comprehensive and focused on:
- therapy of concomitant diseases;
- Removal of diseases - medical and, if necessary, surgical;
- reducing the viral load;
- Stimulating the body's own defenses.
Chronic psycho-emotional stress, poor ecology, and co-morbidities reduce a woman’s immune system’s ability to fight the virus on its own. There are drugs that have direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, help to strengthen the body and reduce the viral load. These modern medicines include a spray containing activated glycyrrhizic acid from the root of the brain. This helps stop the virus from multiplying early and reduces the number of copies of HPV genetic material in the body. The device has a special intravaginal nozzle to deliver the drug to the cervix and distribute it evenly along the walls of the vagina. Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy in the latent course of papillomavirus infection prevents the development of adverse symptoms and the development of an aggressive form of the infection. If the virus causes changes in the epithelium of the genitals and cervix, the spray will help:
- relieving inflammation;
- eliminate itching;
- restoration of mucous integrity;
- boosting local immunity.
The use of the product is also indicated in preparation for the destruction of HPV-induced harmful devices to reduce viral activity and prevent recurrence. The drug helps regenerate the skin and prevents attachment to secondary infections.
Removal of papillomas and warts
The harmless structure caused by HPV can be eliminated by the following methods:
- cryodestruction - the effect of cold and swelling;
- electrocoagulation - high-frequency current therapy;
- laser removal - a layered effect of laser radiation before the appearance of scabies;
- chemical destruction - treatment and destruction of warts with special chemical solutions;
- Surgical removal - taking into account the risk of recurrence after this type of destruction, it is selected selectively - if other methods can not be used.
Among the new developments in the treatment of HPV is the CRISPR / Cas9 system, which cuts the DNA almost completely and inserts its sections, thus not activating the further spread of the virus.
Prevention
For initial prevention, the use of contraceptives (condoms) is recommended, which, although not absolute protection against HPV, reduces the level of exposure to the virus. You need to be selective in choosing your sexual partners. In case of accidental contact, you can use a special spray to protect against HPV, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus infection.
Today, HPV vaccination is the most effective. It protects against the most common and harmful forms of human papillomavirus. In many countries, HPV vaccination is included in the mandatory immunization schedule. The most effective period of vaccination is childhood and adolescence. Previously, it was considered meaningless after 20 years of vaccination. However, recent studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is correct and effective between the ages of 45-47.
If a viral infection occurs, the task of secondary prevention is to maintain the patient's health, in particular, the state of his immune system. Women should see a gynecologist regularly to diagnose viral infections at an early stage.