Papillomavirus (HPV) in women is detected more often only because they go to the gynecologists regularly, paying more attention to unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. It is believed that first sexual contact increases the risk of transmission of the virus by 60-70%, and up to 30 years the highest probability of infection is observed.
Manifestations and activity of the papilloma virus
The exact time of HPV transmission in women is difficult to determine: it takes three months or more before the onset of external symptoms. Among the hundreds of known HPV strains, about thirty often cause changes in the female body:
1. Skin manifestations, such as common, plantar, flat, or generalized warts, are the results of the first, second, and third types of HPV, as well as other less active types.
2. For a rash on the genitals - genital and flat condylomas - HPV sixth and eleventh are responsible. Dysplastic and cancerous pathologies of the cervix, cancerous changes in the external genital organs provoke oncogenic subtypes 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35.
3. Damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, as well as cancerous processes in the oral cavity and throat, are caused by types associated with warts and condylomas, as well as 13 types of HPV.
Diagnosis of the papilloma virus
HPV in women is detected only by high-precision methods, since it refers to DNA viruses whose genome is enclosed in a protein capsid. Penetrating into the tissue, it causes intraepithelial neoplasia, and then integrates the DNA into the cells.
Examination for HPV in women is usually associated with examination of the cervix under a microscope - colposcopy. During the procedure, the mucosa is treated with weak solutions of vinegar and iodine, this is how pathological areas that are prone to degeneration are determined.
HPV tests include the study of cellular material:
1. PCR diagnosis consists in taking a scraping from the cervix to determine the presence of HPV and its type. This test shows the activity of the infection, as well as the risk of cancer.
2. Colposcopy complements any HPV test in women, as it shows the degree of cell degeneration under the influence of the virus. According to the Papanicolaou classification, there are five stages of changes: the first is the normal state of cells, the second is minor signs of inflammation, the third is the appearance of cells with large nuclei, the fourth is an increase in nuclei, the appearance of defects in the cytoplasm and chromosomes, and the fifth is cancerous transformation.
3. Biopsy - a study of a sample of the mucous membrane or condyloma under a microscope to detect dangerous changes.
Gynecological features of papillomavirus
Only in 50% of infected HPV is manifested by external symptoms that lead women to a gynecologist:
1. Genital warts cover the vestibule of the vagina and anus, increase the risk of infection of partners. It is recommended to remove them with liquid nitrogen, laser, electric currents.
2. Bloody vaginal discharge and aching pain in the lower abdomen are rare signals of erosion (ectopia) of the cervix, which often does not make itself felt.
3. Flat warts on the internal parts of the genitals should be removed after a thorough examination for cytology and histology. They can cause itching and abnormal discharge.
4. Dysplasia, which affected the tissue of the cervix and was detected by a Pap smear, may be an indication for conization (cutting off the epithelium). Unfortunately, this process is asymptomatic.
Regular examinations by a gynecologist can diagnose pathologies in the early stages and stop their development.