Papillomas in the vagina are nodule-like growths that have a pinkish or flesh color. They can be located both directly in the vagina, and near the entrance to it, in the perineum and labia minora. Such clusters are called condylomas.
Causes of the disease
The appearance of papilloma in the vagina, as a rule, is a consequence of sexual infection - HPV, human papilloma virus. The incubation period of the disease can vary from several weeks to several years, depending on the immunity of the woman and the state of the vaginal microflora. But more often, the disease manifests itself 2-3 months after infection.
Virus exposure due to unprotected intercourse is the most common way of infection. However, the virus can be activated for other reasons, including:
- previous genital inflammation (e.g., ovarian inflammation, endometritis, vulvovaginitis);
- previous STDs (most often it is gonorrhea or chlamydia).
Gynecologists also emphasize that the papilloma virus in the vagina can provoke frequent stresses, imbalance of the vaginal microflora, vitamin deficiency and early sexual activity.
Varieties of the virus
HPV has up to hundreds of strains of the virus, each of the varieties provokes various lesions of the skin and vaginal mucosa. Once in a healthy body, the virus first affects the basal layer of the dermis, and then penetrates the cell membrane of the cell, damaging it, and after the DNA of the virus penetrates the nucleus and awaits the appearance of a favorable environment for the development of papilloma in the vagina.
If a woman has strong immunity, then the virus cannot accumulate in the cell nucleus and, accordingly, the disease does not manifest itself, that is, papillomas in the vagina do not appear. A photo of the smear shows that this woman has papillomas, which appear as pointed villi.
If an oncogenic strain of the virus enters the body, it can trigger the development of a malignant tumor. This type of virus acts more aggressively, multiplying rapidly and giving in to therapeutic therapy. Papillomas caused by oncogenic strains look like villi or spiky cones in the vagina.
The clinical picture of the disease
Condylomas are vaginal papillomas localized in the labia, vagina, perineum, vaginal mucosa or cervix. The appearance of the papilloma resembles a pearl, which has a pointed apex, a transparent liquid with a specific unpleasant odor is released from the attachment point of the growth (the so-called leg).
This fluid can cause a woman to have severe itching and discomfort, which will intensify during intercourse. After sex, minor spotting may appear, indicating damage to the papilloma in the vagina.
Photos of various growths can be found in large numbers in specialized literature. However, immediately after detecting them or manifesting unpleasant symptoms, you need to urgently consult a gynecologist in order to have time to start treatment on time. Otherwise, the lack of treatment can contribute to the rapid growth of growths and the development of cervical cancer.
Diagnosis of the disease
Since the onset of the disease is not characterized by the presence of specific symptoms, infection and the development of papillomas can be determined only by colposcopy. On examination, a smear will be taken from the woman for cytological and histological examination.
To determine which strain caused the virus, it is necessary to conduct a PCR analysis. Also, a woman will need to take a blood test to determine the presence of antibodies to various sexual diseases in her, such as HIV, AIDS, syphilis and others.
Since at the initial stage, the appearance of growths looks like a site with dilated vessels, the disease is quite difficult to diagnose. Therefore, papillomas in the vagina are best diagnosed through additional studies.
Drug treatment of the disease
A feature of the virus is the lack of a permanent immunity to infection, that is, if the pathogen enters the body, the disease will develop again. In addition, most patients have relapses, therefore, after treatment therapy, the doctor should prescribe antirecurrent therapy.
The main drug for treatment are antiviral drugs in the form of tablets. These funds do well with a large accumulation of papillomas and quickly neutralize them. Additionally, a woman is recommended to take immunomodulating drugs that will strengthen the immune system and restore the correct balance of the vaginal microflora.
Treatment of papillomas during pregnancy
When HPV is detected in a pregnant woman, treatment is usually prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Papillomas at the entrance to the vagina in this case are removed mainly with solutions and specialized ointments that effectively affect the pathogen.
It is also recommended to use healing creams that can restore the skin and mucous membrane damaged by papillomas. During pregnancy, the development of HPV is quite dangerous, since the woman’s immunity during this period is greatly weakened, which can affect her health and the correct development of the fetus.
It is also recommended to use healing creams that can restore the skin and mucous membrane damaged by papillomas. During pregnancy, the development of HPV is quite dangerous, since the woman’s immunity during this period is greatly weakened, which can affect her health and the correct development of the fetus.
Hardware treatment of papillomas
In modern medicine, there are a sufficient number of effective hardware methods for removing papillomas. Distinguish:
- Cryodestruction - is an effect on single papillomas with liquid nitrogen. Impact on the elements leads to their death. After 1-2 weeks, the mucosa and skin are restored, and the mutation cells are replaced by normal ones.
- Laser destruction - consists in drying the condylomas, they dry out under the influence of the laser and only the crusts remain, which eventually peel off themselves and healthy skin appears in their place. This method is used mainly for the severe stage, when there are a lot of papillomas.
- Electrocoagulation - the impact on the papilloma of electric current. It goes directly to the neoplasm leg, as a result of which it falls off. The healing process with this procedure is about 14 days. Used for especially advanced cases.
- Radio wave surgery is the most modern method that does not carry any pain, after it there are also no scars, which positively affects the health of a woman. You can get rid of papillomas by this method in 1 session, even in advanced cases.
Removal of papillomas in the vagina using special devices is currently the fastest and most effective.