HPV in women – what is it, symptoms, types, how is it transmitted, treatment of human papillomavirus in gynecology

HPV is found in 80% of women, which is a very large scary figure. But not everyone knows what it is.

What is HPV

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a well-known disease among women and men. Nearly 8 out of 10 women in their life face this problem. The infection is dangerous because for a long time it may not show itself in any way, and the consequences can be very distressing. This virus can be an impetus in the development of cervical cancer.

HPV usually infects the upper layers of the epithelium, which begin to multiply with high speed, which often passes into cancer.

How is HPV transmitted

It is believed that this virus is sexually transmitted and even condoms do not guarantee complete protection against HPV. Gynecologists claim that condoms nevertheless reduce the risk of catching this virus. According to studies and statistics of epidemiologists, often women get the papilloma virus in the first 2 years of sexual activity.

Moreover, the risk of getting HPV in girls is less with age, which cannot be said about men. At the moment, scientists have bred almost 150 types of HPV, which are divided into 4 classes. A number of studies were also conducted, the result of which was the conclusion that HPV can be transmitted by domestic means. Due to this type of virus transmission, a person does not realize that he is already a carrier of HPV.

HPV Symptoms in Women

Gynecologists most often detect HPV in women. What is this we have figured out, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms. The fundamental symptoms of the disease with this virus are growths, both on the genitals and on the body. Moreover, the symptoms of HPV are the same for both the weaker sex and for men.

Doctors claim that this virus is considered more dangerous for women, because infection with oncogenic type viruses can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Most often, gynecologists identify genital warts, which usually appear 2-3 months after penetration into the body.

Such condylomas most often grow in the labia minora and vagina. Often there are cases when the patient found such growths in the anus.

During the examination, the doctor draws attention to the following external manifestations of a viral infection (general symptoms of HPV in women):

• signs of cervical erosion (a smear is taken for cytology); signs of dysplasia;
• genital warts on the genitals;
• papillomas located in the vagina;
• a sharp appearance or complete disappearance of warts during pregnancy;
• the presence of neoplasms on the cervix;
• pain in the genital area;
• burning, itching, unusual discharge, etc.

Diagnostics

For the diagnosis of HPV in women, colposcopy and biopsy are often used, which is performed in the case of detection of genital warts by a gynecologist during an initial examination. Also a widely known method for diagnosing HPV is PCR – this is an examination that helps determine the DNA of the virus. Using PCR, it is possible to discover the type of virus and its degree with respect to oncogenic risk.

HPV types

Today, almost 150 species of papilloma virus have been discovered. But they all cause outgrowths of different characters (simple, spiky, flat, filiform, plantar).

Simple

A simple type of HPV is also called ordinary or vulgar papilloma. They are considered the most common benign growths on the body. Simple papillomas initially manifest themselves as a small spherical papule, which will darken over time and turn into an uneven and rough surface.

They can appear in groups or in a single case. Papillomas that occur on the hands and fingers are usually referred to simple growths.

Spiky

The pointed type of HPV in women is often found in the labia. These are growths that look like papillae, and usually come in different colors (from light flesh to reddish).

They can also be in the anus. Since this type of HPV belongs to the group of moderately oncogenic types, doctors recommend treating and removing them to avoid the risk of developing cancer. The methods for removing such papillomas are very different: from a special laser to the use of liquid nitrogen.

Flat

Another popular type of HPV is flat condyloma. They, unlike genital papillomas, no longer protrude, but occupy the highest position in terms of oncogenic potential. If flat condylomas are detected, gynecologists immediately send the patient for colposcopy and biopsy.

Since they are most often located on the cervix, the risk of getting cervical cancer is very high. In the case of a negative result of the analysis for dysplasia of the site, these growths are immediately removed.

Threadlike

Filamentous papillomas are formed due to HPV, which penetrates the body through the slightest injury to the skin. A person suffering from high sweating and oily skin has a higher chance of catching this virus. This type of HPV has an oblong shape and is most common in women older than 30 years. Almost all elderly people have such a virus. Children do not get such HPV.

Plantar

This type of HPV as plantar papillomas is not an oncogenic type. These are rather benign formations that are most often found on the feet. People with damaged skin of the legs and suffering from atherosclerosis get sick faster. It is also easier to catch a virus of this type to a person, which is sick with diabetes mellitus and varicose veins.

In addition, such factors can stimulate the development of the virus in the body:

• Excessive sweating of the legs,
  or drying out of the skin.
• Flat feet and arthritis of the joints of the foot.
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes made of synthetic materials.

Types of HPV in women

At the moment, scientists are aware of the existence of 150 types of human papillomavirus, and almost a third of them are considered the most dangerous for women’s health.

HPV type 16

HPV type 16 belongs to the group of oncogenic viruses. It is so common that almost every second person with HPV is diagnosed. The virus reduces the level of immunity against the occurrence of tumors, which is the root cause of the formation of formations on the skin. This virus itself is destroyed in the body a year after infection. This is facilitated by the active action of human immunity.

Given this information, doctors prescribe an analysis 3 times. If for a year the body has not overcome this virus, then experts recommend treatment with different drugs and antiviral tablets. They also insist on an additional intake of vitamins.

HPV type 18

The 18th type of HPV is considered extremely dangerous for a woman, which, entering the human body, begins to actively cause growth of neoplasms. It is considered dangerous because these formations can eventually turn into cancer. Only 3 out of 10 infected women can cure themselves of this virus due to their strong immunity.

The process of self-healing also takes almost a year of time. Unlike other types of HPV, this virus infects a deep area of the skin.

HPV type 31

HPV type 31 is considered dangerous, as are types 18 and 16. Due to the unique structure of DNA, this papilloma virus has a special genotype, which in most cases is dangerous for both sexes. Since the weak immunity of women does not cope with the virus, papillomas act on the skin and on the genitals.

It often happens that from the moment of infection to the manifestation of the first symptoms may take several months. During this time, a person can unknowingly infect his partner. Only at the right time, when the body is weakened, and the immune system will fight other viruses, HPV will actively multiply and pass into neoplasms.

Due to an inconspicuous incubation period, complications will appear in the body that will not be easy to cure.

The following factors can increase the risks of infection of the body:

• Messy and insecure communications.
• Stress and hormonal imbalance.
• Other infections in the body.
• Bowel and stomach disease.
• The period of pregnancy and childbirth.
• Hypothermia and colds.

HPV type 33

A virus such as the human papillomavirus type 33 is extremely dangerous for humans. This type of virus is the root cause of the formation of malignant tumors in the body. According to statistics, in the world a high level of oncogenic diseases occurs in people infected with this HPV. But this virus does not live in the human body all its life.

Unlike herpes, it can be treated with medications. Sometimes the human immunity itself can destroy the virus. To avoid complications, doctors also recommend various pills and subcutaneous injections.

HPV type 35

Type 35 HPV belongs to the group with an average level of oncogenic risk. Once in the body through promiscuous sexual intercourse, they begin to penetrate deeply into the DNA of cells.

There are several options for the behavior of the virus in the human body:

• Once in the body, the virus itself is destroyed thanks to strong immunity.
• After infection, the virus remains in sleep mode. But at the same time, do not forget that a person is already a carrier of HPV and can infect others.
• Penetrating into the body, the virus actively progresses and multiplies cells.

Often, the 35th type of HPV appears in people in the form of genital warts, which over time will occupy a fairly large area of the body.

HPV type 39

Type 39 virus can infect a person of any age. The virus not only provokes the development of tumors, but also the appearance of various pathologies. Usually it affects the genitals, and also eats healthy body cells.

It mainly manifests itself in the form of flat as well as genital warts that appear on the female genital organs. Experts say that the presence of flat warts indicates the spread of exactly 39 types of HPV.

HPV type 45

Type 45 HPV is often accompanied by other diseases such as herpes and chlamydia.

The indicated type of virus goes through several stages in the body:

1. The appearance of genital warts in the internal and external genitalia.
2. The crushing growth of the epithelium layer around the anus.
3. The growth of warts on the walls of the vagina.

If a virus is detected, treatment and removal of genital warts is prescribed.

HPV type 51

Type 51 virus is known for its high oncogenic risk. Girls with cervical erosion should be careful with the choice of a partner, since infection with this virus can provoke the appearance of cancer.

HPV type 52

Papilloma virus type 52 is often found in representatives under 40 years of age. Frequent change of partners can increase the risk range for infection. The gynecologist can see the presence of HPV when detecting genital warts.

HPV type 56

HPV type 56 usually affects the reproductive system of women. A virus of this type provokes the appearance of cervical erosion. The first symptoms of infection are thrush or colds, which are the result of a weakened immune system.

HPV type 59

59th type of human papillomavirus marks itself as a skin disease with exposure at the DNA level. A negative point in relation to this virus, doctors consider the high growth of oncogenic tumors.

HPV classification for oncogenic risk

Scientists compiled a list of all types of HPV and classified them by oncogenic risk.

Non-carcinogenic

Specialists call
those HPV types that never provoke the development of cancer as types of 0 level of oncogenic risk. Doctors refer to this group from type 1 to type 5, as well as types 10, 28, and 49.

Low oncogenic risk

Tumors caused by types of low oncogenic risk are extremely rare in the cancer stage. Specialists attributed to such types 6, 11, 13, 32 and 34 types. Also, the named group includes types from 40 to 44 inclusive. 51 and 72 types are also considered to be types of low levels of oncogenic risk.

Medium risk

Doctors classify a group of different types of virus as types of medium risk: 26, 30, 35 and 52, as well as 53, 56, 58 and 65.

High oncogenic risk

High oncogenic risk prevails in such types of HPV as: 16, 18, 31, 33, and 39. This group includes 45, 50, 59, and from 61 to 62 types. 64, 68, 70 and 73 types of HPV are considered to be with high oncogenic risk.

Treatment of HPV in women in gynecology

Treatment of HPV in women involves interconnected therapy, which consists of medications and surgery. This is such a situation that without modern diagnostics it is impossible to completely recover.

PCR diagnostics are considered effective in their field, which requires a complete smear. At the moment, for the treatment of HPV, there are a number of medications and folk remedies.

Medication

Medications are aimed at a radical cure of the body from the virus.

After detecting HPV, doctors prescribe a whole range of drugs, which includes:

1. Interferon-based drugs. Interferon can be sold in the form of tablets, various creams and ointments. You can also find solutions. Analogs of interferon are considered: “Viferon”, “Intron A”, “Genferon” and “Wellferon”.
2. Immunity stimulants. Thanks to the enhanced production of antibodies to HPV, treatment time is accelerated. Known immunostimulants are “Isoprinosine”, “Kemantan”, “Gepon” and “Immunomax”
3. Cytotoxic drugs that destroy neoplasms. These drugs include: “Podophyllinum” and “Podophyllotoxinum”.

Folk methods

Folk methods involve the use of recipes based on rare forest herbs:

• The most famous method is compresses with a decoction of celandine. It is believed that a month is enough for treatment. It should be borne in mind that the number of procedures should be about 4-5 times per day.
• You can also apply ice cubes frozen on a decoction of a string and chaga. In this way you need to use 3 times a day.
• A decoction based on dandelion, plantain, lemon balm and horsetail also has a positive effect in the treatment process.
• Also, experts advise to pay attention to garlic. Using garlic, you can prepare an ointment against HPV. To do this, just add chopped garlic to a thick baby cream.
• Grandmothers advise ordinary household soap, because soap gives the effect of drying, after which the condyloma is removed.

Before using traditional methods of struggle, you should be careful, since alternative means act locally, while the virus is dormant deep in the body.

Ways to remove papillomas

The most common way to treat HPV is the removal of papillomas followed by the use of medications. Moreover, the methods for removing papillomas are very different.

Laser removal

Laser papilloma removal refers to the most effective and safe removal of HPV warts in women . This is such a type of removal that completely eliminates the possibility of bleeding and scarring. This procedure is absolutely safe and does not lead to inflammatory processes.

Surgery

A completely radical method of removal is considered surgical intervention. With a scalpel, surgeons simply cut condylomas.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen during removal of papillomas. This procedure has a huge drawback – due to the uncontrolled depth of exposure to nitrogen on genital warts, relapses are common.
Also a feature of this method are scars.

Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is based on the use of high-frequency current against HPV in women, which burns out condylomas. This burning process involves the coagulation of protein tissues, which perfectly fights with neoplasms. This procedure is usually controlled visually.

Human papillomavirus aggressively affects women’s health. All girls need to be careful and take tests on time, since the virus can be asymptomatic, and the consequences are very deplorable. HPV often manifests itself and develops during a weakened immune system.

If a virus is detected, treatment should be started immediately, as this can lead to the development of malignant tumors.

HPV treatment should consist of medications and local removal of tumors. As an addition, the use of alternative methods of fighting the virus is encouraged.

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