Warts in the vagina appear against the background of human papillomavirus infection, which is spread, among other things, through unprotected sexual intercourse. The pathology is based on the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the main cause of genital warts in women. There are about 100 different HPVs in nature, 60 develop on soft tissues and cause warts, and another 40 cause infections on the mucous membranes of the human body. According to statistics, women are more often affected by HPV. Research has shown that about 50% of sexually active people become infected with the human papillomavirus in their lives during the first years of sexual activity. It is very important to detect the disease at an early stage, as the disease can lead to cervical cancer. It is condylomas inside the vagina and in the anus that most often have a high oncogenic risk.
general information
Condylomas are a benign tumor formation that is “located” on the epidermis or mucous tissues and looks like warts and papillae. Single specimens (about 7 mm) or entire “colonial formations” (up to several tens of mm) of condylomas settle on the body of women and men and often resemble cauliflower in appearance. The color of these substances ranges from flesh-colored to brown. Condylomas are viral in nature, so such problems can even occur in children (during childbirth from an infected mother). As long as the growth has not reached the epidermis, the person does not pose a threat to others; the risk of infection increases if the growths are located in the epidermal layer. Condylomas are usually divided into two types:
- wide;
- pointed.
In the first case, condylomas in women and men look like a mushroom with a cap and a wide stalk and are most often a consequence of secondary stage syphilis. Condylomas of the genital type are transmitted through sexual relations; the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is activated under certain conditions, is involved in their appearance. The main location of genital warts is the genitals and oral cavity. Condylomas in women settle on the outer and inner parts of the labia, in the vagina, clitoris and anus. Warts and papillary growths in men select the glans penis and frenulum of the foreskin.
Reasons for appearance
“What causes condylomas?” - a question that worries patients with a similar problem. The route of infection with condylomas is through unprotected sexual contact. Moreover, these include traditional intimate relationships, as well as oral, anal and homosexual relationships. Children get the disease from sick women while moving through the birth canal. Do not be negligent about household methods of infection. There is no need to take risks and use other people’s personal belongings, especially bath accessories (washcloth, towel, flip flops, etc.). Condylomas are activated under the influence of certain factors:
- indiscriminate unprotected sex;
- early onset of intimate relationships;
- sexual contacts with partners with condylomas or HPV carriers;
- decreased immune abilities of the body;
- previous diseases of the genital tract;
- frequent stress, vitamin deficiency;
- sloppiness and failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
The appearance of genital warts is often associated with HPV. Human papillomavirus infection poses a great danger for the development of cancer. Condylomas of this etiology are the object of study and treatment by doctors of different specializations: in women - by gynecologists, in men - by urologists. If the location of condylomas is in the anal area, then a proctologist leads the patients. You should definitely consult about genital warts, because the development of the disease can occur in a variety of ways - from self-healing to the degeneration of condylomas into malignant formations. The specialists of the Global Clinic Center have accumulated positive experience in solving such problems, so contacting the clinic is a prerequisite for successful treatment of the patient.
Folk remedies
On the Internet you can find many recipes and techniques for removing papillomas and condylomas. However, you should not self-medicate. Only a doctor can safely and effectively get rid of the problem. Any attempts to bandage the formation with thread, cauterize it with celandine juice and other popular folk methods can provoke complications.
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Symptoms
The main manifestation of growths is their unpleasant and repulsive appearance. But women will also be reminded of condylomas by other unpleasant moments. The time elapsed from the first contact-infection to the moment when condylomas become clearly visible can be completely different. Sometimes a week or a month is enough for condylomas to appear; in other situations, years may pass. The incubation period depends on the general health of the woman or man, their immunity, lifestyle, etc. Condylomas in women and men cause itching and burning in the genital area and near the anus. This occurs during the period of germination of condylomas; in the future, such symptoms may disappear. An increase in the amount of whitish discharge, sometimes mixed with blood and an unpleasant odor, provokes condylomas in women, which are localized on the vaginal mucosa or cervix. When condylomas are found in the anus, the passage of feces can injure them and cause ichor.
Routes of infection
HPV transmission occurs primarily through sexual contact.
The possibility of becoming infected during sex is 46–67%.
Homosexuals have a higher incidence of the disease.
Recently, there have been more and more cases of detection of the virus in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
Infection of children by parents is possible.
The incubation period of the disease ranges from a month to a year.
Typically, condylomas appear 3 months after sex with an infected partner.
Pathogenesis of genital warts
HPV is found in the cellular structures of the skin and mucous membranes, so it can be transmitted from men to women, from adults to children. The long latent period of infection makes early diagnosis of the disease difficult. Condylomas are not immediately visible to the naked eye. To activate HPV, a large number of these pathogens is necessary, only then the papillomavirus “comes out”, represented by genital warts. An increase in HPV may occur due to decreased immunity in women or men. Genital condylomas are caused by the process of atypical reproduction of the human papilloma virus; under its influence, epithelial cells grow and develop with pathology. The skin and mucous tissues change and this is how condylomas appear. Growths in the form of warts and papillae can be single or massive, turning into entire “conglomerates” of condylomas.
Electrocoagulation
The method is aimed at cauterizing the growth using electric current. With its help, you can remove papillomas and condylomas on any part of the body, including delicate ones. However, for the urogenital area and eyelids, it is better to give preference to methods that are less painful.
Electrocoagulator
The formation is destroyed under the influence of high temperature, due to which the surrounding tissues are also damaged. In addition, patients note poor healing, and sometimes scarring and relapses. The advantages of this type of removal are sterility, bloodlessness, the ability to adjust the current strength and control the depth of exposure.
Diagnostics
Human papillomavirus infection (genital warts) is diagnosed in different ways, from visual examination of women and men to the most advanced examinations. CM "Global Clinic" has in its arsenal the latest techniques for determining the nature of condylomas. Diagnostic methods used by doctors:
- Clinical examination. Some types of diseases in women and men can be masked, taking the form of genital warts, so you need to have sufficient qualifications to differentiate different problems.
- Colposcopy is recommended for women, and urethroscopy for men.
- A smear will tell a lot about condylomas in women and their nature; this cytotest will also help to exclude cervical dysplasia.
- Histology.
- Diagnostics-PCR. This examination not only detects the presence of human papillomavirus, but also determines its type.
- Immunological research. It is used to detect antibodies to HPV in the blood.
All women and men affected by genital warts must be tested for infectious diseases of the genital area (syphilis, HIV, etc.)
Alpha interferon therapy
Alpha-interferon therapy is carried out in the form of injections, especially in the presence of condylomas that cannot be treated with other methods. Interferons are glycoproteins produced by cells that have antiproliferative effects on some cells, influencing cell differentiation and stimulating the immune system. They inhibit the formation of blood vessels.
The antiviral and antitumor activity of interferons is due to several factors:
- blocking protein synthesis;
- stimulation of the immune system by increasing the phagocytic activity of macrophages and enhancing the specific cytostatic effect of lymphocytes on target cells;
- direct inhibition of some oncogenes.
Naturally produced interferon alpha is produced by white blood cells and consists of many subtypes. Treatment uses genetically engineered drugs containing one subtype, for example alpha-2a, alpha-2b.
The treatment regimen is as follows: 0.1 ml of a solution containing 1 million IU is injected into the base of the lesion 3 times a week, every other day for 3 weeks. Up to 5 condylomas can be treated in one session. The maximum weekly dose is 15 ml. After 4-8 weeks of treatment you can expect visible results.
Treatment
Condylomas and HPV require a systematic approach to treatment.
Medication
To combat condylomas in women and men, doctors act in three directions:
- against viruses;
- in order to increase immunity;
- for fortification of the patient.
Cycloferon and inosiplex act against HPV activation and its reproduction. Inferon and allokin-alpha stop viruses and help restore the immune system. To improve the general health of women and men, Immunal, Amixin, Poludan, etc. are prescribed. A complex of vitamins and minerals is also an essential component of treatment for condylomas.
Local
Condylomas are successfully treated using ointments and sprays of antiviral action (epigen-intim, condylen, etc.). Women and men will not have to think about condylomas if they are treated with inquimod, podophyllotoxin. For pregnant women, you can use trichloroacetic and nitric acids. Women need to fight condylomas in stages: first remove them, and then, or in parallel, act to reduce the number of viruses. Often (in every third woman) condylomas enter the stage of relapse (especially if preventive measures are not followed and the recommendations of the attending physician are ignored).
Removal
Methods for removing condylomas in modern medicine are varied:
- Electric coagulation. This method has disadvantages - many contraindications, painful procedure and long recovery.
- Cryotherapy. Condylomas are removed using liquid nitrogen. The positive aspects of this technique are the absence of scars, painless effects, and the absence of anesthesia.
- Surgical method. The growths are removed during surgery, and stitches are placed at the site of the wounds. Doctors use local anesthesia.
- Use of chemicals. This method is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
- Laser therapy. Condylomas are removed with a laser beam; this is a treatment that does not affect healthy cells and leaves virtually no scars.
- Radiosurgical method. The use of a special device helps remove condylomas without contact with the body. Removal of growths is accompanied by simultaneous sealing of blood vessels. This technique is one of the most modern and in demand.
Cryodestruction
This removal method is only used for skin tags. It consists of a short-term effect on the formation of liquid nitrogen. Pathological tissues are destroyed by flash freezing.
Cryodestruction
The advantages of cryodestruction include easy tolerance by the patient, no need for anesthesia and no risk of scar formation. Disadvantages are difficulty in controlling the depth of impact and a longer rehabilitation period.
Preventing HPV infection
Condylomas must be prevented by preventive measures:
- use of contraceptives during sexual relations;
- increasing immunity;
- proper balanced nutrition;
- taking vitamins;
- compliance with hygiene standards;
- fight against bad habits;
- increasing stress resistance.
Regular visits to the doctor are a good preventative measure. The use of antiviral ointments, as well as vaccination against HPV, is prevention that will make people’s lives full.
Pregnancy and condylomas
Condylomas are an alarming signal for pregnant women. HPV in the body of the expectant mother does not have a harmful effect on the fetus, but such a lady must be under the supervision of the attending physician at all times. You can resort to removing growths only at the 28th week of pregnancy, not earlier. If the formations have settled on the genitals, then there is a high probability that the baby will acquire HPV while passing through the birth canal. If the infection is not treated, then the unpleasant moments associated with thrush increase in pregnant women. The best option is a thorough examination before pregnancy for HPV and, if it is detected, mandatory and complete treatment.
Laser removal
This is a modern method of excision of formation, which has become widespread.
Its popularity is due to its advantages:
- painlessness;
- low-injury;
- bloodlessness;
- speed of the procedure;
- minimal risk of infection;
- short rehabilitation period;
- no scars.
Thanks to the precision of the laser beam, it is possible to remove growths even in particularly sensitive areas, such as the intimate area, eyelid, etc.
