What does genital warts look like in women. Condylomas in women - what is it and how to treat it. Features of the clinical manifestation

Genital warts are a kind of warts that appear most often on the mucous membranes, as well as on the skin of the genital organs. That is why they are also called genital warts. Rarely they are found on the skin around the anus, in the urethra, bladder, on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and in other places. It provokes the appearance of genital warts (subtypes 6 and 11). Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact, but contact household way transmission of the infection cannot be ruled out.

Genital warts occur in those places that can be injured during sexual contact. From the moment HPV infection it takes several weeks, and sometimes several years, before the onset of the disease, so it is almost impossible to establish exactly when the infection occurred.

Formations of bodily or pale pink ranging in size from 1 mm to several centimeters. Over time, these elements can increase in size, taking on the appearance of a cauliflower.

In women, condylomas are most often localized on the labia, the external opening of the urethra, the vestibule of the vagina, in the vagina itself and on the cervix. Very often, these formations are located only on the internal genital organs, and a woman learns about them only at a gynecologist's appointment.

Treatment of genital warts in women

The main method of treating genital warts is their mechanical removal, which can be carried out by various methods.

Cryodestruction is a method that has been used for a very long time to remove genital warts and other warts using liquid nitrogen. The procedure gives the patient only slight discomfort and therefore does not require anesthesia. There are no scars on the skin and mucous membranes after it. With a large number of genital warts, cryodestruction is carried out in several stages, the interval between procedures should be at least one week. This method of warts removal is preferred.

Radio wave coagulation is a treatment method using the so-called radio wave knife. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and has low risk occurrence of complications.

Removal of genital warts with a laser and electrocoagulation is also carried out under local anesthesia. After these procedures, scarring is possible.

Medical treatment of genital warts

The use of drugs for the treatment of genital warts is possible with their small size. The treatment is carried out by the patient on her own at home, but an examination and consultation of a gynecologist before it starts is mandatory. The choice of method of treatment in each case is determined only by the doctor.

Podophyllotoxin (Kondilin) ​​- a preparation containing an extract of plants of the genus Podophyllum, when it is used, necrosis of genital warts occurs. Application is made with a special applicator 2 times a day. After 3 days of use, you need to take a break for 4-7 days. It is necessary to apply the drug strictly on warts, avoiding contact with the surrounding skin. After applying the drug, there is often a burning sensation, soreness and redness. Treatment should be continued until the complete disappearance of the wart, but not more than 5 weeks. Treatment is carried out under the guidance of a physician.

The use of podophyllotoxin is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Women reproductive age during the use of this drug, it is recommended not to have sex or reliable contraception.

Solcoderm - medicinal product, which contains several acids and other chemical substances, which have a detrimental effect on condyloma. Medicine applied with a spatula strictly on the wart, it is necessary to avoid getting the solution on the surrounding tissues. The drug is used once, repeated use is permissible only with incomplete necrosis of warts. Treatment is also carried out under the supervision of a doctor, in most cases the gynecologist himself applies the drug to genital warts, since burns and scars may form if used incorrectly.

Prevention of warts

The human papillomavirus remains in the body for life, to date, methods for the destruction of this virus have not been developed. All methods of removing genital warts are only symptomatic treatment, y infected person there is always the possibility of new genital warts. The reappearance of genital warts is recorded in 30% of patients.

However, the risk of recurrence can be reduced. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system and eliminate factors that worsen the body's natural resistance. Often local treatment warts are combined with immunostimulating therapy.

Which doctor to contact

Usually genital warts detected at a gynecological appointment. Venereologists are also involved in their treatment. Dermatovenerological dispensaries have the necessary equipment for the removal of genital warts. It will be useful to consult an immunologist and find out the reasons why the human papillomavirus that causes the disease has been activated.

Papillomas are the same as warts. Neoplasms on the skin caused by viral infection. human papillomavirus (human papillomavirus) HPV) is transmitted by both contact and sexual contact.

Condylomas are warts formed in the genital and anal areas. Therefore, their alternative name is anogenital warts. They have a pointed shape. The reason is the same HPV. But they differ not only in the specific location.

HPV - what is it?

The human papillomavirus causes changes in the skin and leads to the formation of warts. Warts are of two types - papillomas or condylomas. More than 500 subspecies are known HPV, but about 80 of them cause illness. More than half of the people infected with this virus do not have any visible manifestations illness. According to the World Health Organization, at the time of writing, about 70% of the world's population is infected.

The reservoir and source of infection are skin changes on the human body. Sometimes they are pronounced, and sometimes they are microscopic in size and completely invisible. But in any case, contact with this area of ​​\u200b\u200bhuman skin threatens infection.

In childhood, infection occurs through microdamages of the skin. This is facilitated by cuts, scratches, allergic or inflammatory changes skin, excessive sweating and wearing someone else's shoes. The virus that gets on the skin causes the formation of various papillomas. In total, there are 3 main types of papillomas: vulgar, flat and plantar.

In adults, infection occurs mainly through sexual contact. Such warts occur most often in the anal-genital region and are called warts.

The main differences between warts and papillomas:

1. Warts are caused only by certain types of virus (1, 2, 6, 11, 16, 18). Papillomas - all other pathogenic types HPV.
2. Viruses that cause warts are a sexual infection, while viruses that cause papillomas are not.
3. Viruses that cause papillomas are infected in childhood, so adults have developed immunity to them. With viruses that cause warts, a person encounters for the first time after sexual contact with an infected person - therefore they are found mainly in adults.
4. Condylomas are located in the anogenital region and have structural features, which we will discuss later. Papillomas are usually located on the back surfaces of the hands, fingers, feet, as well as on the soles of the feet.
5. Condylomas are subject to mandatory removal, papillomas - only for cosmetic reasons.

What is dangerous papillomavirus infection?

Warts are not as harmless as they might seem at first glance. different types Human papillomaviruses have different oncogenicity, that is, the ability to cause cancer. Types HPV According to the degree of oncogenicity, they are divided into three types:

• Non-oncogenic never lead to cancer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49.
• Low oncogenic with a low probability of developing cancer: 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72.
• Medium oncogenic with an equal share of development or non-development of cancer: 26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65.
• Highly oncogenic often cause cancer: 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73.

The most dangerous is the detection of a highly oncogenic HPV in women, especially types 16 and 18. They often lead to the development of cervical cancer. If treatment is started on time, the prognosis is favorable and cancer will not develop. But if the treatment is started, there is a high probability of a malignant degeneration of condyloma, and then the uterus with its appendages and lymph nodes will have to be removed. In men, types 16 and 18 HPV can also lead to cancer. They cause penile cancer, or Bowen's disease.

And genital warts in women are growths that have formed in the area of ​​​​the external genital organs and the anus. main reason This disease, called condylomatosis, is the human papillomavirus. Pathogen dangerous for the development of cervical cancer.

Causes and signs of pathology in women

What are the causes of genital warts in women and how they are transmitted? In most cases, the virus enters the body during unprotected intercourse, regardless of the form of execution. In this case, the sexual partner may simply be a carrier of the virus and not have specific manifestations on the body.

Facilitate the penetration of HPV into the body and factors such as:

• neglect of the rules of personal hygiene;
• trauma to the skin and mucous membranes;
• nervous strain, accompanied by stress;
• bad habits;
• regular lack of sleep/malnutrition;
• hormonal changes;
• freezing or overheating of the body.

In each case, condylomatosis manifests itself in different ways. Clinical picture, that is, the symptoms of genital warts in women are very diverse. The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of reddish growths, the size of which can vary from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters if they grow and merge.

Genital are usually observed in places of friction during sexual contact. Favorite places for the localization of the virus are:

The photo may be different manifestations pointed in women (look on the Internet).

The lack of timely therapy for the manifestations of papillomavirus is fraught with the transformation of single formations into arrays of warts similar to cauliflower or cockscomb. In this case, the disease is diagnosed as confluent genital warts.

In addition to physical discomfort, they can cause women and psychological problems. An inferiority complex can develop when warts on the genitals cause a feeling of disgust in a partner. And when they grow together around the vulva, they also interfere with sexual intercourse.

How to remove warts: modern hardware methods

Despite the painlessness of neoplasms, in general they are very unpleasant in appearance and interfere with the full intimate life. Therefore, when growths appear in the perineum, it is better to get rid of them through hardware exposure.

1. Yes, thanks to cryodestruction female body is released from genital warts due to exposure to low-temperature liquid nitrogen, cooled to 196 degrees. Due to its painlessness, the procedure does not require anesthesia.

2. Cauterization of genital warts electric shock high frequency is known as electrocoagulation. The procedure is painful, so on the eve of it, patients are offered the introduction of anesthetics. Also, after cauterization, scars may remain.

3. During laser treatment spiky, women may experience mild pain. But the manipulation is carried out very quickly and does not cause bleeding and scarring.

4. The radiosurgical technique for influencing warts involves irradiating them with high-frequency radio waves. Although the procedure is expensive, it is very effective - the healing of the treated area occurs over the next day.

5. Chemical removal genital warts in women provides for loyal treatment. To carry out the manipulation, the specialist selects special medicinal substances that destroy tissue growths.

The development of a precancerous condition is the most dangerous consequence appearance of genital warts. The provoking factor in this case the accumulation of papillomavirus in the tissues surrounding condylomas acts.

Conservative and alternative treatment of genital warts

Conservative therapy for condylomatosis involves the use of pharmaceutical products causing necrotic changes in tissues.

These include:

• Podophyllotoxin, Kondiline Nycomed - they are applied twice a day with a special applicator attached to the drug. Between applications, it is important to maintain a 12-hour interval. After a 3-day treatment, they take a break for four days and continue treatment until the warts are completely eliminated.
• Treatment of warts with Imiquimod - 5% cream, is carried out for a week. Problem areas of the body are lubricated at night, and washed in the morning warm water with soap. The maximum period of use of the cream is 16 weeks.
• Interferon is a drug for internal and external use, injected intramuscularly or used to lubricate genital warts. His side effects are the symptoms inherent in the flu: worsening general well-being, headaches, chills, etc. But at the same time, the effectiveness of treatment with Interferon remains high and surpasses other methods of external exposure.

Before prescribing treatment, the doctor must differentiate condylomatosis from syphilis with skin changes, molluscum contagiosum and symmetrical micropapillomatosis.

You can get rid of the manifestation of papillomavirus by resorting to a folk recipe.

1. Healers advise rubbing warts on the genitals with celandine juice and applying garlic and onion compresses to them at night. To prevent burns to others skin it is necessary to apply vegetable plates to the growths, cut in accordance with the size of the neoplasms.

2. An egg will help reduce pointed women. For treatment, they take protein and lubricate the growths with it.

3. Effective in home treatment and onion compresses. The remedy is prepared by soaking the vegetable in vinegar, and then applied warmly to the warts overnight. In total, 7 such procedures must be carried out.

The person has a large number of microorganisms and viruses that do not cause any diseases, despite their pathogenicity, and are in a "sleep" mode. Among them are representatives normal microflora, and are also conditionally present - pathogenic microbes and viruses, which show their pathogenic properties only when certain conditions and body conditions. At healthy woman they cannot overcome the barrier created by immunity.

These microorganisms include human papillomaviruses (HPV).

There are more than a hundred types of them. About 80% of women have such a virus, but only about 2% of women suffer from its presence.

Condylomas in women - causes

Until now, all the causes of genital warts in women have not been fully elucidated. But the main cause is currently considered infection with the human papillomavirus. Infection occurs sexually. In 80% of unprotected casual sex in any way, the virus is transmitted from a sexual partner, even if he does not have any clinical symptoms, but he is a carrier of HPV. When infected with a virus, warts can appear after a very a short time and grow within two hours. The maximum period for the development of condyloma is six hours. But there is incubation period: It can take ten years from the moment of infection to the moment signs of the disease appear. Or the virus will remain dormant and never manifest itself: the woman will become a virus carrier. HPV, when it enters the body, like the herpes virus, remains in it forever. And only if there are some reasons that lead to a sharp decrease in immunity, it can show activity.

Among the reasons that cause a decrease in immunity in women and lead to the appearance of genital warts, there are several main, often occurring:

- stress;

- pregnancy and lactation;

- taking antibiotics;

— strict diets;

- smoking;

- oncological or chronic diseases;

- hypovitaminosis and beriberi;

— hormonal disorders.

One of the above reasons is enough to activate the virus and form genital warts in women. Nervous and impressionable women, who are often subjected to stress, are especially susceptible to this.

There is an opinion that the cause of infection with the human papillomavirus and the formation of genital warts in women may be personal belongings and toilet items of a virus carrier or a sick woman. This is a household route of infection, which is extremely rare; but some scholars question it.

Condylomas in women - symptoms

When a woman is infected with a virus, for some time there may be no complaints and clinical symptoms of genital warts. This time ranges from several hours to several years. At sharp decline immunity the virus shows its pathogenic properties, and in the genital area of ​​a woman, condylomas appear with all clinical symptoms. Condylomas are pathological proliferation of epithelial cells of the mucous membranes or skin. Look like growths different sizes: from a few millimeters (in the area of ​​organs genitourinary system, anus) up to two or more centimeters (mucous membranes of the mouth, skin of the hands).

Condylomas are localized on the mucous membranes of the vagina, labia, perineum, on the cervix, and can affect the urethra. They look like translucent flesh-colored growths, single or merging, resembling cauliflower. These are genital warts.

Meet flat warts. They are more difficult to detect, special methods are needed. Most often, flat warts are found in women on the cervix. Flat warts usually do not show any symptoms. Rarely, there may be vaginal discharge accompanied by itching. Dangerous because they can degenerate into cervical cancer.

Symptoms of genital warts in women are itching, burning, moisture in the places of their localization. This is due to the fact that condylomas can fall off on their own, while fluid is released with bad smell, and in their place a wound may occur. If these places are irritated by clothing, inflammation and suppuration can develop. When defeated urethra Discomfort when urinating, burning and cramps.

There are also papular warts in the form of multiple vesicles or "pimples". They most often occur in the perineum, on the pubis, on outer surface vulva.

Spotted warts affect only the mucous membrane of the genital organs.

Condylomas in women - treatment

If genital warts are found, it is necessary to consult a specialist, since they cannot be cured on their own. Gynecologists, urologists, immunologists are engaged in the treatment of warts in women, depending on the localization of the identified warts.

Currently conservative methods There is no cure for genital warts in women because there is no antiviral drugs capable of destroying the papilloma virus.

The main method of treating genital warts in women is their removal. Are used surgical methods, cryodestruction, laser, thermocoagulation, radio waves. After removal of the condyloma, a mucosal defect remains, wound surface, which must be treated, since it is the entrance gate for any other infection. Local treatment is prescribed, in addition, drugs that increase immunity, multivitamins. Due to the lack of antiviral drugs, when genital warts are removed, new ones may appear after a while, since the human papillomavirus settles in the body forever. Therefore, it is impossible to cure a woman from genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus. The only way to prevent infection is by the virus.

Condylomas in women - prevention

To prevent human papillomavirus infection in 2006, two vaccines were created: Cervarix (UK) and Gardasil (USA). The purpose of their creation is to prevent infection with the virus and possible development in the future, cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV types 16 and 17. In 2008, the vaccine developer received Nobel Prize. Both vaccines with the same vaccination schedules, action and efficacy. Cervarix is ​​effective against 4 - x HPV types, and Gardasil - in relation to two. The first drug is cheaper than the second. In the matter of choice, it plays a role what a woman wants to protect herself from and how much money she can spend on it, because the drugs are expensive. Otherwise, there are no significant differences between them. Recommended for ages 9 to 49.

There are certain nuances that are worth paying attention to. The vaccine can cause infertility. Its action is limited to four years, but revaccination is not provided. Before vaccination, it is necessary to determine the presence of HPV in the body, and if it is present, there is no point in the vaccine. Vaccination is carried out from the age of nine, it is important to do this before the onset of sexual activity, because, again, according to the latest data, men are the carriers of the virus. In the European Union and the United States, vaccination is mandatory and included in national immunization programs. There is no mandatory vaccination in Russia - this is the personal choice of every woman or mother. To this day, discussions continue about the advisability of using these vaccines. There is debate around the world as to whether vaccines introduced so quickly are a massive medical hoax.

Otherwise, the prevention of genital warts in women includes the usual measures that must be observed and performed carefully every day.: safe sex, personal hygiene rules, exclusion of stresses from your life (if they cannot be excluded, change your attitude towards them), stop smoking, adjust proper nutrition, rest and sleep mode.

In addition, twice a year, as a preventive measure for genital warts, women need to take a course of immunostimulating drugs, good multivitamins, and tonic drugs. Well, a preventive visit to the gynecologist for timely diagnosis and treatment of warts.

Women with existing HPV should visit the gynecologist more often. Even with asymptomatic carriage of the human papillomavirus, when there are no complaints and manifestations of the virus present in the body, it must be remembered that the likelihood of virus activation at any time is very high, and condylomas are a precancerous disease in women, and with their prolonged existence, rebirth occurs with development of cervical cancer.

Genital warts are nothing more than bodily outgrowths or warts, which, as a rule, form in the area of ​​​​the external genital organs and anus. Condylomatosis is inflammatory disease which is very common in women. The culprit is the notorious human papillomavirus. When genital warts appear, their intensive growth and spread cannot be delayed, you should consult a specialist, because this disease may become the initiator of cervical cancer in the future.

Causes of genital warts in women.
In general, the papilloma virus is present in the body of about thirty percent of women and does not cause them any inconvenience or discomfort. The virus quietly exists in the skin layers and mucous membranes, is not detected and does not pose a threat. However, with a sharp decrease immune protection there is an activation of the virus, which is expressed in the appearance of characteristic symptoms.

The virus that causes genital warts can enter the female body in several ways, the most common of which is sexual contact, both traditional and anal and orogenital. In this case, the sexual partner may turn out to be an ordinary carrier of the virus and no more. Injury to the skin and mucous membranes (cracks, abrasions, cuts, wounds, etc.), as well as the usual non-compliance with personal hygiene, can contribute to the penetration of the virus into the body.

The time interval from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms of the disease can be from one to five months. At the same time, the virus can be in “hibernation”, and with a decrease in immunity (stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, illness, etc.), it begins to multiply, as a result of which uncontrolled cell division occurs, which later manifests itself with the corresponding symptoms. At risk for developing the disease are:

• women with excessive emotionality, prone to frequent stress;
• women who are on long-term strict diets;
• women with children under one year old, with constant overwork and lack of sleep;
• women treated with antibiotics.

Condylomas in women are observed mainly in the vagina, in the area of ​​the labia, perineum, urethra, on the cervix, in the anus. Less commonly, warts affect the throat and oral cavity, walls of the urethra.

Get infected with a virus causing development warts, you can also through contact-household way due to discharge from genital warts. The virus can enter the child's body during the birth process if the virus is localized on the walls of the vagina.

Per last years the prevalence of genital warts in women has become quite wide, which is facilitated by modern freedom of morals. Girls start to live sexually early, have several sexual partners, and do not use protective equipment.

Varieties of warts in women.
Condylomas in women are diagnosed various forms and sizes. There are two types of genital warts - pointed (exophytic) and flat (endophytic). Outwardly, genital warts look like skin outgrowths or papillae of grayish-pink or flesh-colored on a thin stalk, which can grow up to several millimeters in length. Initially, they appear singly, but as they grow and grow, they can merge and form extensive skin lesions, resembling a cauliflower or a rooster's comb. Another variety - flat warts in women often resemble a garden bed, they are more difficult to detect, they can only be detected by applying special methods diagnostics, they are mainly observed on the cervix. The fact that a woman does not see them with an armed eye is the danger of this type of genital warts. With late detection, neglect of the disease of condyloma in a woman can provoke cancerous tumor cervix.

Symptoms of warts in women.
Symptoms of the manifestation of genital warts are local character. If the growths are localized in the anus, the woman experiences discomfort, expressed in the form of itching, burning.

Genital warts, which have merged with each other and formed large lesions, in addition to itching and burning, are accompanied by the release of an unpleasantly smelling liquid, which causes a constant feeling of moisture in the area in which they are common. If warts are damaged by clothing or sexual intercourse, irritation and inflammation may occur.

Flat condylomas are asymptomatic, but in some situations there may be a slight discharge from the vagina, accompanied by itching in the genital area.

Diagnosis of genital warts in women.
Genital warts are diagnosed quite simply, since they can be clearly seen in the usual way. Flat warts are more difficult to diagnose. Therefore, when condylomas are affected by the anus and genital organs, a thorough examination of the cervix and the adjacent area is carried out using additional methods. In particular, they differentiate warts from other neoplasms on the cervix, take smears from the urethra and cervix for analysis. PCR diagnostics are carried out in order to determine the type of virus and its quantitative composition, condyloma tissue cells are examined for cancer cells, determine the titer of antibodies to human papillomavirus. In addition, the patient is being tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Treatment of warts (condylomatosis).
When genital warts are detected in women, mandatory therapy is necessary, since such outgrowths on the skin are a constant focus of infection. In this case, the treatment should be A complex approach. If condylomas are localized on the cervix, they must be removed from the genitals. In this case, the treatment is supplemented with antiviral therapy and measures to strengthen the immune system.

Conservative treatment with drugs local action eliminates the manifestations of the disease, but does not destroy the virus, which is fraught with relapses. Strengthening the immune system makes it possible to control the virus and prevent an increase in its number.