The human papilloma virus (HPV) stimulates the formation of papillomas, warts, condylomas and is a stimulant factor in the development of cervical and laryngopharynx cancers. Less commonly, it can interfere with the oral mucosa, esophagus, conjunctiva of the eyes. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of this infection has increased 10-fold in the last 10 years. In our country, the prevalence of HPV infection, according to studies in the regions, varies from 29% to 45%. The medical community is particularly wary of the fact that about a third of isolated virus genotypes stimulate the development of oncological pathology.
Classification of the course of papillomavirus infection
Entering a woman's body, HPV can show a different activity, which depends on the state of immunity. Depending on how the pathogen behaves, there are several types of human papillomavirus infection:
- latent flow. The virus lives in the body, but does not cause pathological changes in the cells. There are no symptoms - the presence of microorganisms can only be determined using molecular biological research methods.
- Inflammation associated with HPV As a rule, we are talking about cervicitis or vulvovaginitis on the background of HPV, which brings the patient to a gynecologist. In consultation, she can find out: how to treat HPV in women. It should be understood that the virus does not cause inflammation on its own, but creates conditions for activating the inflammatory process.
- Condylomas are a form of PVI (papillomavirus infection) located in the anogenital region and on the mucous membrane of the genital tract, in which it is necessary to use modern surgical techniques to remove formations. After surgical removal, laser destruction, cryodestruction or coagulation of radio waves, complex treatment is necessary to prevent complications and relapses.
- Dysplasia of the cervix. May be asymptomatic or cause discharge. There are serious forms of pre-meningitis - to avoid this, it is more important than ever to properly understand how HPV is treated in women.
Ranking helps the doctor select the most effective treatment tactics. Pathogen strains are also divided into groups depending on the ability to cause oncological diseases: high, medium and low risk oncogenic HPV. Among the 40 variants of the virus transmitted through sexual contact, 14 are classified as high and medium risk oncogenic: -16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, - 56, - 58, -59, -66 and -68 types.
How is the human papilloma virus transmitted?
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not imply disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, then HPV infection is, in most cases, transient in nature - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat the human papilloma virus in women becomes relevant.
The main route of transmission of the virus is through contact:
- sexual;
- vertical (from mother to fetus during childbirth);
- household (when using one towel, razor, underwear).
Young people aged 13-30 are most at risk of infection with the virus. At first sexual contact, the risk of infection is about 60%. The virus can also enter the body in the absence of direct contact. Girls are most at risk for HPV, followed by its consequences. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of their genitals.
The human papilloma virus in women: causes
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not imply disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, then HPV infection is, in most cases, transient in nature - it disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat the human papilloma virus in women becomes relevant.
- proportional pathology of the reproductive system;
- endocrine disorders;
- immune deficiencies and beriberi;
- frequent acute infectious diseases - SARS, other viral and bacterial infections;
- early sexual intercourse;
- abortion;
- smoking and drinking alcohol;
- chronic psycho-emotional stress that weakens the immune system;
- excessive physical and emotional stress, irregular daily routine;
- postpartum period - due to stress and hormonal changes;
- long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs and oral contraceptives.
Frequent change of sexual partners increases the risk of infection with new strains of the virus and activation of existing infections. If immunity is reduced, the virus is integrated into the cellular genome, leading to a high probability of cancer - how to cure HPV in women at this stage of medical science is not yet available. Therefore, it is equally important to keep the activity of the virus under control and to properly stimulate the immune defense.
The first signs of HPV in women and additional symptoms
The most obvious sign of the presence of HPV in a woman's body is the appearance of papillomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and the skin of the anogenital region. They do not cause pain and, as a rule, do not cause for a long time. However, the activity of the virus can trigger the appearance of other unpleasant symptoms, for which a woman will immediately contact a gynecologist:
- pathological discharge from the vagina, accompanied by itching and burning;
- frequent relapses vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis;
- dirty vaginal discharge.
On examination, the doctor sees benign formations on the skin, changes in the epithelium of the cervix, signs of inflammation. Cancer can only be seen in the later stages of chronic papillomavirus infection.
Is there a cure for the human papilloma virus?
To understand how HPV is currently treated in women, it is necessary to understand what are the types of approaches to the treatment of human papillomavirus infection. Currently, HPV infection therapy is reduced to the following activities:
- prevention of the progression of HPV infection;
- elimination of clinical manifestations;
- stimulate systemic and local antiviral immunity.
There are no drugs that cause the virus to disappear completely from the body. However, research in this area is ongoing - doctors' focus is on the need for combined treatment with different types of HPV. Research in the field of genetic engineering is promising. Scientists are considering the possibility of "rewriting" the viral code for self - destruction instead of spreading it. Reduction of viral copies restores local immunity and eliminates chronic inflammation.
Information for doctors on the topic "How to treat HPV in women" is specified in the current clinical guidelines.
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
Women should undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist at least once a year. It is also necessary to visit a doctor when any disturbance symptoms appear:
- neoplasms in the genital area;
- warts on other areas of the skin and mucous membranes;
- lower abdominal pain;
- abnormal discharge or foul odor from the vagina;
- itching, swelling, redness of the genitals.
In the event of an accidental sexual intercourse, a visit to a gynecologist is recommended. Examine, perform gynecological smears and scrapes to detect HPV.
If papillomas occur in other parts of the body, it is necessary to consult a dermatovenereologist. When papillomas or condylomas grow in the anus, the intervention of a proctologist may be necessary. This will help determine treatment tactics and what remedies for papilloma should be prescribed to the patient in a particular case for purchase at a pharmacy.
General scheme of therapy
The main weapon in the fight against HPV is stable self-immunity. The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention draws attention to the fact that in 90% of cases contact with the virus does not develop clinical manifestations due to the self-suppression of the virus through natural immunity.
Treatment for HPV infection should be comprehensive and focused on:
- concomitant disease therapy;
- elimination of external manifestations of disease - medical and, if necessary, surgical;
- reduction of viral load;
- stimulate the body 's own defenses.
Chronic psycho-emotional stress, poor environment and comorbidities reduce a woman's immune system's ability to deal with the virus alone. There are drugs, which have a direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effect, which help to strengthen the body and reduce viral load. These modern drugs include spraying with activated glycyrrhizic acid, obtained from licorice root. It helps stop the virus from replicating early and reduces the number of copies of HPV genetic material in the body. The tool has a special intravenous socket to deliver drugs to the cervix and distribute them uniformly on the walls of the vagina. Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy in the latent course of papillomavirus infection can prevent the appearance of unpleasant symptoms and transfer the infection to more aggressive forms. If the virus has induced changes in the genital area and cervical epithelium, the spray helps:
- inflammation relief;
- eliminate the itching;
- restore mucosal integrity;
- increase local immunity.
The use of the product is also indicated in the preparation period to remove harmless formations caused by HPV, to reduce the activity of the virus and to prevent relapse. The drug helps to regenerate the skin and prevent secondary infection.
Removal of papillomas and warts
Harmful formations caused by HPV are subject to removal, which can be done by the following methods:
- cryodestruction - exposure to the neoplasm with cold;
- electrocoagulation - treatment with high frequency current;
- laser removal - layer-by-layer exposure to laser irradiation until scabies is detected;
- chemical destruction - treatment with special chemical solutions applied to warts and their destruction;
- surgical removal - given the high risk of recurrence after this type of destruction, it is selectively prescribed - unless it is impossible to use other methods.
New developments in the treatment of HPV include the CRISPR / Cas9 system, which almost completely cuts the DNA and nests its parts, thereby inactivating the further spread of the virus.
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For primary prevention, the use of barrier contraception (condoms) is recommended, which will reduce, while not completely protect against HPV, the level of exposure to the virus. You should be selective in your choice of sexual partners. If contact has been made accidentally, a special spray can be used to protect against HPV infection, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus.
To date, HPV vaccination is the most effective. It protects against the most common and malignant types of human papilloma virus. In many countries, HPV vaccination is included in the mandatory immunization calendar. The most effective time for vaccination is in childhood and adolescence. Previously, it was believed that vaccination does not make sense after 20 years. But recent studies have shown that HPV vaccination is appropriate and effective until the age of 45-47.
If a virus infection occurs, the task of secondary prevention is to maintain the good health of the patient, especially the good condition of his immune system. Women should visit a gynecologist regularly to detect virus-related diseases in the early stages.