Genital warts in women: photo, treatment, symptoms

A woman should be alerted if small outgrowths of corporal or pink color are formed on the skin of the genitals and perineum. Pointed condylomas are located singly or in clusters, forming a solid patch. The outgrowths are of different size, soft to the touch, painless when touched( see photo).

What is it?
Genital warts in appearance resemble an ordinary wart. It differs only by attachment to the skin, the condyloma has a thin leg on which it is held.

Warts appear on the skin after infection with human papillomavirus. There is an infection during sexual contact, during pregnancy. Do not exclude the transmission of the virus with blood, mother's milk and household items.

Papillomavirus infection is widespread - in practice, genetic traces of the virus are found in every woman, with rare exceptions. Condylomas are formed when the papillary layer grows.

The virus, breaking the barriers of tissues, enters the bloodstream and spreads through the body. Propagated in the cells of the epithelium, embedded in its DNA.This changes the functions of cells, leads to active division and proliferation of epithelial tissue. Disease is equally affected by men and women.

Fattening a child, non-observance of genital hygiene by a man and a woman is a favorable factor for the formation of genital warts.

Causes of condyloma

Infection does not always require direct contact. When examining sexual partners, the virus is found in both. Papillomavirus is benign in nature, under favorable conditions it is able to degenerate into a malignant tumor. This is the reason for the mandatory removal of outgrowths on the skin, regardless of their location and size. Genital warts are more common in women than in men.

Reasons for the onset:

• reduced immunity;
• recurrent candidiasis;
• inflammation of the genitourinary system;
• sexual contact without protective equipment.

In a risk group, women older than 25 years, without a permanent partner, leading an active sex life. After infection, a minimum of 2 months will pass, and a maximum of 9, when the first symptoms appear. Sometimes the latency period lasts for years, the virus does not show itself.

Signs and symptoms of genital warts in women

Skin-like outgrowths appear on the skin. When looking at the naked eye, a loose surface resembling a cauliflower inflorescence is visible. The size of the outgrowths is different, either very tiny, or up to several millimeters in diameter. The number is different, from one to several hundred.

Coloration depends on the location of the condyloma on the body. Colors range from white to burgundy. It is possible to separate fluid from condyloma with an unpleasant odor. Acute condylomas in a woman are localized in the area of ​​the anal opening, on the perineum, labia, in the mouth. Instrumental examination helps to detect genital papillomas inside the urethral canal, on the walls of the vagina and cervix. With palpation, they are soft, moving, unpleasant sensations and pain does not arise. In case of accidental damage, they become inflamed, bleed and do not heal well.

Patients complaining of gynecologist:

1. Unpleasant sensations in defecation and urination;
2. Soreness in the lower abdomen;
3. Skin on the skin that interfere with hygiene;
4. Impairment of the quality of sexual contact;
5. Irritation that occurs when clothing is in contact with laundry.

Condylomas in women are not formed immediately - the initial stage is determined by small bubbles, tubercles on the skin and mucous membranes. The skin has noticeable redness and slight itching. A little later, the first genital warts appear, next to them when the itching occurs, the following growths are formed.

Diagnosis

A woman turns to the gynecologist. At the reception the doctor finds out from the patient the main complaints, which served as an occasion for the visit. Diagnose the following stages:

• The time when there was unprotected sexual contact.
• A patient is examined on a gynecological chair.
• Take a scraping of epithelial layer cells for PCR analysis to identify the type and amount of the virus.
• Inspection of the cervix and vaginal walls by the colposcope.
• Diagnosis of mucous membranes using Lugol and acetic acid solution( 3%).
• Biopsy( taking a piece of tissue) of genital warts.
• Histological( tissue) and cytological( cellular) examination of the condyloma site.
• Anascopy - the doctor examines the skin area near the anus under the microscope.
• Taking a smear from the cervical canal and from the cervix to oncocytology.
• Blood test for genital infections.
• Urethroscopy - examination of the urethra for genital warts.
• Consultations of immunologist, dermatovenerologist.

A comprehensive examination is necessary to identify the risk of unfavorable prognosis, the selection of medications and treatment methods.

Treatment of genital warts in women

It is impossible to destroy a virus with a drug. So far, no means have been found that will eliminate the causative agent of papillomavirus infection from the body, but it can be "pinned" and strengthened immunity - significantly complicating the further spread.

Genital warts are removed at any stage of development. This is not a cure, it's a cosmetic procedure. It is necessary to pass a survey to identify possible infections.

Apply local removal of genital warts. Methods of treatment:

1. Cryotherapy. Condyloma is frozen with liquid nitrogen. Low temperature destroys the protein inside the wart, it dies and disappears. On the place of its attachment a small wound is formed, after 1-2 weeks it is tightened. The procedure is performed by a doctor in a hospital. The method is safe and painless with sufficient experience of a specialist.
2. Electrocoagulation. The genital warts are affected by high fever. Before the treatment, local anesthesia is performed. After burning, a crust on the condyloma is formed. In a few days it disappears. The method is painful, relatively inexpensive.
3. Chemical exposure. The condyloma is treated with a preparation containing concentrated acid or alkali. The method requires the accuracy of applying the product in order not to damage the skin around the wart. The procedure should be a doctor.
4. Laser therapy. The doctor blows the condyloma with a laser beam, a scab forms, which falls off after a few days. Ranki on the skin pass quickly, there is no trace. The patient may feel a slight discomfort during the procedure.
5. The method of radio wave effect on genital warts by a beam of narrowly directed high frequency waves is similar to laser work. Use expensive medical equipment Surgitron, so the price of the procedure is high. The risk of complications is minimized.
6. Surgical removal with a scalpel. The technique is obsolete, rarely used. To remove genital warts, apply local anesthesia or general anesthesia, the skin after excision is sewn.

A suitable method is selected taking into account the possibilities of the medical institution, the doctor's experience and the financial capabilities of the patient.

Immunocorrective therapy is mandatory, drugs are prescribed after a blood test( for immune status).The doctor immunologist selects medicines and the course of treatment.

Antiviral treatment of genital warts helps to reduce the activity of the virus in the blood and slow the active growth of skin lesions. Apply drugs: Isoprinosine, Epigen, Panavir, etc. Drug therapy complements surgical methods to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Genital warts can be removed by themselves - treatment at home involves the use of medications. It is not always possible to achieve results, but you can try. To do this, apply the cream Superchistotel, Solkoderm, Condilin, etc.( Consultation with a doctor is necessary!).

Condylomatosis during pregnancy

In pregnancy, immunity decreases and allows genital warts to recur. Conduct symptomatic therapy to reduce the formation of warts that carry the threat of complications during childbirth. Removal of growths is carried out only in the third trimester while training a woman.

For a future child, there is a risk of infection when passing through the birth canal. The baby is at risk( condylammotosis of the larynx) if he takes the first breath while in the vagina with condylomas. The woman in this case is cesarean.

In the absence of genital warts, there is no risk to the baby.

Immediately after removal of the condyloma, a woman needs to undergo antiviral therapy and survive the period before becoming pregnant.

Complications of

In case of injury, condyloma becomes inflamed, possibly suppuration and ulceration of the mucosa. This is due to the location of the wart or when rubbing with linen. If one condyloma comes off, the wound bleeds and a new one grows in its place, sometimes several at once. Timely removal of condyloma in women helps to avoid complications.

Regular monitoring is required from a gynecologist. Papillomavirus infection can cause erosion or dysplasia of the cervix, possibly a degeneration into cancer.

Decreased immunity leads to frequent infections of the body and worsening of well-being.

In place of genital warts, the likelihood of skin cancer is high.

Preventing the formation of genital warts

In order to protect against infection, a number of measures are taken:

• adherence to sexual hygiene( one partner);
• obligatory visit to the doctor for any changes in health;
• not to engage in self-treatment, only after examining the gynecologist decide on a further plan of activities;
• physiotherapy, hardening, massage;
• high-grade rest;
• sanatorium treatment;
• to avoid stress;
• a full-fledged diet;
• vitamins and minerals;
• beware of overcooling and overheating;
• enough sleep.

With the observance of measures and treatment, the patients lead a normal life. This does not negate the rules of hygiene and protection of the partner from infection.