Genital warts: symptoms, causes, treatment

A pressing problem in modern gynecology that many girls and young women face is papillomas on the labia. In these intimate areas on the mucous membrane from some types of HPV, the so-called appear. "genital warts". If a wart on the genital organs is detected or suspected, each patient should know how the disease manifests itself, what treatment should be carried out and what tests should be taken for diagnosis.

These formations are very common. Warts on the labia minora and majora in girls are mainly represented by genital warts, the causative agents of which are types 6 and 11 of the virus. These types of HPV are of low oncogenic risk, that is, the risk of their degeneration into a malignant tumor is low. Children, teenage girls and girls with virgin status cannot be excluded from possible risk groups for the presence of these formations, because sexual is not the only way of transmitting the virus (see more details).

Condylomas and their types found in women

There are various options for classifying condylomas, including by quantitative characteristics and localization, but the main division is carried out in accordance with their appearance.

Based on this criterion, the following types of formations found in women are distinguished:

• Genital warts are the most common type that occurs when the papillomavirus is active; timely detection is difficult due to localization features and lack of pronounced color;
• Warty condylomas - have an external resemblance to vulgar warts and appear on the labia;
• Papular condylomas - appear simultaneously with small blisters filled with fluids; can occur in any part of the genital area;
• Microgrowths - appear in the initial stages of infection, are small in size and can disappear on their own with the normal functioning of the immune system;
• Endophytic or flat condylomas differ from other types by growing inside the tissue, which makes diagnosis difficult. This type is considered the most dangerous because it can provoke the development of malignant neoplasms;
• Typical condylomas have a pink or gray tint and are easily detected during a routine examination by a specialist.

Undesirable consequences of genital wart removal

The treatment process does not always go without a trace.

Most manipulations to eliminate condylomas are quite well tolerated and do not create cause for subsequent concern.

However, there are complications after removal of genital warts, which significantly worsen the quality of life of patients.

The most common negative situations that arise during the treatment of papillomatosis are discussed below.

• Scars after removal of genital warts . This is the most common complication of many manipulations in the anogenital area. Their severity varies - from minor ones that do not interfere with everyday life, to very serious ones. Most often, scars form after highly traumatic interventions due to an overdose of exposure to a sensitive area.
• Bleeding. This is a relatively rare type of complication that occurs due to damage to nearby large vessels. The most commonly affected veins are hemorrhoidal veins. If such a complication occurs, the doctor stitches or coagulates the damaged vessel.
• Infection . The problem arises when the doctor’s instructions are not followed after the removal of condylomas. Poor personal hygiene leads to the proliferation of bacteria, which dictates the need for antimicrobial therapy. Due to infection, the scarring process may be delayed.
• Relapse after removal of genital warts. This is one of the acute problems of modern cosmetology. The undesirable situation is associated with two factors: incomplete removal of the formation and reinfection (re-infection). Relapse requires treatment, which consists of repeating the procedure for removing condyloma. Sometimes it is necessary to change the method of radical treatment.

Many complications after genital wart removal can be prevented.

To do this, you should strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist.

They may consist of regular dressings and examinations, and the use of medications, both internally and externally.

After removal of condylomas, it is advisable to avoid trauma to the anogenital area until the scar tissue is completely reabsorbed.

Typically, restrictions on daily life, including intimacy, are imposed for a period of up to 3-4 weeks.

What is genital warts in women?

Condylomas that appear on the labia of women are overgrown epithelium in the form of an outgrowth. With the growth and development of education, a person is not contagious, but after these processes are completed, the risk of infecting other people increases sharply.

In women, the appearance and development of genital warts does not occur the same way as in men, since not only the external parts of the genital organs are affected, but also the cervix.

Only a gynecologist can detect formations in such a localization during an examination.

Clinic and symptoms

Infection occurs through contact (the sexual route is the same contact route of infection).

The source of infection is condylomas in a sick person, that is, modified cells of the skin or mucous membrane in which the virus develops.

Attention The condyloma itself may not yet be visible to the eye, but the changed cells on the skin are already there. Upon contact with the skin of another person, the virus from these cells enters his skin, penetrates microcracks and begins to develop in the skin.

Start:

• small blisters and bumps on the skin and mucous membranes,
• slight redness around
• slight itching.

Development of the disease:

• formations grow in size up to 1-1.5 cm,
• "cauliflower" or "cockscomb" appearance
• the itching intensifies,
• new bubbles appear nearby.

Location:

• genitals: groin, pubis, genitals in men and women (glans penis, foreskin, vulva, vagina, labia minora),
• anus (back passage). This location gives them a second name: anogenital warts.
• rarely - inside the urethra and on the cervix,
• rarely - in the oral cavity, on the lips, on the cheeks and on the tongue.

Remember:

1) in adults, the main route of transmission is sexual.

2) contact transmission is very rarely possible - through a dirty toilet rim, taking a shared bath, using shared hygiene items, shared cutlery, etc. The virus remains viable for several minutes in a warm, humid environment. This transmission mechanism explains cases where genital warts are detected in virgins and children.

3) condoms reduce the risk of HPV transmission. But not 100%. Contact with unprotected areas of skin during sexual intercourse (for example, contact between the scrotum and labia) is a risk of infection .

Appearance time:

From the moment of sexual intercourse until the formation appears - 2-3 months or more. If the immune system is strong, then this period can last for several years or even decades.

When the immune system is weakened, condylomas appear. In women, sometimes during pregnancy, when the woman’s immune system is also stressed.

What the immune system is and how it works is described in detail HERE. Read about how to boost your immunity HERE.

Where are genital warts located in women?

Genital warts in women can be localized in the following places:

• Labia;
• Cervix;
• Internal areas of the vagina;
• Anus and areas around it;
• The area near the entrance to the vagina;
• Mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
• Rectum;
• Urethral canals.

Most often, condylomas are located in the labia, urethra, vagina and cervix.

Diagnostics

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, it is recommended to make an appointment with a gynecologist. At the initial appointment, the doctor will conduct a visual examination and prescribe further examination. Diagnosis of condylomas includes instrumental and laboratory measures. For a complete diagnosis of genital warts, the following methods can be prescribed:

• colposcopy (hardware examination of the uterus to detect pathological changes);
• endoscopy (examination of the anus);
• PCR method (smear from the vaginal mucosa and uterine wall);
• blood or mucosal smear test for HPV;
• biopsy (examination of a piece of tissue to confirm or exclude the oncogenicity of growths).

Reasons for the appearance of genital warts on the labia of a woman

The reason for the appearance of genital warts on the labia is the transition of the human papillomavirus, which may be present in the body and not manifest itself for a long time, into the active phase.

This process can be triggered by the following factors:

• Deterioration of the immune system , due to which the body cannot independently cope with the activity of HPV;
• Promiscuous sexual activity and failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• Lack of adequate and balanced nutrition , prolonged fasting, grueling dietary practices;
• Oncological diseases and exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Hormonal imbalances in the body , as well as endocrine changes;
• Pregnancy and changes occurring during a given period of time;
• Frequent respiratory diseases that negatively affect the body's protective functions.

People with strong immunity can be carriers of this virus all their lives, but never get sick.

Causes of papillomas on the genitals

The main causes of infection are sexual intercourse with sick people. Contact can be through the vagina, anus or oral. In some cases, infection can also occur through household means or during childbirth from mother to child. However, this is quite rare.

Factors that increase the likelihood of infection:

• Weakened immune system;
• Abuse of bad habits (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs);
• Severe stressful situations;
• Gastrointestinal diseases;
• Infectious diseases.

The risk group includes all people who are sexually active. It is worth noting that using a condom during sex does not protect against the papilloma virus. In order to become infected, it is enough to simply come into contact with the skin of the patient.

Risk factors also include visiting public places (bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool, beach).

This is due to the fact that such places have high humidity and minimal protection from germs (meaning lack of clothing).

Diagnosis of papillomatosis

To make an accurate diagnosis, a visual examination by a doctor is performed. In some cases, laboratory diagnostics may be necessary. In women, oncogenic and non-oncogenic formations are often very similar to each other, and they can only be distinguished with the help of a biopsy. In order to exclude infectious diseases, smears are made for microflora.

It is strictly forbidden to pull out, scratch, tear off or cut out papillomas on your own. This can cause the infection to spread and cause growths to appear on other areas of the skin. If you notice suspicious growths on the labia, immediately consult a dermatologist.

Do not wait for the formations to grow in size or disappear on their own. Timely treatment or removal will help avoid the development of infectious diseases, which in some cases can cause incurable harm.

Papillomas, polyps, warts on the genitals may indicate serious problems in the body. Most often they indicate impaired metabolism, advanced gastritis, colitis, liver and kidney diseases, and gynecological diseases. To get rid of tumors, you need to find out the cause of their appearance and prescribe treatment. It is worth noting that removing papillomas does not make it possible to avoid relapses. To prevent the disease in the future, you need to constantly strengthen your immune system.

When a virus is detected in the body using markers, treatment is usually not prescribed. Therapy is carried out only if the disease begins to manifest itself in the form of neoplasms on the skin or genitals. To get rid of papillomas, antiviral treatment and strengthening the immune system are prescribed. All activities must be carried out under the supervision of a qualified specialist.

How does infection occur?

The human papillomavirus, which causes the appearance of genital warts on the labia, can enter the body in the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual contact is the most common route of infection. In the presence of oral-genital and anogenital contacts, there is also a high risk of transmission of the virus;
• Household route – the risk of infection is less than through sexual contact. Transmission of the virus usually occurs through towels, linens, and personal hygiene items used by a person with HPV;
• Vertical route of infection , in which transmission of the virus occurs during childbirth if there are genital warts on the surface of the birth canal.

Forecast

With early detection of human papillomavirus, the prognosis for treatment of condylomas in women is favorable. Typically, such neoplasms are benign. Both flat and genital warts respond well to treatment; after their removal, the doctor prescribes therapy aimed at increasing immunity. This reduces the likelihood of re-infection.

After eliminating condyloma in a woman’s perineal area, it is important to avoid both sexual and household contact with infected patients. The sexual partner should be tested for human papillomavirus; if the result is positive, undergo the necessary treatment. During treatment it is forbidden to allow intimate relationships.

Symptoms of appearance on the labia

The average incubation period is 8 months, but it can last for years.

At the initial stage, when the virus is activated and formations begin to develop, the following symptoms occur:

• Itching and burning in the anus and genital area - the discomfort is usually mild and goes away on its own within 4-6 hours;
• The appearance of small blisters that do not differ in color from the skin and mucous membranes.

With the further development of the disease, the following processes occur:

• The appearance of formations , the size of which gradually increases. Usually, several condylomas appear in one area at once;
• Fusion of emerging condylomas;
• Pain sensations occur only if localized on the cervix or internal surfaces of the vagina;
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse , the appearance of an unpleasant odor and sanguineous discharge are symptoms indicating mechanical damage to genital warts;
• Disappearance of physical discomfort after growth has stopped and condylomas have firmly established themselves on the labia.

Genital warts on the labia can be distinguished from other formations by their characteristic appearance, which is described below:

• Small size , usually does not exceed a few millimeters.
• Lumpy structure , giving an external resemblance to cauliflower.
• The presence of a thread-like leg attached to a wide base.
• Pink or red color or shade identical to the skin.

Flat condylomas have the shape of a bed; they are more difficult to detect without the use of special diagnostics if they are located on the cervix.

Symptoms

There is no typical course of the disease in women with condylomas. The clinical picture of the disease is influenced by the patient’s age, her level of immunity, and the presence of chronic diseases. In only 30% of those infected, neoplasms appear in the first months and spread to large areas.

Usually the growth of the formations is slow, they do not cause discomfort. Condylomas are detected in most patients during a gynecological examination or during colposcopy.

Sometimes the disease may have the following symptoms:

• severe itching and periodic burning, usually appear after urination and sexual intercourse;
• intimate life is characterized by discomfort, pain appears during penetration;
• when injured by condylomas, bleeding occurs, sometimes it does not go away for several days;
• formations can fester, which leads to an extensive inflammatory process.

What is the danger of appearance on the labia and possible complications?

In most cases, condylomas on the labia only negatively affect aesthetics and do not pose a serious threat to health. A certain risk is associated with infection of other people or degeneration into malignant tumors.

This can happen under the influence of the following factors:

• AIDS;
• HIV;
• Systematic mechanical impact or friction;
• Excessive physical activity;
• Frequent stress and emotional stress;
• Localization in the cervical canal.

Symptoms that indicate possible complications and require immediate contact with a specialist are as follows:

• Change in color of condyloma acuminatum;
• Increase in size after the cessation of active growth of the formation;
• The appearance of physical discomfort and pain, regardless of their severity;
• Tendency to bleeding;
• The appearance of an unpleasant putrid odor.

Let's understand the reasons for the appearance

The main cause of condylomas is the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. According to statistics, more than ¾ of the adult population of the planet is infected with at least one type of virus (and there are more than 100 of them) - some of them are considered more dangerous, since they are capable of causing malignant tumors in a large number of cases.

Once in the body, the human papillomavirus remains there until the end of life. In a normal state of immunity, it does not multiply, but any weakening of the body’s defenses can lead to active replication of viral particles. In this case, condylomatosis begins to manifest itself clinically: the virus affects epithelial cells and leads them to a state of pathological regeneration. Then a person may notice the first manifestations of the disease - convex growths similar to warts appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and perineum.

Diagnosis of condyloma on the labia

Diagnosis carried out by a gynecologist is aimed at excluding syphilis, inflammation of the follicles and angiokeratoma in a woman, since they have similar clinical manifestations.

The set of measures includes the following methods:

• Visual examination to detect genital warts;
• Colposcopy is a more informative technique that allows you to determine the presence of complications;
• PCR analysis - necessary to determine the type of virus that provoked the appearance of condylomas; the information obtained also allows one to assess the risk of developing malignant tumors;
• Biopsy is performed only if cancer is suspected.

Condylomas can simultaneously affect the labia and other adjacent areas, therefore, if necessary, anoscopy and urocystoscopy are prescribed.

Diagnosis of genital warts

Typically, diagnosing skin growths in intimate areas is not difficult. A doctor can visually identify condylomas. If several neoplasms grow and merge into a single focus, a characteristic colony is formed. It looks like cauliflower.

To accurately confirm the type of pathogen and exclude a malignant process, the following additional studies are carried out:

• colposcopy;
• PCR diagnostics;
• cytological screening;
• biopsy.

Before deciding to remove condyloma, it is important to exclude the possibility of the presence of atypical (malignant) cells.

Methods for removing genital warts on the labia in women

In fact, it is always recommended to remove genital warts that appear on the labia. Depending on their location, stage, quantity and size, the specialist selects the most suitable method.

All removal techniques that are practiced today are discussed in detail below.

Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is used to carry out cryodestruction - a procedure in which the destruction of condyloma is carried out under the influence of low temperature conditions.

The following positive features of this option for removing formations are highlighted:

• No pain or other physical discomfort , so no prior anesthesia is required;
• Absence of scars after cryodestruction , if the procedure was carried out efficiently and healthy areas of tissue were not damaged;
• The rehabilitation period depends on the size and number of removed formations , but recovery is quick.

If there are a large number of formations on the labia, cryodestruction is carried out in several stages; between procedures there must be a break of at least 7 days.

Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is another way to remove genital warts using special equipment.

The procedure itself looks like this:

• Initially, pain relief is carried out , novocaine is most often used;
• Condylomas are excised and burned using a special electric knife;
• Instant cauterization ensures no bleeding.

Electrocoagulation has recently been practiced much less frequently due to the complexity of the procedure, long-term rehabilitation, which takes about 3 weeks, and the persistence of scars after the sores disappear.

It is gradually being replaced by laser removal, which does not have such disadvantages.

Laser removal

Removing condylomas on the labia using a laser is a more modern way to solve the problem.

The treatment regimen is as follows:

• Preliminary anesthesia , by general anesthesia;
• Destruction of condyloma with a laser beam without direct contact and tissue damage;
• During removal of the formation, the bacterial microflora is simultaneously destroyed , the place is cauterized, so there is no bleeding. The duration of all manipulations takes no more than 20 minutes;
• The depth and area of ​​radiation is manually adjusted by a specialist depending on the affected area;
• After 2-4 weeks, the specialist may schedule a follow-up visit if another session is required. The need for this arises only in advanced cases, when the formations have time to grow significantly.

The main advantage of removing genital warts with a laser is the absence of a rehabilitation period and negative consequences after the operation. There is a risk of scarring, but this likelihood is minimal.

Radio wave method or Surgitron apparatus

The use of high-frequency radio waves is considered one of the safest destructive ways to get rid of genital warts on the labia.

The procedure can be divided into three main stages:

• Treatment with local anesthetic;
• Using a special device with an electrode that allows directed exposure to radio waves;
• Heating of the formation , leading to the destruction of its tissues.

The American Surgitron device is often used for radio wave removal of condylomas.

Its use during the procedure provides the following advantages:

• No significant impact on adjacent tissues;
• Fast implementation and recovery, rehabilitation takes only 1.5-2 weeks;
• Ensuring good cosmetic results, absence of scars;
• No bleeding or open wounds through which infection can enter.

Removal with a scalpel

Surgical excision of condylomas on the labia using a scalpel is an outdated method of removing them. Today, it is practiced only in the presence of large formations for which it is impossible to apply other techniques.

The operation includes the following steps:

• Local anesthesia;
• Excision of formations using a scalpel;
• Stitching;
• Mandatory antiseptic treatment, since there is a risk of infection in an open wound;
• Removing stitches.

Recovery after such removal of condylomas can take from 2 to 4 weeks; during rehabilitation, bleeding, infection, mild inflammation and pain may occur. After the operation, scars remain.

Removal

If the use of prescribed medications does not bring the desired effect, the use of hardware and surgical methods is required. Only a doctor can remove growths on the labia and vaginal mucosa, since these areas are easily damaged, which will worsen the patient’s condition several times.

If, after removal, the treated areas of the mucous membrane and skin become swollen, you need to consult a doctor. A dermatologist will evaluate the condition of the labia and prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug. Ointments Triderm, Pimafucin, Vagilak can help cope with swelling and soreness. They also have a beneficial effect on the vaginal microflora, protecting against dysbacteriosis, redness, itching and burning.

Treatment of genital warts on the labia

Treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach, therefore, even with successful removal of formations from the labia, drug therapy is prescribed.

Antiviral drugs

The basis of drug therapy is antiviral drugs, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the activity and stopping the reproduction of the causative agent of the disease.

The most effective modern drugs belonging to this group include the following drugs:

• Alpizarin is available in the form of tablets containing 100 mg of mangiferin. The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor individually; it is allowed to take from 3 to 8 tablets per day; the course ranges from several days to a month, depending on the stage of the disease and the area of ​​the lesion. Pregnancy is a direct contraindication for taking Alpizarin. A package of 20 tablets costs 180 rubles ;
• Cycloferon is often used in the treatment of genital warts with any localization, since the drug has a combined effect: it simultaneously affects the DNA of the virus, stopping its reproduction, and stimulates the activity of the woman’s immune system. The active substance is methylglucamine acridone acetate; use is prohibited in the presence of acute diseases of the digestive system. The daily dosage, frequency of administration and duration of the course are determined by the doctor individually. The cost of a package containing 20 tablets is 350 rubles .

Alpizarin Cycloferon

Immunostimulants

Another important component of drug therapy are immunostimulants, since the appearance of genital warts indicates a dysfunction of the immune system. These drugs restore the body's defenses, preventing relapses of the disease.

Examples of medications prescribed by specialists are given below:

• Lykopid are tablets containing glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide; after their intake, the activity of neutrophils and microphages increases, which leads to increased production of antibodies with pronounced antibacterial and antiviral effects. The daily dosage is 6 tablets, which are divided into 3 doses before eating; Course duration – 10 days. The cost of a package with 10 tablets is about 330 rubles ;
• Isoprinosine is a modern combination-type tablet drug; its intake stimulates the activity of the immune system and has a pronounced antiviral effect. Depending on the stage of the disease, a specialist can prescribe from 1 to 8 tablets per day, the duration of the course is determined individually. A package containing 30 tablets costs about 1000 rubles .

Lycopid Isoprinosine

Local preparations

Often, specialists prescribe local medications: at the initial stage they are able to prevent the formation of condylomas; their main function is to protect against the addition of secondary infections and bacterial microflora.

If formations occur on the labia, the following remedies can be used:

• Epigen intimate - in the form of a spray, the product has an immunostimulating effect and suppresses viral activity; The main active ingredient is activated glycyrrhizic acid. One press of the valve on the bottle allows you to apply a therapeutic dose of the drug to the affected surface. If there are condylomas on the labia, the procedure is carried out 3 times a day, after their removal - 5 times a day for 10 days. It is recommended to continue treatment for preventive purposes for a month, carrying out it 3 times a day. The cost of a 15 ml bottle is 900-1200 rubles ;
• Panavir - for the treatment of condylomas on the labia, it is used in the form of a gel; severe kidney disease is a contraindication. Treatment is carried out 5 times a day, the product is applied in a thin layer; Course duration is from 5 to 10 days. A tube of 3 grams can be purchased for 135 rubles .

Epigen intimate Panavir

Laser treatment of genital warts

The technology for removing formations using the influence of high temperatures was one of the first to be studied.

Back in the last century, lasers began to be actively introduced into practical medicine.

Over time, the quality of the effect has increased significantly, and the number of adverse reactions and relapses has decreased.

The technique of laser removal of genital warts is actively used in many medical organizations.

The technique has its positive and negative sides:

• high impact power, which can be adjusted;
• removal of large and deeply located structures is allowed;
• relapses are extremely rare;
• anesthesia is required - the creation of a high temperature zone is very sensitive to the skin;
• difficult to dose - serious burns occur on delicate areas;
• not used to remove several adjacent formations due to the risk of damage to subcutaneous structures;
• suitable for single papillomas, even large ones;
• more often used in men than in women.

The pain during laser removal of genital warts is quite noticeable.

It is somewhat less than with electrocoagulation, but always requires anesthesia.

The procedure requires qualified personnel, since an overdose of exposure can cause serious burns.

It is used quite rarely for the sensitive anogenital area.

However, laser technology is indispensable for deep formations, especially those with dense keratinization.

In addition, the laser perfectly stops bleeding, so it can be used in the presence of complications.

Features of the influence of radio waves on anogenital formations

Radio wave therapy is a modern technique that began to be introduced only a few years ago.

However, it has shown such excellent results that in modern practice it is used in many prestigious clinics.

Treatment of genital warts in women on the labia using traditional methods

Traditional medicine recipes are usually used as adjuncts that increase the effectiveness of the main therapy, but in the early stages of the disease they can be used as an independent measure.

They are allowed to practice only after agreement and permission from the attending physician.

Some effective ways to combat genital warts on the labia are discussed below:

• Aloe helps well if the appearance of condylomas is accompanied by mild inflammation. The plant helps speed up healing after removal of condylomas and reduces the risk of their reappearance. It can be used in various ways, the most effective are compresses: for this, fresh leaves are taken, cut into pieces and applied to the affected areas. It is recommended to keep the compress for at least an hour, the duration of treatment is up to 10 days; there are no strict contraindications;
• Baths with the addition of sage, chamomile and St. John's wort - you can use a mixture of all the listed medicinal herbs. The dry components must first be brewed and the product allowed to sit for a day to form a decoction, which is added in small quantities to baths of water. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes, it can be performed daily until complete recovery. There are no contraindications other than an allergic reaction to herbal components. The decoction will provide an antiviral effect, soothe the mucous membranes and eliminate the risk of bacterial infections, so this technique can be practiced after removal of the formations;
• Treatment with dandelion juice can help completely get rid of formations if measures were taken at the initial stage. To do this, the stems and inflorescences should be thoroughly washed and passed through a meat grinder, and the resulting pulp should be squeezed out. The most convenient way to do this is to use gauze, through which the juice is expressed into a substitute container. Treat genital warts 2-3 times a day and monitor the dynamics.

Products based on garlic and other aggressive components that can cause irritation of the mucous membranes are strictly prohibited from using to get rid of warts on the labia.

Electrocoagulation method for removing condylomas

The electrocoagulation technique appeared relatively long ago.

It began with ordinary surgeons who used coagulation to stop bleeding during operations.

The technique is based on the direct powerful cauterizing effect of electric current on the affected tissue.

The current creates a high temperature on the surface of the skin, which allows the destruction of papillomas.

The method is not gentle and is currently used very limitedly according to strict indications.

The main characteristics of removing genital warts with a coagulator can be presented as follows:

• suitable for treating papillomas of any size;
• conglomerates from formations can be successfully treated;
• high cauterizing ability even for deeply located condylomas;
• suitable for stopping bleeding;
• the procedure is very painful and requires anesthesia;
• Experienced personnel are required - there is a high risk of injury to nearby healthy tissues;
• not suitable for single small formations;
• the procedure is quite cheap.

The main disadvantage of electrocoagulation is the risk of damage to healthy tissue.

It takes a very experienced doctor to accurately dose the operation of the electrocoagulator.

After removal of genital warts, a rough “scab” remains, which completely resolves only after a month.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the wound after the intervention; dressings and antibacterial therapy are often used.

How to treat and remove genital warts on the labia during pregnancy?

At the first signs of the appearance of genital warts during pregnancy, you should immediately seek medical help.

The treatment regimen is developed in contrast to the duration:

• In the early stages of pregnancy, taking most immunostimulants and antiviral drugs is prohibited , since the fetal systems have not yet had time to form. Taking into account the individual characteristics of the situation, a specialist will help you choose the appropriate method for removing formations;
• In the later stages, some drugs with a combined effect may be prescribed , since the risk of affecting the development process of the fetus with formed organs and systems is reduced. Cryodestruction and laser removal will be contraindicated.

Epigen intimate spray, which has a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease and stimulates the activity of the immune system, is approved for external use at all stages of pregnancy.

Human papillomavirus infection poses a danger to the fetus, as the child may become infected during childbirth. Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, doctors recommend an HPV test.

Methods for getting rid of genital warts

To avoid real health problems and eliminate aesthetic defects, it is necessary to radically cure papillomatosis.

For this purpose, numerous techniques are used, ranging from the use of medications to full-fledged surgical intervention.

Some methods allow you to remove genital warts at home.

However, the best results are achieved in specialized medical institutions under the supervision of experienced doctors.

In modern practical work, the following methods of eliminating viral formations are relevant:

• antiviral therapy – involves the use of drugs to suppress HPV replication;
• chemical exposure - cauterization of formations with active acids or alkalis;
• electrocoagulation - direct impact on papillomas with high-power electric current with cauterizing properties;
• laser removal - evaporation by creating high temperatures in the condyloma area;
• cryodestruction – excision of formations using liquid nitrogen;
• removal of genital warts using the radio wave method is a high-tech technique that allows radical and painless treatment of formations with high-frequency current;
• surgical excision - allows you to remove formations using a scalpel.

Each option has advantages and some disadvantages, so the choice of technique must be agreed with the attending physician.

This takes into account not only the size and location of genital warts, but also somatic contraindications, which are assessed individually for each patient.

Prevention of the appearance and recurrence of the disease

You can reduce the risk of genital warts and relapses of the disease if you follow the following preventive measures:

• Normalization of nutrition, consumption of healthy foods high in vitamins;
• Outdoor walks;
• Ensuring sufficient rest, maintaining a daily routine;
• Compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene;
• Having a permanent sexual partner, taking precautions during close contacts;
• Antiseptic treatment of any damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
• Quitting bad habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• Preventive intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Prevention: is it possible to avoid the appearance of condylomas?

It is much easier to prevent any disease than to treat it. In order to avoid infection with the human papillomavirus, you must adhere to simple rules: avoid casual sex, always use personal protective equipment (condoms), and undergo preventive examinations on time.

If infection has already occurred, it is very important to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system. To do this, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

• avoid stress and overexertion;
• do not self-medicate (remember that antibiotics and hormonal drugs can be used strictly according to indications and according to the course prescribed by the doctor);
• include more vitamins and minerals in your diet, eat a balanced diet;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• avoid hypothermia;
• give preference to hypoallergenic intimate hygiene products and household chemicals with a minimum amount of chemicals;
• wear underwear made from natural fabrics, avoid friction or pressure in the genital area.

Condylomas in intimate places are a very common problem, so you shouldn’t hide it. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. According to statistics, the sooner a person seeks medical help, the lower the risk of developing such dangerous complications as malignant tumors, bleeding, disorders in the intimate area, difficulty urinating and defecating. Thanks to modern treatment methods, you can boost your immunity in just a few months and stop the progression of the virus, thereby getting rid of existing tumors and preventing the appearance of new ones. You can learn about oral condylomas here.

Folk remedies

Small warts on the genitals can be treated using alternative medicine. Traditional healers advise women to use the following therapy methods:

1. Pass 3-4 cloves of garlic through a press and squeeze out a little juice from the pulp. Apply the resulting liquid to anogenital warts three times a day.
2. Wash the lemon thoroughly and grate it together with the peel on a fine grater. Add to the puree 100 ml of dry red wine, 60 ml of apple juice, preheated to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, and 2 cloves of garlic, passed through a press. Mix the mixture well and leave it for 3 hours in a warm place. Take the finished medicine orally, 6 sips per day.
3. Pass 300 g of fresh celandine herb through a meat grinder and squeeze the juice out of the resulting mass. Use the product to treat problem areas twice a day.
4. Grate 3 large potato tubers on a fine grater. Squeeze the juice out of the puree using gauze folded in 2 layers. Take the medicine throughout the day, dividing it into several small portions.
5. Break a chicken egg, separate the white and beat it into foam using a mixer. Treat genital warts with the resulting product. Avoid water procedures for 6-7 hours.
6. Grate a small onion on a fine grater and add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the vegetable mixture. Infuse the mixture in a warm place for 4 hours, place it on a gauze napkin and press it onto the anogenital warts for 20 minutes. Repeat the described manipulations twice a day.
7. Prepare a thick dough from flour and vinegar (2:1). Make small cakes out of it and press them onto problem areas for 2 hours. Repeat the procedure three times with an interval of 1 day.
8. Pour a glass of chopped thyme herb into a liter of boiling water and leave in a warm place for 4 hours. Prepare a local (sitz) bath based on herbal infusion. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 30 minutes. The described steps should be repeated daily.
9. Steam the anogenital warts, put a piece of propolis soaked in saliva on each of them and fix it with a plaster. Leave the bandage on for 3-4 days.

It is important to remember that all folk remedies have side effects and contraindications. Therefore, they can only be used after receiving detailed consultation from your doctor.

Diagnosis of pathology

The manifestations of HPV on the labia may be similar to some other diseases, in particular cancer, melanoma or syphilis. Even a doctor sometimes cannot determine which pathology an external sign refers to as a result of a single examination without the use of differential diagnostic methods.

To determine the HPV marker, colposcopy, cytological or histological analysis, PCR study are performed, and in some cases a biopsy may be required. These examinations do not always show the presence of flat condylomas, so if their presence is suspected, an acetic acid test is performed. The suspected area of ​​localization of neoplasms is treated with a cloth soaked in 5% acetic acid. If areas of gray and yellowish color appear, then these are flat condylomas.

When diagnosing papillomavirus, it is advisable to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, at least HIV and syphilis. At the same time, your regular sexual partner also needs to undergo a full examination, since he can also be infected. In men, colposcopy is replaced by urethroscopy, and all other tests are identical.

Vaccination against condylomas

You can only protect yourself from condyloma infection through prior vaccination, and it is most effective to vaccinate before the start of sexual activity. You can undergo this procedure at the age of 13 to 26 years, and three vaccinations are given: the second two months after the first, and the third six months after the second.

Vaccination involves the introduction of a small number of viral cells into the body, to which the immune system produces antibodies. Subsequently, if the virus enters the girl’s body, it will be suppressed by natural forces without the use of medications and procedures. The modern vaccine provides protection only against the 4 most common strains of sexually transmitted papillomavirus.

There are usually no complications from vaccination; almost all girls tolerate vaccination consistently. In some cases, allergic or anaphylactic reactions may occur if the patient has a tendency to them. To exclude possible side effects, you need to be examined in advance for contraindications. The drugs themselves used for vaccination do not pose a risk from the possible development of HPV. The only risk concerns the likelihood of developing infertility, but this is clarified by the gynecologist after a preliminary examination.