Condylomas in the vagina (reasons for development)
The causative agent of the pathology is the human papillomavirus, which is one of the most common infectious agents that cause diseases of the reproductive system.
Currently, HPV is detected in 20% of women.
The following factors contribute to infection by a pathological microorganism:
- Promiscuous sexual intercourse with constant change of partners;
- The presence of other genital infections - cytomegalovirus, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis;
- Hormonal defects in a woman’s body;
- Failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene, leading to a violation of the cleanliness of the vagina;
- Alcohol abuse, smoking;
- HIV infection.
The appearance of tumors in the vaginal cavity is facilitated by weakened immunity. This condition causes the body's defense system to be unable to destroy viral particles. As a result, they begin to actively reproduce in the woman’s reproductive system.
The following disorders contribute to a decrease in the activity of immune competent cells:
- Constant use of antibacterial drugs and immunosuppressants.
- Strict diets that exhaust the body and lead to protein-energy deficiency.
- Constant hypo- and avitaminosis.
- Deficiency of certain minerals (phosphorus, calcium).
The appearance of genital warts is often associated with periods of hormonal changes in the body. These conditions occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the premenopausal period.
As a result, due to changes in hormone levels, the adaptation of the genital organs to external influences is disrupted, which contributes to the occurrence of condylomas.
Diagnosis of the disease during pregnancy is especially important, since when passing through the mother’s genital tract, the child can become infected with a pathological virus. Therefore, before giving birth, all pregnant women are usually examined for the presence of tumors.
Treatment with traditional methods
Treatment methods using non-traditional methods make it possible to remove pathological formations and stop the multiplication of a viral infection.
Do not forget that self-medication can lead to unforeseen situations, and possibly aggravation of the disease.
- Celandine. Celandine juice is applied once a day only to the condyloma itself to prevent burns to healthy skin cells.
- Iodine. Gently apply to the growth itself - three times a day. Thus, the formation is cauterized, which then disappears. But in this case, many contraindications arise: this method cannot be used during pregnancy, iodine penetrates well into the deep layers, so dysfunction of the thyroid gland may occur. Scarring on the skin is also possible and should not be used on mucous membranes.
Appearance of the problem
Condylomas in the vagina in the photo look like small growths on the skin or mucous membrane, which look like cauliflower inflorescences. The outgrowths can be single or multiple; they are usually a cluster of small nodules.
The average size of tumors is about 5-7 mm. The color of the formation usually matches the color of the mucous membrane on which it is located. Less commonly, condylomas have a pinkish or red tint.
Large conglomerates of neoplasms occur especially rarely, only in cases of severe disorder of immune function.
In severe cases, groups of formations grow so large that they block the lumen of the vaginal cavity and prevent sexual intercourse.
Tumors arise due to the proliferation of human papillomavirus in the cells of the vaginal epithelium. It damages their structure, leading to pathological growth and active reproduction.
Most often, condylomas are located at the entrance to the vagina. Less commonly, they may affect other locations:
- Oral cavity;
- Skin around the anus;
- The area near the urethra.
The appearance of condylomas in atypical locations is associated with other mechanisms of infection.
Surgical intervention
To eliminate condylomas in the vagina, various minimally invasive techniques are used: chemical exposure, electric current, laser, radio waves. The listed methods quickly eliminate tumors without consequences for women's health.
When the operation is performed using diathermocoagulation, condylomas are destroyed by electric current, which is supplied under high voltage. Under the influence of discharges, rapid death of pathological cells occurs. Local exposure can cause pain, and after removal, scars remain on the surface of the vagina. The technique under consideration has some limitations in application. It is not prescribed if a woman is planning a pregnancy.
Cryodestruction allows you to get rid of condylomas by exposure to liquid nitrogen. The technique is considered safe and effective. It is not accompanied by discomfort or pain. No scars remain after exposure to cold.
You can influence condylomas with radio waves. The operation is performed using a special device. It generates beams of waves that locally affect problem cells. The effect of therapy is immediate. During the procedure, the patient does not experience any pain. Radio wave treatment is not possible in every hospital, since the equipment for its implementation is expensive and is not available everywhere.
Another new method of combating growths is laser. It is used if the patient has genital warts. The laser has a local effect, completely removing the tumor without relapse.
The disadvantage of the procedure is severe discomfort, so it is performed using local anesthesia. After surgery, the patient may experience pain that goes away within a few days. In addition, women complain of itching. In rare cases, a white coating appears, indicating an infectious process. If any negative symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
If a woman receives timely assistance, the prognosis for the disease is positive. The chances of recovery are low when the patient, after removal of condylomas, is in a close relationship with an infected man.
To prevent relapse, it is recommended to undergo therapy with a partner together. To increase immunity after removal of condylomas, it is recommended to drink a complex of vitamins. The patient is required to constantly visit the gynecologist and undergo tests. You should only use personal hygiene products.
Clinical manifestations (symptoms) of the disease
In most cases, the presence of neoplasms is not manifested by any external symptoms, so they are often accidentally discovered during a gynecological examination.
However, in some cases, pain in the vaginal area may occur. An unpleasant symptom occurs when the tumor is traumatized.
Painful sensations are especially often associated with sexual intercourse.
Due to damage to the formation, bloody discharge from the vagina may also occur. They are usually formed in small quantities, the blood has a bright scarlet color, it does not form clots.
The appearance of discharge must be differentiated from menstrual bleeding. Traumatization of condyloma occurs immediately after sexual intercourse; its appearance is possible at any phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
With the long-term presence of a tumor and constant trauma to its tissues, a secondary infection may occur, which is located in the thickness of the tumor.
Against the background of this process, the condyloma changes its color, becomes more reddish, and increases in size.
The development of the inflammatory process often leads to itching in the vaginal area, which has a clear localization at the site of condyloma formation.
Question answer
Yes, unfortunately, this is possible, although it is a rare occurrence.
This mainly happens with the development of flat condylomas. This pathology is not dangerous to human life if he takes timely measures. If left untreated, you may encounter other diseases.
It is recommended that every person take vitamin complexes to strengthen their immunity. Also systematically go to the gynecologist to promptly detect the pathological process. Use only your own hygiene items.
Reviews
Here are a few reviews from patients who were treated for vaginal condylomas.
OLGA, MOSCOW:
“During a routine examination, the doctor discovered condylomas in the vagina and advised me to sign up for chemical removal.
I went through the procedure and had no unpleasant feelings. After that, I went to the gynecologist again, he confirmed that there were no more tumors.”
ANASTASIA, KIROV:
“I made an appointment for laser removal of condylomas, they did everything quickly and efficiently. The procedure had to be done under local anesthesia, so I didn’t feel anything.”
Complications and diagnosis
Growths on the female genital organs can transform into cancerous formations. This process does not require additional factors. More often, cancer develops against the background of strains 6, 11, 16 and 18. Degeneration begins with tissue erosion and inflammation.
Condylomas that are not susceptible to cancer grow to large sizes. They make intimate relationships impossible, which is why a woman develops a psychological complex. The disease in pregnant women can lead to infection of the fetus and disruption of the natural course of labor. If the growths are serious, the woman in labor is prescribed a cesarean section.
To confirm the diagnosis, the following studies are performed:
- External examination, assessment of symptoms, testing with acetic acid.
- Dermatoscopy. During the study, the skin is not injured, the parameters of the neoplasm are assessed. Dermatoscopy allows you to find out the type of growth.
- PCR determines the number of viruses and their type. The patient's partner must also take the test. If the result is positive, then joint treatment is prescribed.
- Urethroscopy. The condition of the mucous membrane of the urinary canal is assessed. The examination is carried out with a special endoscope.
- Extended colposcopy. A colposcope is used to examine the cervix. The patient is prescribed a Schiller test.
- Immunogram. Assessment of the functioning of the body's defenses.
Based on the results of a comprehensive examination, the doctor prescribes adequate treatment for vaginal condyloma.
Expert opinion
- Cosmetologist
- Surgeon
Michelle Ellern
practicing cosmetologist-dermatologist
This problem can appear for a variety of reasons, but most often it occurs due to the fact that the sexual partner has such tumors. If you do not use a contraceptive, the pathology will be passed on to another person. That is why it is recommended that two spouses or partners undergo treatment.
Aisha Baron
plastic surgeon
Visit your gynecologist regularly to identify condylomas in a timely manner.
The pathology itself has a positive prognosis. When the tumors are removed, you should not have contact with the infected person. Your partner should also undergo treatment. It is important! Vaginal condylomas are pathological formations that are very often diagnosed in the fairer sex of puberty.
Despite the long asymptomatic course, over time the tumors can transform into malignant neoplasms - cancerous processes in the vaginal wall.
Therefore, when pathology is detected, it is necessary to undergo specific treatment in a timely manner in order to avoid the severe consequences of tumor growth.
Conservative therapy
If micropapillomatosis is detected, then conservative treatment is indicated . Pointed growths are not eliminated by medications, which have a strong cauterizing effect and can damage the vaginal mucosa.
It is recommended to douche with celandine infusion. The plant is used in the fight against benign tumors. A weakly concentrated infusion does not cause a burn, but effectively removes condylomas from the vaginal mucosa.
Patients are often prescribed Imiquimod 5% cream. They lubricate problem areas for 7 days. In the morning, the treated areas must be washed. The cream should not be used for longer than 16 weeks.
The treatment regimen for condylomas also includes interferon preparations, which must be taken orally. Their action is aimed at increasing general immunity.
To remove condylomas, doctors can use the following agents that act locally on the tissue:
- Bonafton;
- Solcoderm;
- Condilin.
These drugs destroy the tissue of formations without surgical intervention.
In the absence of allergies, plant-based Panavir suppositories are used. The drug has an antiviral effect and increases local immunity. Under its influence, the production of its own interferon increases. If there is no effect after the prescribed treatment, then the tumor is removed.
