Papillomas of the labia are pathogenic structures in the intimate area of a woman caused by one or more genotypes of the papilloma virus. And although not all strains that provoke the development of tumors in this area are oncogenic, the disease must be treated. Even small growths in such a sensitive area can be damaged and subsequently cause a number of complications. Given the prevalence of the disease, every woman should know what to do with labial papillomas, which doctor to see and what procedures to perform. Special attention should be paid to preventive measures, since practically no one is immune from papillomas of the labia minora.
Causes of papillomas on the labia
Having seen a photo of papilloma on the labia, you should not accuse the patient of promiscuity. Indeed, HPV is most often transmitted through intimate contact, but this is not the only possible way for pathogenic microorganisms to reach the patient. HPV is also transmitted as a result of ordinary household contact or during childbirth. In this case, the carrier of the virus may not even know about his infection. A person with a well-functioning immune system is a carrier of the disease, but will not find unpleasant formations in themselves.
In order for the papilloma virus of the labia to begin to manifest itself in the form of the proliferation of pathogenic formations, a combination of several factors is necessary:
- presence of HPV in the body;
- reduced protective functions of the body;
- a woman's inattention to her own health.
The virus, which is not contained in the patient's immune system, destructively affects the process of cell division, causing the appearance of benign structures. And if such a process is not stopped in the early stages, the protective functions are not restored, then the woman turns to the doctor with a specific question about the removal of papillomas of the labia, not with questions about the prevention of the disease. The reduction of immunity and, accordingly, the activation of the virus is facilitated by constant stress, seasonal vitamin deficiency, age-related hormonal imbalance or pregnancy.
Note!Men much less often suffer from formations in the anogenital area, although they are carriers of diseases. The reason for this is the specific structure of a woman's genitals, which are more susceptible to the appearance of microcracks and, accordingly, to a local reduction in protective functions.
Symptoms of papillomas of the labia
Whatever the cause of the infection (violation of hygiene standards in public places or unprotected sexual intercourse), it is important to detect the presence of the disease in a timely manner. Treatment in the early stages is much easier and faster. To do this, it is enough to regularly examine the intimate area yourself, as well as visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations.
Photos of labial papillomas can easily be found online and compared to a developing growth. During a self-examination or a routine doctor's visit, the following may be found:
- Single formations- small, flesh-colored seals, rarely exceeding 6 mm in diameter.
- Multiple structures, in appearance the formations resemble a cock's comb. Such growths are evidence of an advanced stage of the disease. If the formations are injured during standard hygiene procedures, their color can change from flesh to dark brown.
Not all structures have a flat shape, some HPV genotypes provoke the formation of formations on a thin stalk.
Some symptoms that require an immediate visit to the doctor are discomfort and even pain in the intimate area when performing standard hygiene procedures or sexual intercourse and unusual discharge. The papilloma virus of the labia may initially affect the hidden area of the intimate area.
Self-study of photos of labial papillomas and identification of similar formations does not eliminate the need to visit a doctor. Only a thorough diagnosis will help determine the true cause of the disease and determine the best methods of treatment.
The initial conclusions about the papilloma of the labia can be made during a visual examination by a professional. However, the final diagnosis is made after a series of tests that identify not only the presence of the virus in the body, but also its genotype and the concentration of active cells. A patient who has not yet developed growths in the intimate area, but is suspected of being infected with the virus, will receive a similar list of tests.
List of tests:
- blood and urine to assess general health;
- tissue biopsy for already formed growths;
- The PCR test and the Digen test are narrow-profile tests to confirm the presence of the virus in the body and determine its strain.
The woman should also visit a gynecologist, since there is a possibility that the activation of the virus caused not only papillomas on the external labia, but also on the inside of the reproductive organs (vagina, cervix). Based on the test results and the general assessment of the patient's health, therapy is prescribed.
Note!Papillomas of the labia may appear under the simultaneous influence of different strains of the virus, some of which are oncogenic (16, 18, 33 and others). Only a complete study will help to identify all active genotypes.
Methods of treatment of papillomas of the labia
A peculiarity of the treatment of papillomas of the labia is its complex nature. That is, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunostimulating drugs to activate the body's internal reserves to fight the virus (the so-called conservative treatment) and, if necessary, apparatus procedures are prescribed to remove the formations. Mild growths (single and small in size) can also be treated with drugs, and in some cases even with compounds recommended by alternative medicine. Thus, early diagnosis greatly simplifies treatment.
Medicines for papillomas of the labia
The main course of internal drug therapy is aimed at improving the protective functions. The body is stimulated to fight the virus from within. For this purpose, the following can be prescribed for labial papillomas:
- Antiviral drugs, suppressing the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Immunomodulators, which, thanks to the synthetic elements, help the immune system to perform its tasks.
- Immunostimulantswhich help the functioning of the immune system.
Note!There is no single method for treating labia papillomas. The doctor selects the drugs, their dosages and combinations based on the patient's condition, individually in each specific case.
Removal of papillomas on the labia
Multiple small formations lead to the question of how to get rid of papillomas on the labia using a surgical method. Modern medicine has a large selection of apparatus procedures for destruction:
- Electricity- a rather painful, but affordable method that has proven itself for many years.
- Cryodestruction— removal of formations under the influence of low temperatures.
- A laser— advanced technologies allow you to remove the growth without pain using high temperatures.
- Radio knife- the most modern method, the removal of the papilloma of the labia is carried out using directed radio waves.
Traditional surgical interventions today are used extremely rarely if there is a risk of malignancy or its large size does not allow removal of the papilloma by another method. Excision with a scalpel requires a long period of rehabilitation and can leave a scar afterwards.
Note!All the listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner labia. But in view of the greater sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the labia minora, it is preferable to choose a laser or radio knife to destroy this place.
Traditional medicine against papillomas of the labia
When treating papillomas of the labia with folk recipes, you must follow a number of rules:
- The compositions should be prepared immediately before application to the growth, unless this is specifically indicated in the recipe;
- Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription;
- If during the use of the product a burning sensation appears, the papilloma begins to grow or is deformed, you should stop self-medication and consult a doctor;
- If the papilloma does not disappear within the specified time, you cannot do without the help of a specialist.
The most popular folk recipes for papilloma of the labia are also the simplest. It is recommended to lubricate the growth with calendula or Kalanchoe juice twice a day. After 2-3 weeks you can expect destruction of the papilloma.
Another equally popular recipe is compresses from finely grated potatoes. Only red potato tubers are suitable for treatment. The compress must be replaced with a new one every 12 hours. The procedure is repeated for at least 30 days.
important!The difficulty in calculating the concentration of the drug is the reason why most doctors do not support the treatment of papillomas of the labia using traditional medicine methods. An increased dose of the active substance can lead to irritation of adjacent healthy tissues.
Preventive measures against papillomas of the labia
The appearance of growths in the intimate area is prevented by vaccination against the human papilloma virus. Such vaccinations are not mandatory in post-Soviet countries, but can be given to adolescents at the request of their parents. Vaccines are recommended for girls from 9 to 15 years old, that is, before the start of sexual life.
Also, preventive measures against papilloma of the labia are:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- giving up bad habits, promiscuity;
- proper nutrition and moderate exercise;
- preventive medical examinations;
- refusal of self-treatment of papillomas on other parts of the body.
The appearance of papillomas on the labia indicates not only the presence of a virus in the body, but also systemic malfunctions (reduced immunity, local inflammation or various diseases). Such signals should never be ignored. It is necessary to remove the papillomas of the labia in the early stages, preventing their secondary infection or oncological transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine allows quick and almost painless removal of unpleasant formations.