Papillomas in the vagina: symptoms and treatment

1. What do papillomas in the vagina look like?
2. Reasons for appearance
3. Treatment of papillomas in the vagina
   1. Medicines
   2. Hardware removal
   3. Folk remedies
4. Prevention of papillomas in the vagina

Papillomas in the vagina are small formations of a benign nature, localized in the perineal area and on the mucous membranes of the vaginal walls. The cause of the appearance of such nodules, which in medicine are called condylomas, is infection with the human papillomavirus. Treatment of this type of papillomas has its own characteristics, since most external agents and traditional methods cannot be used on mucous membranes.

What do papillomas in the vagina look like?

Photo of papillomas in the vagina

The woman herself has difficulty imagining what papillomas look like inside the vagina; usually the disease is diagnosed accidentally during a gynecological examination.

Sometimes, when growths are localized in the area of ​​the labia and the entrance to the vagina, a woman can feel them while washing or douching. Small condylomas do not manifest themselves in any way and do not cause any discomfort.

Condylomas vary in appearance: they can be pointed or resemble a rooster's comb in shape. There are single papillomas or large fused clusters of growths. Pointed papillomas resemble white fibers on stalks that can burst, in which case a small amount of unpleasant-smelling liquid comes out.

From a medical point of view, papillomas in the vagina are divided into two types:

1. Exophytic. These are formations of a benign nature that stand out above the surface of the mucosa; they are called pointed.
2. Endophytic. Such condylomas grow inside the epithelium; they look flat and are not immediately noticeable. On examination, they are noted as small compactions on the mucous membrane. It is precisely these papillomas in the vagina that are most dangerous, since they can degenerate into malignant tumors.

The color of condylomas can be either light pink or dark brown. As the disease develops, the formations grow and merge into growths that resemble cauliflower inflorescences. Large clusters of papillomas are easily identified visually; in addition, they bring significant discomfort to a woman, especially during sexual intercourse.

When papillomas appear in the vagina, the symptoms of the disease may not be felt by the woman for a long time. Unpleasant sensations increase as the growths grow. During sexual intercourse, they can be injured, in some cases slight bleeding and pain are possible. It is this kind of discomfort that usually forces a woman to consult a gynecologist, who makes a diagnosis.

1. Read also what cervical canal papilloma looks like

Causes of papillomas in the vagina

The cause of the appearance and growth of papillomas in the vagina is infection with papillomavirus. Most often, this localization of condylomas is typical for women who neglect barrier contraceptives. Sometimes a man may not know that he is a carrier of the virus; he often has no symptoms of the disease, but in his partner they begin to appear quite clearly.

It should be said that it is possible to become infected with papillomavirus through protected sexual intercourse, since the carrier of the infection can be present on the skin and hair in the area of ​​the external genitalia of a man. Even minimal contact with a carrier of the virus is sufficient for infection. Infection occurs especially easily when a woman’s body’s defenses are weakened.

The very entry of pathogenic microflora onto the mucous membranes of the female genital organs does not necessarily lead to the development of the disease. Papillomas inside the vagina begin to actively grow under the influence of a number of negative factors:

1. systemic diseases of various etiologies that negatively affect the immune status (infectious diseases, pathologies of the endocrine system, problems with the genitourinary system and others);
2. previous surgical interventions, especially those associated with general anesthesia;
3. excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking;
4. drug addiction, and the immune system is noticeably weakened under the influence of soft drugs and smoking mixtures;
5. promiscuous sex life, frequent change of sexual partners;
6. constant nervous tension, stress, lack of sleep;
7. early pregnancy and childbirth in adolescence;
8. inflammatory processes in the body, chronic sexually transmitted diseases;
9. excessive physical activity, violation of work and rest schedules;
10. unbalanced diet, anorexia, lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.

In addition, the appearance of papillomas in the vagina can also be caused by external reasons, for example, poor environmental conditions or failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.

A catalyst for the activation of papillomavirus and the appearance of condylomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs can be presence of HIV in the body.

1. See also the causes of pubic papillomas

Treatment of papillomas in the vagina

Papillomas in the vagina are only a manifestation of the human papillomavirus, so treatment will be effective when using a whole range of measures. First of all, antiviral drug therapy is carried out, which includes drugs for internal use, including injections, and agents for local use. Traditional medicine recipes also have a certain effect, which can only be used in consultation with the attending physician. Traditional means for external use are also not always suitable for cauterizing vaginal papillomas, since they act too aggressively on such formations and can cause serious burns to the mucous membrane.

Medicines for the treatment of papillomas in the vagina

The photo shows drugs for the treatment of papillomas in the vagina

The choice of drugs for the treatment of papillomas in the vagina depends on the results of the examination, which includes a number of mandatory diagnostic measures: a gynecological examination using mirrors to identify the presence of genital warts, examination using a colposcope, which allows you to see flat growths, analysis for the type of human papillomavirus.

Based on the study and test results, the doctor must prescribe a set of medications for internal and local use. This complex includes antiviral agents, drugs to boost immunity, and agents for directly combating papillomas in the vagina. Among these medications, the most effective ones can be identified:

1. Lycopid. The newest remedy for strengthening the immune system, available in tablet form with a dosage of 1 or 10 mg. The drug has no toxic effect. In addition to boosting immunity, the product has an antitumor effect. Take 1 tablet per day before meals. The cost of a package of 10 tablets with a dosage of 10 mg is on average 1800 rubles. (1300 UAH).
2. Alpizarin. Tablets made from plant materials with antiviral and bacteriostatic effects. When treating papillomas in the vagina, 1 tablet is prescribed 3 times a day. The price of the package reaches 180 rubles. (100 UAH)
3. Isoprinosine. One of the most modern antiviral drugs acting directly on pathogenic microflora. Produced in Israel. It also has an immunomodulatory effect. Available in the form of tablets with a dosage of 500 mg. The course of treatment usually lasts 2 weeks, taking 2 tablets 3 times a day. The cost of a package of 50 tablets averages 1,450 rubles. (630 UAH).
4. Panavir. The product is made on a natural basis, is a strong immunomodulator, and also has pronounced antiviral activity. It is used for local use and is available in various dosage forms, including vaginal suppositories. The price of gel for external use is 750 rubles (210 UAH), candles - 1600 rubles (1300 UAH).

If papillomas are detected in the vagina, only the attending physician can determine how to treat this disease with medication, since each drug has its own contraindications and side effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be sufficient, and vaginal papillomas will disappear after one or more courses of treatment.

1. See also medications for papillomas on the labia

Hardware removal of papillomas in the vagina

Removal of papillomas in the vagina using various hardware techniques is used in cases where drug treatment has not brought the expected result. The choice of method is made by the doctor based on the available equipment and the individual characteristics of the development of the disease.

Modern medicine offers the following methods:

1. Cryodestruction. This is the removal of papillomas using low temperatures. A popular and well-proven method for removing formations on the skin and mucous membranes. The action is based on the ability of liquid nitrogen to destroy the structure of papillomas and stop the process of their growth. Modern clinics use the latest Cryoflow 1000 devices and others with a similar operating principle. The procedure is affordable and popular due to its rapid healing, although it is accompanied by some discomfort during cauterization. The cost of the procedure depends on the level of the clinic, on average it is 360 rubles (150 hryvnia).
2. Laser removal. The most modern, but also the most expensive method of removing papillomas in the vagina. Its advantage is the ability to get rid of condylomas in 1 session with minimal discomfort. Under the influence of a laser beam, the formation on the mucous membrane instantly dries and disappears. The cost of a laser therapy session is on average 2900 rubles (1300 hryvnia).
3. Electrocoagulation. The method of removing papillomas in the vagina is based on the ability of electric current to destroy the structure of growths on the skin and mucous membranes and stop their growth. The cost of the session is 590 rubles (250 hryvnia).
4. Radio wave removal. This is the least painful way to remove papillomas, which is why it is especially popular. Under the influence of radio waves, the DNA of the virus is destroyed, and further reproduction of pathogenic cells becomes impossible. The cost of the procedure is 3,000 rubles (1,200 hryvnia).

Hardware methods for removing papillomas in the vagina are associated with certain difficulties due to the inability to accurately influence growths located deep in the vagina, so only an experienced doctor can carry out the procedure.

1. Read also about surgical intervention for papillomas on the cervix

Folk remedies for papillomas in the vagina

Usually doctors do not object to traditional methods of treating skin papillomas, but formations on the mucous membranes require special caution. This is especially true for papillomas at the entrance to the vagina and on its walls. This localization of growths prevents women from accurately influencing the surface of condylomas, and there is a high risk of burns to surrounding tissues.

Traditional medicine can include sea buckthorn oil, which has a bactericidal effect, ammonia, and tar soap.

It should be understood that traditional methods of treatment are an addition to the main therapy, since they cannot rid a woman of the root cause of condylomas. It is possible to get rid of the human papillomavirus only through long-term systemic treatment under the supervision of a qualified specialist.

1. Read also about traditional medicine for papillomas in pregnant women in intimate places

Prevention of the appearance of papillomas in the vagina

Prevention of the appearance of papillomas in the vagina comes down to following the following recommendations:

1. do not engage in questionable sexual relations without using a condom;
2. if possible, inquire about the health status of your sexual partner;
3. carefully monitor personal hygiene;
4. avoid nervous and physical overload;
5. adhere to a proper diet, eat more fruits and vegetables;
6. consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.

See also types of HPV tests.

How to treat papillomas in the vagina - watch the video:

In conclusion, it should be said that HPV is a very common virus, and not all patients have severe symptoms of infection. The appearance of papillomas in the vagina requires treatment at the earliest stages of the disease, in which case complex therapy can have a good effect.

1. Related article: Which doctor should I see for genital warts?