Papillomas on the labia are pathogenic structures in the intimate area of women caused by one or more genotypes of the papillomavirus. And although not all strains that provoke the formation of tumors in this area are oncogenic, the disease must be treated. Even small growths in such a sensitive area can be damaged and cause many complications. Considering the prevalence of the disease, every woman should know what to do in case of papillomas on the labia, which doctor to consult and what procedures to perform. Special attention should be paid to preventive measures, since practically no one is free from papillomas on the small lips.
Causes of papillomas on the labia
Seeing a photo of papillomas on the labia, the patient should not be blamed for promiscuity. HPV is indeed most often spread through intimate intimacy, but this is not the only possible way for pathogenic microorganisms to reach the patient. HPV can also be transmitted as a result of normal household contact or at birth. In this case, it may happen that the carrier of the virus does not even know about his infection. A person with a well-functioning immune system is a carrier of the disease, but does not find unpleasant growths.
In order for the papillomavirus to begin to manifest itself on the labia in the form of the proliferation of pathogenic formations, a combination of several factors is necessary:
- presence of HPV in the body;
- a decrease in the protective functions of the body;
- a woman's inattention to her own health.
The virus, which is not contained by 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 at an early stage, the protective functions are not restored, then the woman turns to the doctor with a specific question about the removal of papillomas on the labia, and not about the prevention of the disease. . Constant stress, seasonal vitamin deficiency, age-related hormonal imbalance or pregnancy promote the reduction of immunity and, accordingly, the activation of the virus.
Note!Men suffer much less often from formations in the anogenital area, although they are carriers of diseases. The reason for this is also the specific structure of the female genitals, which are more sensitive to the appearance of microcracks and, accordingly, to a local decrease in protective functions.
Symptoms of papillomas on the labia
Whatever the cause of the infection (violation of hygiene rules in public places or unprotected sex), it is important to establish the presence of the disease in time. Treatment in the initial stage is much easier and faster. For this, it is enough to regularly examine the intimate area, as well as visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations.
Photos of papillomas on the labia are easily found on the Internet and can be compared with the developing growth. During a self-exam or routine doctor's visit, you may discover:
- The unit formations- small, flesh-colored seals, rarely exceeding 6 mm in diameter.
- Multiple structures, in appearance, the formations resemble a cockroach. Such growths are evidence of an advanced stage of the disease. If the formations are damaged during normal hygiene procedures, their color may change from flesh to dark brown.
Not all structures are flat, some HPV genotypes cause formations on thin stalks.
Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention are: discomfort or even pain in the intimate area during normal hygiene procedures or sexual intercourse, as well as unusual discharge. The papillomavirus on the labia may initially affect the hidden area of the intimate area.
Self-study of papillomas on the labia 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 treatment methods.
Initial conclusions about papilloma on the labia can be made during a visual examination by a specialist. 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 having a viral infection, will receive a similar test list.
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 for confirming the presence of the virus in the body and determining its strain.
The woman should also visit a gynecologist, as there is a possibility that the activation of the virus caused papillomas not only on the outer labia, but also on the inside of the genitals (vagina, cervix). Therapy is prescribed based on the test results and a general assessment of the patient's health.
Note!Papillomas on the labia may appear under the simultaneous influence of different virus strains, some of them are oncogenic (16, 18, 33 and others). Only a complete test will help identify all active genotypes.
Methods for treating papillomas on the labia
The peculiarity of the treatment of papillomas on the labia is its complex nature. That is, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunostimulating drugs that activate the body's internal reserves to fight the virus (the so-called conservative treatment), and if necessary, hardware procedures are prescribed to remove the formations. Mild growths (one-off and small) can be treated with medication, and sometimes even with compounds recommended by alternative medicine. Thus, early diagnosis greatly simplifies treatment.
Medicines against papillomas on the labia
The main direction of internal drug therapy is aimed at improving protective functions. The body is stimulated from within to fight the virus. For this purpose, the following can be prescribed for papillomas on the labia:
- Antiviral drugs, inhibits the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Immunomodulators, which, thanks to the synthetic elements, help the immune system perform its tasks.
- Immunostimulantswhich help the immune system function.
Note!There is no single method for drug treatment of papillomas on the labia. The doctor selects the drugs, their dosage and combinations based on the patient's condition, in each case individually.
Removal of papillomas on the labia
Several small formations raise the question of how to get rid of papillomas on the labia using a surgical method. Modern medicine has a wide variety of hardware procedures for destruction:
- Electricity- a rather painful, but accessible method that has been proven for years.
- Cryodestruction— removal of formations caused by low temperatures.
- Laser— Advanced technologies allow painless growth removal at high temperatures.
- Radio knife- the most modern method, papilloma removal is performed using radio waves directed at the labia.
Today, traditional surgical interventions are used extremely rarely, if there is a risk of malignancy of the formation or its large size does not allow removal of the papilloma by other methods. Excision with a scalpel requires a long rehabilitation period, and afterwards it can leave a scar.
Note!All of the listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner labia. But due to the greater sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the labia minora, it is advisable to choose a laser or radio knife for destruction in this place.
Traditional medicine against papillomas on the labia
When treating papillomas on the labia with folk recipes, you must follow a number of rules:
- Compositions should be prepared immediately before growth, unless the recipe specifically states this;
- Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription;
- If a burning sensation occurs when using the product, the papilloma begins to grow or deform, you should stop self-medicating and consult a doctor;
- If the papilloma does not go away within the specified time, then you cannot do without the help of a specialist.
The most popular folk recipes for papillomas on the labia are also the simplest. It is recommended to anoint the growth with celandine or Kalanchoe juice twice a day. After 2-3 weeks, the destruction of the papilloma is expected.
Another equally popular recipe is poultice made from finely grated potatoes. Only red potato tubers are suitable for treatment. The poultice must be replaced with a fresh one every 12 hours. The procedure must be 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 on the labia with the methods of traditional medicine. An increased dose of the active substance can lead to irritation of adjacent healthy tissues.
Preventive measures against papillomas on the labia
The appearance of growths in the intimate area is prevented by vaccination against human papillomavirus. Such vaccinations are not mandatory in post-Soviet countries, but can be given to adolescents at the request of their parents. Vaccinations are recommended for girls between the ages of 9 and 15, i. e. before the start of sexual life.
In addition, preventive measures against papilloma on the labia include:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- giving up bad habits, promiscuity;
- proper nutrition and moderate exercise;
- preventive examinations by doctors;
- refusal of self-healing of papillomas in other parts of the body.
The appearance of papillomas on the labia not only indicates the presence of a virus in the body, but also systemic failures (reduced immunity, local inflammation or various diseases). Such signs should never be ignored. Papillomas on the labia should be removed at an early stage, preventing their secondary infection or oncological transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine makes it possible to eliminate unpleasant growths quickly and almost painlessly.