Papillomas on 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 cause tumors in this area are oncogenic, the disease requires treatment. Even small growths in such a delicate area can be damaged and subsequently cause a number of complications. Given the frequency of the disease, every woman should know what to do if papillomas on the labia occur, which doctor to see and what procedures to undergo. Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures, because practically no one is immune from papillomas on the labia minora.
Causes of papillomas on the labia
After seeing a photo of a papilloma on the labia, one should not accuse the patient of promiscuity. In fact, HPV is most often transmitted through intimate intimacy, but this is not the only way for pathogenic microorganisms to reach a patient. HPV is also transmitted through common household contacts or at the time of birth. In this case, the carrier of the virus may not even be aware of his infection. A person with a well-functioning immune system is a carrier of the disease, but will not notice unpleasant growths on himself.
In order for the papilloma virus 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;
- reduced 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, has a destructive effect on the process of cell division and leads to the formation of benign structures. And if such a process is not stopped in the early stages and the protective functions are not restored, the woman turns to the doctor with a specific question about removing papillomas on the labia, and not with questions about preventing the disease. A decrease in immunity and, as a result, the activation of the virus is promoted by constant stress, seasonal vitamin deficiency, age-related hormonal imbalance or pregnancy.
Take note!Men suffer significantly less often from formations in the anogenital area, although they are carriers of the disease. The reason for this also lies in the specific structure of the female genital organs, which are more susceptible to the occurrence of microcracks and thus to a local impairment of the protective functions.
Symptoms of papillomas on the labia
Regardless of the cause of the infection (violation of hygiene standards in public places or unprotected sexual intercourse), it is important to determine 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 and visit a gynecologist for a preventive examination.
Photos of papillomas on the labia can be easily found online and compared with a developing growth. A self-examination or a routine visit to the doctor may reveal the following:
- Unit formations- small flesh-colored seals, the diameter of which rarely exceeds 6 mm.
- Multiple structuresIn appearance, the formations resemble a cockscomb. Such growths indicate an advanced stage of the disease. If the formations are injured during usual hygiene procedures, their color may change from fleshy to dark brown.
Not all structures are flat in shape; some HPV genotypes provoke the formation of formations on a thin stalk.
Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention include discomfort and even pain in the intimate area when performing usual hygiene procedures or during sexual intercourse, as well as unusual discharge. The papilloma virus on the labia can initially affect the hidden area of the intimate area.
Self-study of photos of papillomas on the labia and recognition of similar formations will not eliminate the need to visit a doctor. Only a thorough diagnosis will help find out the true cause of the disease and determine the best treatment methods.
The first conclusions about a papilloma on the labia can be drawn during a visual examination by a specialist. However, the final diagnosis is made after a series of tests that determine 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, is given a similar list of tests.
List of tests:
- Blood and urine to assess general health;
- Tissue biopsy for already formed growths;
- PCR test and Digen test are narrow profile tests to confirm the presence of the virus in the body and determine its strain.
In addition, the woman should consult a gynecologist, since there is a possibility that as a result of the activation of the virus, papillomas have appeared not only on the outer labia, but also on the inside of the genital organs (vagina, cervix). Based on the test results and the general assessment of the patient's health, therapy is prescribed.
Take note!Papillomas on the labia can occur under the simultaneous influence of various virus strains, some of which are oncogenic (16, 18, 33 and others). Only a complete examination helps to identify all active genotypes.
Methods for treating papillomas on the labia
A distinctive feature of the treatment of papillomas on the labia is their complexity. That is, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunostimulating drugs to activate the body's reserves to fight the virus (the so-called conservative treatment), and if necessary, hardware procedures to remove formations are prescribed. Mild growths (single and small) can also be treated with medication and, in some cases, even with preparations recommended by alternative medicine. Early diagnosis therefore simplifies treatment considerably.
Medication for papillomas on the labia
The main course of internal drug therapy is aimed at improving protective functions. The body is stimulated to fight the virus from within. For this purpose, for papillomas on the labia, the following can be prescribed:
- Antiviral drugs, suppression of the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Immunomodulators, which support the immune system in fulfilling its tasks thanks to synthetic elements.
- Immunostimulantsthat support the function of the immune system.
Take note!There is no uniform drug treatment method for papillomas on the labia. The doctor selects the drugs, their dosage and combinations individually depending on the patient's condition.
Removal of papillomas on the labia
Several small formations lead to the question of how to remove papillomas on the labia using the surgical method. Modern medicine has a wide range of hardware methods of destruction:
- Electrical current- a rather painful but accessible method that has proven itself for many years.
- Cryodestruction— Removal of formations under the influence of low temperatures.
- Laser— Advanced technologies enable the growth to be removed painlessly at high temperatures.
- radio knife- The most modern method, the removal of papillomas on the labia is carried out using directed radio waves.
Traditional surgical interventions are now used extremely rarely if there is a risk of malignancy of the formation or its size does not allow the papilloma to be removed using another method. Removal with a scalpel requires a long rehabilitation period and can leave a scar afterwards.
Take note!All of the listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner labia. However, due to the greater sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the labia minora, it is preferable to choose a laser or radio knife for destruction at this point.
Traditional medicine for papillomas on the labia
When treating papillomas on the labia with folk recipes, you must follow a number of rules:
- The compositions must be prepared immediately before application to the growth unless specifically stated in the recipe;
- Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the recipe;
- If at the time of using the product there is a burning sensation, the papilloma begins to grow or deform, you must stop self-medication and consult a doctor;
- If the papilloma does not disappear within the allotted time period, 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 lubricate the growth with celandine or Kalanchoe juice twice a day. After 2-3 weeks, the destruction of the papilloma can be expected.
Another equally popular recipe is compresses made from finely grated potatoes. Only red potato tubers are suitable for treatment. The compress must be replaced with a fresh one every 12 hours. The process is repeated for at least 30 days.
Important!The difficulty of calculating the concentration of the drug is the reason why most doctors do not support the treatment of papillomas on the labia using methods of traditional medicine. An increased dose of the active ingredient can lead to irritation of neighboring healthy tissues.
Preventive measures against papillomas on 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 parents. Vaccinations are recommended for girls aged 9 to 15, i. e. before the start of sexual activity.
In addition, preventive measures against papillomas on the labia include:
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- giving up bad habits, promiscuity;
- proper nutrition and moderate exercise;
- preventive examinations by doctors;
- Refusal to self-treat 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 disorders (decreased immunity, local inflammation or various diseases). Such signals should never be ignored. It is necessary to remove papillomas on the labia in the early stages in order to prevent their secondary infection or oncological transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine makes it possible to quickly and almost painlessly eliminate unpleasant growths.