Vaginal polyps: causes, symptoms, treatment
The content of the article:
- The reasons
- Symptoms
-
Diagnostics
Differences between polyps and papillomas
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Video
Vaginal polyps are a fairly common pathology that, with timely diagnosis and treatment, does not pose a serious danger. It is more common in women who have given birth after 40 years, although there are cases at a younger age.
Vaginal polyps can develop in women of different ages
A polyp is a benign neoplasm that forms from the cells of the mucous membrane of the cavity organs (endometrium, intestines, vagina, gallbladder, bladder, etc.). As it grows, it rises above the mucous membrane, acquiring one of the characteristic forms. The body of the polyp can be attached with a narrow, elongated leg or a wide base.
This type of neoplasm can be single or multiple, in the latter case, the disease is called polyposis.
Polyps are dangerous due to some peculiarities: located in the uterus, they can lead to infertility. At any localization, bleeding with subsequent anemization, necrosis (a sharp violation of blood circulation), and infection with inflammation can be complicated. In rare cases, neoplasms are malignant, degenerating from a benign form to a malignant one.
The reasons
The etiology of the disease is not fully understood. One of the widespread theories is the presence of previous inflammatory processes in the vagina.
The reasons for the appearance of polyps on the vaginal wall can be:
- mechanical damage to the membranes of the vagina during childbirth, medical interventions, etc. The healing of gross wounds of the mucous membrane is often accompanied by the formation of scar tissue, which can become the basis for these formations;
- dyshormonal states (violation of hormonal levels), which can be triggered by stress, abortion, miscarriage, gynecological surgery, childbirth, uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs, etc.;
- other neuroendocrine pathologies, obesity;
- inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane caused by sexually transmitted diseases and other infectious agents;
- violation of the biocenosis of the vagina;
- burdened heredity.
Symptoms
The beginning of the formation of pathology almost always remains invisible for a woman, since it does not cause any symptoms. Often a woman finds out about the presence of a growth during ultrasound diagnostics of the pelvic organs or during a preventive examination by a gynecologist.
Pathology can be manifested by pulling pains in the groin area
However, in some cases, a neoplasm may manifest with the following symptoms:
- the presence of pinkish discharge, especially after intercourse;
- discomfort during intercourse, less often - dyspareunia (pain during intercourse);
- discomfort and pain during a pelvic exam;
- pulling pain in the groin area;
- violation of the menstrual cycle;
- infertility;
- bleeding from the genital tract (intermenstrual bleeding, heavy and prolonged menstruation).
Diagnostics
Diagnostics is practically not difficult, since a neoplasm in the vagina can be seen by a gynecologist with the naked eye when examined with a gynecological mirror.
During a gynecological examination, swabs are taken from the patient for the flora, allowing to suspect infection with bacterial agents. In case of doubtful results, it is recommended to additionally carry out bacteriological inoculation (inoculation of the contents of the vagina on a nutrient medium).
To clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is prescribed
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed to exclude other gynecological pathology or extravaginal localization of polyps in the organs of the female reproductive system. If necessary, the doctor takes a photo.
It is justified to carry out colposcopy using a special optical device - a colposcope. The diagnostic method allows you to carefully examine the mucous membrane, take a targeted biopsy of the affected tissue area, followed by its histological and cytological examination.
Differences between polyps and papillomas
Polyps should be differentiated from papillomas. The latter are considered more dangerous in terms of oncological alertness.
The main differences are:
| Properties | Polyps | Papillomas |
| Visual differences | A polyp looks like a smooth, rounded protrusion on a pedicle or broad base | Papillomas are characterized by a specific form of cauliflower |
| Localization | Localized exclusively on mucous membranes | Papillomas have an epidermal location (on the skin), possibly overgrowth in the run-up to the vagina |
| Causes of occurrence | They can form as a result of inflammatory or mechanical damage to the mucous membrane, in case of hormonal imbalance |
Their appearance is clearly associated with the persistence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the vaginal epithelium. |
HPV is highly contagious, it is transmitted through unprotected intercourse (without the use of barrier methods of contraception) or during childbirth from mother to child, if the mother is a carrier of the virus. Infection through common hygiene items is possible, but since the virus is highly unstable in the environment, in this case the risk is lower.
Polyps must be differentiated from human papillomavirus
Persistence of oncogenic HPV strains significantly increases the likelihood of malignant neoplasms, including cervical cancer. Polyps are not transmitted sexually or in any other way; malignancy is extremely rare (in 1% of cases).
Treatment
Conservative therapy is carried out depending on the etiological factor that has become the triggering mechanism in the formation of a pathological formation. If colpitis caused by pathogenic bacteria is detected, local or oral antibacterial treatment is prescribed.
A diagnosed fungal infection of the mucous membrane requires the appointment of fungicidal drugs (in the form of vaginal suppositories or oral agents).
Surgical treatment of vaginal polyps is carried out under local anesthesia, includes their complete removal and is represented by the following methods:
| Method name | Features: |
| Electrocoagulation | An effective and safe method, in which the formation is separated by applying a current, while simultaneously coagulating the vessels |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is targeted to the affected area, which leads to its instant necrosis. The necrotic object falls off on its own within a few hours |
| Chemical removal | It consists in the point application of special chemicals to the affected area, followed by its denaturation |
| Mechanical removal | The most traumatic method, therefore it is rarely used. The affected tissue is removed with a scalpel, leaving behind a wound surface, which can later become infected |
| Laser removal | The beam removes the formation by burning it out |
It should be noted that even with adequate conservative and surgical treatment, relapses still occur, which also need to be treated, however, various methods of surgical therapy can be used.
Prevention
Observation by a gynecologist with regular (at least once a year) examinations and the delivery of cytological smears and smears for the flora will allow timely diagnosis and full therapy even before the onset of symptoms and before the formation of complications (infertility, necrosis, infection, etc.).
Self-medication and treatment with folk remedies, especially with pronounced symptoms, will be ineffective, and sometimes can lead to unpredictable consequences. Therefore, immediately after detecting at least a few signs, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Video
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Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
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