What are the symptoms of HPV infection in women

Women infected with cervical HPV may experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased secretions, and contact bleeding. HPV infection is mainly caused by high-risk HPV16, HPV18, etc., and may manifest as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, genital warts and other lesions.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse is a common symptom during non-menstrual periods, which may be related to the abnormal proliferation of cervical epithelial cells caused by HPV infection. Accompanying symptoms include dull pain in the lower abdomen or soreness in the lumbosacral region. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed through cervical TCT examination combined with HPV typing test. After diagnosis, recombinant human interferon α2b suppository, Baofukang suppository, anti-HPV biological protein dressing and other drugs can be used for local treatment as directed by the doctor.

2. Increased secretions

If the amount of leucorrhea increases and is purulent or bloody, accompanied by a peculiar smell, you need to be alert to HPV infection combined with bacterial infection. This condition is common in cervicitis caused by persistent high-risk HPV infection, which may be accompanied by vulvar itching or burning sensation. It is recommended to conduct vaginal microecological testing, and follow the doctor's advice to use drugs such as Sophora flavescens gel and clindamycin phosphate vaginal effervescent tablets to control inflammation.

3. Contact bleeding

Cervical surface bleeding after gynecological examination or sexual contact may indicate cervical erosion or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Such symptoms are mostly related to the abnormal proliferation of cervical blood vessels caused by HPV infection, and may be accompanied by pain during intercourse. Colposcopy biopsy is required to confirm the extent of the disease, and physical treatments such as laser and cryotherapy are used if necessary.

4. Cervical vegetations

Exophytic HPV infection may form cauliflower-shaped or papillary condyloma acuminata, which are commonly found on the cervix or vaginal wall. Such lesions are caused by low-risk HPV6, HPV11, etc., and may be accompanied by blood-streaked secretions. After diagnosis, podophyllotoxin ointment, imiquimod cream and other drugs or carbon dioxide laser can be used to remove warts.

5. Asymptomatic infection

About 70% of HPV infections have no symptoms and are only discovered during physical examination. This condition is common in young women with normal immune systems, and the virus can often be cleared by the body on its own. However, HPV and TCT still need to be reviewed regularly. Persistent infection may progress to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or even cervical cancer.

It is recommended that women of appropriate age receive the HPV vaccine to prevent infection, and women who are sexually active should undergo annual cervical cancer screening. Keeping the vulva clean and dry, avoiding multiple sexual partners, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help enhance immunity and promote virus clearance. If abnormal symptoms occur, you should seek medical treatment promptly and avoid using unproven vaginal douching products or health care products.