Gabriela’s story 

I don’t know what was scarier—going for the analysis or opening the results. Shame, fear, and bad thoughts flooded my mind. In reality, it was just a matter of one or two steps to get dressed and face the results: 14 oncogenic types and the study findings. Hand on heart, all my life, I lived and didn’t want to think about how HPV differs from HIV, to whom, why, and most importantly, how to take this test. Until the time has come…

Background or how to get checked for free?

I hope that by reading this review, you already know what Papilloma is and the purpose of this research. If not, I strongly suggest that you do not bother yourself and do not delve into this analysis.

Every time I came to my next appointment with the gynaecologist, the doctor mentioned the presence of a slight ectopia (erosion) of the cervix.

Well, there is, I thought. Neither conservative nor surgical treatment was offered, and I didn’t care about this. So about a year and a half passed, during which every doctor mentioned a slight erosion until I disappeared from the hospital radar for about 6 months.

And so, when I appeared again, my gynaecologist looked at me with wide eyes and was already repeating about a large cervical ectopia… It was naive to believe, of course, that it would resolve, I thought. But what we have, we have. So I was sent for a bunch of kits, among which was a study of oncogenic types of the variant.

Thus, getting a referral for a free HPV test is not difficult. Only more than 10 oncogenic types exist (the most dangerous), and the antenatal clinic referral only identifies the two most dangerous types.

What was pleasing was that the validity of the referral was designed for 44 days. And this is good, because every woman has a different menstrual cycle, and therefore such a long period for taking the exam is only handy.

Preparing for the study

There is an incredible amount of information on how to prepare for research.

Even though most of what I read on the site is complete nonsense. The doctor sending you for the exams will tell you the basics. Here’s what was important:

  • Avoid taking antibiotics and antibacterial drugs at least 2 weeks before the checkup;
  • The day before the sampling, do not wash yourself with any intimate hygiene products, only water. An exam should be performed no earlier than 2-3 days after colposcopy;
  • Avoid sexual contact the day before and on the day of the study;
  • Take the sample no earlier than on the 5th day of the cycle.

That’s it; these simple recommendations are more than enough to get tested for HPV.

Determination

Since there are many more oncogenic types than 2, and I still want to sleep peacefully, I decided to ignore the free referral for research and undergo the test for a fee.

Research on the types can be qualitative or quantitative. I think qualitatively is not very relevant because the result will only come as an answer, saying that you have it or that you don’t.

And if there is, then how much? Which one? The answer will remain open.

Therefore, I chose a differentiated (qualitative and quantitative) determination of the DNA. Human papillomavirus.

For 14 types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68) + CME in scrapings of epithelial cells of the urogenital tract.

The cost of the study is 1,040 rubles;

The cost of taking biomaterial is 280 rubles.

In total, the study for 14 oncogenic types of HPV cost me 1,320 rubles. The lab prepares the analysis within 3 working days. You can pick up the results at any medical clinic office or receive them electronically by mail.

Biomaterial

I don’t know how it happened, but the referral from the antenatal clinic indicated that the lab had taken scrapings from the urethra.

The doctor actually took the scraping from the vagina, specifically from the cervical canal, which is located inside the vagina.

Procedure for determining gene

Getting ready for analysis, I was, of course, shaking like a maple leaf. All because 7 days before, I had to undergo a colposcopy in a public hospital, and I didn’t like it. But, as it turned out, everything was in vain.

Moreover, after reading that I needed to get checked no earlier than 2-3 hours after urinating, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t even drink. I drink, want to write, and then wait a couple of hours. So-so idea, in general. But I did it.

I came to the clinic and sat down in a chair. I didn’t have any additional accessories, but at the paid clinic, they laid a disposable diaper on the chair for me.

She stripped down to the waist and climbed onto a chair. I became even more afraid. And here again – in vain!

The doctor took out a disposable plastic mirror, carefully inserted it, took a scraping and told me to get dressed. Everything took at most 2 minutes. Moreover, it is completely painless and without any discomfort.

Finally, I tried to figure out how to treat it if something happened. The doctor kindly answered that we need to solve problems as they arise. Therefore, wait for the results, and then we will all be treated—he, you, and I.

For some reason, she mentioned that it can also spread through a condom, and this overshadowed the joy of an easily tolerated procedure with sad thoughts.

Getting the right results

They promised me the results on the third working day after lunch (Wednesday evening, after lunch, when the jungle is calling you). When the phone rang a day earlier, and I saw the sender, my hands shook. What if so? And what if not type 1? What should I do after all?

For some time, I didn’t even dare open the results; I didn’t want to divide my life into “before” and “after.” But curiosity got the better of me, and I pointed to the letter I had received.

Oh God, I wanted to dance a jig, but what, what’s at work? It doesn’t matter that today he’s not here, but tomorrow he’s here. It is an extremely cunning virus that can appear when immunity decreases or disappear when immunity is restored.

Moreover, if the virus can even spread through a contraceptive, then how can you protect yourself?

An interpretation additionally accompanies the analysis results. This will be relevant if you don’t take enough material or cannot decipher it.

My impressions

In my opinion, you need to get tested for HPV only when indicated. Why else? Ectopia, erosion, and other changes in the cervix—yes, it’s worth getting tested to protect yourself. But how to protect it? 50% say it cannot be cured. And the other 50% are ready to heal to the point of white heat, let it take at least 5, at least 7, at least 10 years.

In addition, it spreads through very extensive routes. And, of course, from mother to child. In general, horror, and that’s all.

I can only add that the procedure is painless and does not cause discomfort. But treating (or ignoring) HPV is a completely different story…

Health to you!