Monicas story
Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and not only. Would you happen to know your results? HPV PCR analysis (type 16, 18, 31, 33.35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) typing and quantitative analysis. I have tested for HPV before. While preparing for pregnancy and during infertility treatment, I took PCR tests twice, and everything was negative each time. The type of research varied and had different names in different laboratories, but it was always PCR diagnostics. Although I haven’t saved all the results, I will show you the last two.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an experimental method of molecular biology that allows one to achieve a significant increase in small concentrations of certain nucleic acid (DNA) fragments in biological material (sample).
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A PCR test for involves taking a scraping from the urethra and cervix. For me, this procedure is some fierce trash. I’m ready to scream, cry and run away from there. My husband leads me by the hand. The procedure is painful. Pain is felt only at the moment of taking. Afterwards, only discomfort remains. But I’m a big coward. I’m afraid of any pain. And I always put off such procedures until the last minute.
Frequency of Checkups
It infuriates me that I must take an HPV exam every year until the age of 30 and then every six months after 30. This is some nonsense, by God. Firstly, pumping out money and a lot of it. Secondly, if I have one partner and I am confident in him, then why on earth would I check every 6 months now? Yes, you can get infected with it through everyday contact, but everyone can get infected through everyday contact. You can’t get enough of everything.
The analysis is paid. Those who have it for free are lucky. We have one. There are no others. You won’t get this in a state clinic.
The analysis and collection of material (yes, you also pay voluntarily for picking at you) cost 500 pounds, with a discount a little cheaper. Still, the prices are about the same everywhere. The only thing is that different laboratories have different research methods and a different number of species being studied. That’s why the price goes up. You can go broke on so much sampling
Quality of the Method
Gynaecologists on Instagram say that it must be of high quality. Those. Either there is or not. If it is positive for at least one type, then you are infected. And it doesn’t matter how much you have there in quantitative terms anymore. The virus is already in the body. My gynaecologist is a simple rural doctor and prescribed what he prescribed.
To take an Exam, you need to prepare
Generally, the doctor should tell you about the preparation in advance or give you a brochure. Last time, they didn’t give me anything, so I somehow miraculously completed everything myself from memory.
Hygiene Instructions
Wait a few days to wash your face with intimate hygiene products. Only water. You will not die, and the result will be accurate. I just wanted to let you know that this is in your interests. Don’t stink.
Urination Guidelines
Do not urinate for three hours before the event. The main thing here is not to schedule the analysis early in the morning. Otherwise, it’s as if you won’t be able to go to the toilet after sleep, and you’ll be stunned, especially if there is still a queue at the laboratory.
Sexual Activity
Do not have sex for 2-3 days before the event.
Medication Restrictions
Do not take the sample if you have taken a course of antibiotics or antivirals. The result may be blurry. Consulting a doctor in this matter is important.
What about Alcohol Consumption?
Do not drink alcohol a couple of days before the checkup.
What’s the Reason for getting checked?
After giving birth, doctors found erosion, and before cauterization, I had to get tested in advance to determine whether a different HPV variant caused it. And if from the virus, then from what type? Is it non-oncogenic or oncogenic? And if it is oncogenic, you need to take a biopsy and send the material for histology. Take it more seriously.
Secondly, if you have it, then supposedly, you need to be treated. Then again, it is believed that the virus cannot be treated, but in our country, they are treated)).
Without a Variant report, no one will remove your erosion, and if the doctor agrees to this, then it is better to run away from her.
How is it performed?
I followed all the required recommendations. However, I arrived at the laboratory on time and immediately took my place in the examination chair. I lay there for a long time without panties until the nurse signed all the flasks and prepared everything. This moment is a little annoying. The air conditioner was working in the room, and I was already freezing, but this is a complaint about my laboratory. Everything will be ok)).
First, they took a sample of my urethra. We poked around there with a stick. Then, we poked around the cervix with a stick. “Poke around” – these are my impressions. I won’t call it anything else. And I felt unpleasant and painful. All this lasted about 10 minutes. The picking took about 4 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Came out offended and wanted some comfort.
How long does the analysis take?
I took the exam at 11 o’clock. The nurse said the result would be ready the next day at 8 am. They will send it to me by mail, or I can pick it up from their laboratory.
The next day, at exactly 8 am, I received a “chain letter” in the mail. In my case, the letter is really happy. Suppose the result is negative for all the methods that were used. You can sear the erosion.
Results 2019
I’m happy with the result, but I can’t help but feel like I’m being deceived somewhere)). If HPV is negative, then just a Pap test once every 6 months during a routine gynaecological examination is enough. If positive results and then, a biopsy is done. In case of erosion, a biopsy is still done. And if, according to world scientists, it cannot be cured, why is there such a massive increase in sampling? What will just knowledge give?!?! If it is not treated. Just an observation!?! Taking your health more seriously? Come on. In Russia, women suffer from all sorts of illnesses for years. No one will get checked yearly, much less once every 6 months.
I don’t like that doctors don’t have a unanimous opinion on this matter.
I’m not talking about the vaccine, which, by the way, I would have given to myself and my daughter. If there is a chance to protect yourself, then why not? But 30 seems a bit late. And we will do it for our daughter, if possible.
An HPV exam is a necessary test, but somehow, taking it every 6 months for women over 30 is insanity. Then you must take all of them every six months, so there is not enough. Where can I get all this money!?!
Stay healthy!