Arkhangelsk Woman's HPV: Regular Checks, Vaccine Dilemma

It is nearly impossible to cure HPV, but it is quite possible to protect yourself through vaccination. Prices for one shot in Russia range from 10–20 thousand rubles ($111–$222 at current rates), depending on the region and clinic. A full course consists of 2–3 injections, depending on the chosen vaccine. A reader of MSK1.RU shared her story of fighting the virus. We explain how dangerous HPV is, how the vaccine works, and when to get it.

According to statistics, the virus can be present in 80% of sexually active people. Data from the Russian Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation) shows that the detection rate of oncogenic HPV types in Russia ranges from 13% to 40%. Meanwhile, about 600,000 new cases of cervical cancer caused by HPV infection are registered worldwide each year.

As noted by gynecologist-surgeon and assistant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Institute of Surgery of Pirogov University, Vladislav Taranov, there are about 100 subtypes of HPV. The most dangerous are types 16 and 18, which account for 55–60% and 10–15% of cervical cancer cases, respectively.

— My story with the virus has been going on for five years. The worst part is that I didn’t get it through sexual contact. At least then there would be a story. The virus was passed to me from my mother. I found out about it after a visit to the gynecologist when I had tests done, — Rita told a correspondent of MSK1.RU.

Rita was diagnosed with a dangerous type. Under such conditions, treatment must be immediate. The doctor immediately warned the girl that the virus would only go into ‘hibernation’.

— My partner also got tested, and he turned out to be ‘clean’. As the doctors explained, he has strong immunity. My treatment lasted about six months. There were various medications, procedures, and tests. Overall, not the most pleasant thing that happened to me. But it helped. Indeed, after several months of struggle, the titers disappeared, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, on the advice of the doctor, Rita got checked every six months. Everything was fine until three months ago when the virus returned. But this time, in addition to the virus, dysplasia appeared (a precancerous condition in which atypical cells appear on the mucous membrane. — Ed. note).

— I thought I would do everything as usual: cytology and an HPV test. And then, like a bolt from the blue, they told me I had titers and a precancerous condition. ‘Scared’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. They prescribed pills again and sent me for additional tests and a colposcopy. The results showed no titers, but mild dysplasia remained. How did that happen? The doctors threw up their hands, blaming lab issues, nerves, and so on. I understood only one thing: the female body is a mystery.

Nevertheless, as a preventive measure, Rita was sent for vaccination — the vaccine helps prevent infection with other virus types and reduces the risk of other HPV-associated diseases. On the advice of doctors, Rita has so far only had one shot.

— The shot is given in the left shoulder. It hurts a bit, but not as much as paying 17,000 rubles ($189) for one vaccination. They decided to give me Gardasil. I will need two more shots — one in a month, the second in two months. Then again tests and a check for dysplasia.

What is HPV and why is it dangerous

Rita’s story is just one example of how the human papillomavirus (HPV) manifests. We asked doctors to explain how dangerous this infection is, how it is transmitted, and whether the vaccine can actually protect against serious consequences.

According to obstetrician-gynecologist and WHO expert Lyubov Yerofeyeva, HPV is one of the most common viral infections. However, it is not always a disease — many people are only carriers.

— But some strains behave very unpredictably and aggressively. Once on the surface of the cervix, they can cause cancer, which for a long time is almost asymptomatic, — the doctor explains.

Obstetrician-gynecologist and endocrinologist Olga Kaplina clarifies that more than 200 types of HPV are known today. The most dangerous are considered to be types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45, as they are associated with the development of cancer.

Moreover, the virus is dangerous not only for women but also for men: HPV causes cancer of the cervix, vagina, penis, and anal area.

How the virus is transmitted

The main route of HPV transmission is sexual contact. But the question of whether the virus can be transmitted from mother to child remains a subject of debate. For example, according to Lyubov Yerofeyeva, intrauterine infection is impossible.

— The virus is transmitted through contact, mainly sexual. It is not transmitted from mother to fetus, — the expert says.

Olga Kaplina takes a more cautious position. According to her, most people are indeed infected during intimacy, but the likelihood of transmission to a child still exists, although it remains very low.

Can HPV be cured?

There is no specific treatment that would completely rid a person of the virus.

— In 80% of cases, the body can clear HPV on its own over several years. But the longer the virus persists in the body, the higher the risk of developing cancer. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, and methods to completely cure HPV have not yet been developed, — notes Olga Kaplina.

Lyubov Yerofeyeva explains that the virus hides in the mucous membranes and does not circulate in the blood, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize it.

— The body essentially ‘does not see’ the threat. That is why the vaccine helps build immune protection, — she clarifies.

At the same time, experts emphasize that even in the absence of complaints, women should undergo regular preventive check-ups. During reproductive age, a gynecologist visit is recommended every six months, later at least once a year. During the visit, the doctor may order a cytological examination, and if necessary, a colposcopy, which allows a magnified assessment of the cervix.

How does HPV manifest?

The virus does not always make itself known. According to Olga Kaplina, laboratory tests help determine its presence.

«A PCR test is used for diagnosis. Based on the results, the doctor decides whether additional examinations, including colposcopy, are needed,» — the specialist explains.

Meanwhile, at a state women’s health clinic or polyclinic at their place of registration, women aged 21 to 49 can undergo free HPV diagnostics. The screening can detect the most dangerous strains that can lead to cancer.

It is important to remember that some types of infection can also manifest externally.

— The virus can cause the appearance of condylomas and warts. Such growths definitely require a visit to a doctor, — notes Lyubov Yerofeyeva.

Can the vaccine eliminate the virus?

Doctors emphasize: the vaccine does not treat an existing infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of infection with the most dangerous HPV types and the development of associated cancers.

«Vaccination should be given to both women and men. It does not eliminate an existing virus, but protects against infection with other HPV types. Ideally, vaccination should be done between the ages of 9 and 14, but it can be done later, even if a person is already a carrier of one of the strains,» — says Olga Kaplina.

Lyubov Yerofeyeva notes that historically, vaccination was primarily aimed at girls, since HPV more often leads to severe consequences in women.

«Men are carriers, they can bring this disease. Women get the whole bouquet of suffering. Therefore, we initially protect the victim, so to speak,» — the expert concludes.

As Lyubov Yerofeyeva explained, in 2027, Russia plans to include HPV vaccination in the national immunization schedule. This will make it free. Currently, imported vaccines are registered and used in the country — Gardasil and Cervarix.

Read about what steps to take to prevent cancer and how often you need to get tested.

More about cancer

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Recall that Vladimir Putin, after visiting Arkhangelsk Oblast in the summer of 2025, in a conversation with Governor Alexander Tsybulsky drew attention to the issue of oncology in the region.

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