Women get the suffering: one woman's HPV story

HPV is virtually incurable, but vaccination provides a realistic means of protection. The price for a single shot in Russia ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles ($100–$200 at current rates), depending on the region and clinic. A full course consists of 2–3 injections — depending on the chosen drug. A reader of MSK1.RU shared her story of fighting the virus. We explain why HPV is dangerous, how the vaccine works, and when it can be administered.

According to statistics, up to 80% of sexually active people may carry the virus. Data from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation indicate that the detection rate of oncogenic HPV types in Russia ranges from 13% to 40%. Meanwhile, around 600,000 new cases of cervical cancer resulting from HPV infection are registered worldwide each year.

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

“My history with the virus has lasted five years. The most frustrating part is that I didn’t contract it through sexual contact. That would have been a story at least. The virus was transmitted from my mother. I found out about it after a visit to the gynecologist when I had tests,” 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 was ‘clean.’ As the doctors explained, he has strong immunity. My treatment lasted about six months. There were various medications, procedures, tests. Overall, not the most pleasant thing that happened to me. But it helped. Indeed, after several months of fighting, the titers went down, and I breathed a sigh of relief.”

Following the doctor«s advice, 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. — Editor»s note).

“I thought I’d just do my usual tests: cytology and HPV test. And then, like a bolt from the blue, the doctor blurted out the titer and precancerous condition. To say I was scared is an understatement. They prescribed me pills again and sent me for additional tests and colposcopy. The results showed no titers, but they left mild dysplasia. How did that happen? The doctors shrugged their shoulders, citing problems in the lab, stress, 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 drug helps prevent infection with other types of the virus and reduces the risk of other HPV-associated diseases. On the advice of doctors, Rita has only managed to get one shot so far.

“The injection is given in the left shoulder. It hurts a bit, but not as much as paying 17,000 rubles ($170 at current rates) for one shot. They decided to give me Gardasil. I’ll need two more shots: one in a month, the second in two months. Then more tests and a check on the dysplasia.”

What is HPV and why is it dangerous

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

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

“But some strains behave very unpredictably and aggressively. When they get onto the surface of the cervix, they can cause cancer, which for a long time remains virtually asymptomatic,” the doctor explains.

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

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 is the virus transmitted

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

“The virus is transmitted through contact, primarily sexual. It is not transmitted from mother to fetus,” the expert says.

Olga Kaplina takes a more cautious stance. According to her, most people do become infected during intimacy, but the probability of transmitting the infection to a child does exist, although it remains very low.

Can HPV be cured

There is currently 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 Erofeeva 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.

“The body seems to ‘not see’ the threat. That’s why the vaccine helps build immune protection,” she clarifies.

Experts emphasize that even in the absence of complaints, women should undergo regular preventive check-ups. During reproductive age, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist every six months, and later at least once a year. During the visit, the doctor may order a cytological exam, and if necessary, a colposcopy, which magnifies the cervix for assessment.

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 its results, the doctor decides whether additional examinations, including colposcopy, are needed,” the specialist explains.

In state women«s clinics or outpatient clinics at the place of registration, women aged 21 to 49 can undergo free HPV testing. Screening helps identify 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 require a visit to the doctor,” notes Lyubov Erofeeva.

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 it protects against infection with other HPV types. It is optimal to get vaccinated between ages 9 and 14, but vaccination can be done later, even if a person is already a carrier of one strain,” says Olga Kaplina.

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

“Men are carriers, they can bring this disease. Women get the full bouquet of suffering. Therefore, we initially protect the victim, so to speak,” the expert concludes.

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

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