Girls need to get the virus checkup at least once a year. Do you?

Real People Stories – Alina

It’s a painless test. How do you prepare for it, and what to do if HPV is detected? 

Every girl needs to get a test for HPV at least once a year. Since it is included in a comprehensive analysis of sexually transmitted infections (STI) from most test centres, it’s easy to do. I had to undergo an analysis before the cauterization of erosion, and the results were clear. However, a couple of years later, the erosion reappeared, and further testing revealed the presence of STDs. I have been aware of the presence of HPV in my body for over 6 years, and I am willing to share my knowledge about the virus with you.

The abbreviation for human papillomavirus is HPV. This is a rather insidious virus; it can manifest itself by external signs in papillomas or may not manifest itself until a certain time. There are many types of variants, but the most terrible ones are oncogenic.

Determination method:

PCR with real-time detection.

Collecting biomaterial is the same as getting a gynaecological smear, which should not cause discomfort. However, when you take the STI test for a fee, they may also take a smear from your urethra, which can be unpleasant but only takes a split second.

Preparation:

When getting tested for anal STIs, I was not informed about any special preparation. However, I later discovered that pre-digestion is necessary because the sample size is small.

When collecting a urethral scraping for STI testing, it’s important to collect the sample before or no earlier than 2 to 3 hours after urination. Additionally, it’s necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse for several days before providing the sample.

Deadline:

Things happen much faster in other cities, but the free analysis results take 10 days here. Paid analysis yields results in 2-3 days.

Results:

When I first learned about the presence of HPV a long time ago, I received a negative test result in a private clinic, which was surprising and made me happy. Previously, the analysis always showed the presence of the virus.

After 3 weeks, I took the test for the presence of the virus variant again and received a positive result. The clinic couldn’t explain how this could happen. During this period, my immune system was not weakened enough to awaken the virus, although theoretically, it could have been dormant. Therefore, it’s important not to trust and double-check all the results.

I also took STI tests for viral load, which cost less. It’s recommended to get one if you already know you have HPV. Not every gynaecologist prescribes a stress test, but monitoring how aggressive the virus is is necessary.

Unfortunately, HPV cannot be cured. You can only temporarily “put it to sleep.” Therefore, it is necessary to monitor your health carefully.

Cytology tests are also necessary. You should have liquid-based cytology at least once a year, as well as a colonoscopy and other prescribed examinations.

I recommend testing for HPV to all girls, especially those of childbearing age. If you plan to have children, I highly recommend this STD test. Before pregnancy, I checked the viral load, took a course of medications and received injections, but the child was born with an external manifestation of HPV.

Bianca – Prevent uterine disease

I’ll explain some medical topics, specifically the Smear Test, how it’s done, and the results. When the STD nurse signed me up for free testing, it was my third smear test. I used to get the test done every 3 years, and after turning 64 years old, it became every 5 years.

The test, also known as the cervical smear exam, detects cancer cells in a woman’s uterus. I live in Wales, and the National Health System (NHS) provides this testing.

When it’s time for the first or subsequent examination, the clinic sends an invitation letter saying, “You are now due for your Cervical STD Screening (smear) test.” You need to call your local nurse practitioner and make an appointment. The receptionist will give you the appointment time over the phone. If that time doesn’t work, you can ask for a different one—this is normal.

The letter also includes a brochure containing all the necessary information, explanations, and important indicators. It’s useful to read it. However, you can’t do the test during menstruation.

How did you prepare?

Of course, you must wear clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, decent underwear.

 The next question is quite intimate—what to do with your pubic hair? My husband, for example, answered, “Everyone has it.”

The doctor said the same thing. But naturally, in my opinion, it is better to remove the excess since it is not very pleasant for me.

I always arrive at my STD appointment in advance to calm down and not be nervous so the receptionist knows I am there.

I recommend being in the hall 15 minutes earlier.

Inside the premises, individuals must refrain from taking photographs and turn off their cell phones.

How does the procedure work?

A qualified nurse administers the test, typically with experience in childbirth.

When the nurse called me, she escorted me to the office, instructed me to sit, and posed several essential questions.

For instance, knowing the date of the last menstruation is crucial, and this question will be posed.

This will reduce discomfort and allow the doctor to conduct the test more calmly and confidently.

Each STD nurse has her own established practice; from experience, it’s not unpleasant. The test can be stopped at any time.

 General feelings

After lying on the special bed, the STI nurse offered to cover me with a towel. Next, she positioned my legs correctly to minimize unpleasant complications and recommended the necessary steps. It’s reassuring that this HPV procedure involves constant communication and trust.

The next step involves carefully inserting the expander with a smear sampling brush. This step may seem unpleasant, but the sensations are completely painless. On the contrary, the most unpleasant thing is what precedes it.

The entire STD sampling process takes about 2 minutes.

Next, the nurse quickly collects and packages the results to the laboratory. STD results usually come after 2-4 weeks of taking the test, but I was told in reserve that the time frame is 4 to 6 weeks.

The HPV result comes in writing. If changes in cell structure are detected, a follow-up study will be conducted in a year. If it reveals serious problems, a referral to the STI hospital will follow.

I recommend it!