What HPV is and how it spreads
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 viruses. Some cause warts on the skin and mucous membranes. Others, the high-risk types, can lead to precancerous changes and cancer. HPV spreads through skin and sexual contact, including intimate contact without intercourse. Condoms lower the risk but do not remove it. Almost everyone who is sexually active meets the virus at some point.
HPV symptoms
Most of the time there are no symptoms: according to WHO, the body clears the infection on its own in about 90% of people. When signs do appear, they are usually warts or genital warts on the skin and mucous membranes, sometimes itching or discomfort in the genital area. Precancerous changes of the cervix cause no symptoms at all and are found only during an exam and screening.
Why HPV matters
The risk comes from long-lasting infection with high-risk types. They cause nearly all cervical cancers and some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and throat. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with a vaccine and caught early with screening. HPV is not a sentence, though: most infections go away by themselves.
Diagnosis and treatment
For women, prevention rests on regular cervical screening: a cytology (Pap) test and/or an HPV test. WHO suggests starting screening at around age 30 and repeating it every 5 to 10 years; your gynecologist will set your schedule. Men and women with warts can see a dermatologist, gynecologist or urologist.
There is no drug that destroys the virus itself. Doctors treat its effects: warts can be removed by several methods, and precancerous changes of the cervix are monitored or treated as the doctor decides. Do not cut off or burn growths with home remedies.
HPV vaccine in Georgia
The vaccine protects against the most dangerous virus types and works best before sexual activity begins. WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14, usually with one or two doses. Georgia's national immunization calendar includes HPV vaccination for children aged 10 to 12, both girls and boys, in two doses at least 6 months apart (Minister's Order No. 01-60/n as amended by Order No. 52/n of July 13, 2023). Calendar vaccines are free for children under 18 under the state program.
Beyond the calendar, the 2026 state immunization program offers catch-up HPV vaccination to women and men aged 13 to 45: two doses before age 15 and three doses from age 15. Program terms are approved every year, so check with your polyclinic before your visit.
Clinics use Gardasil and Gardasil 9 (MSD). Vaccine prices at clinics in Georgia are listed further down this page. The vaccine does not replace screening: vaccinated women still need regular gynecological checkups. Another vaccine worth considering for teenagers and adults protects against hepatitis B.
When to see a doctor
- warts, growths or skin changes appear in the genital area, around the anus or in the mouth;
- bleeding between periods or after sex, unusual discharge, or pain during intercourse;
- you have not had cervical screening for a long time, or you were told your HPV test was positive;
- you are planning a pregnancy or want to vaccinate a teenager.
