Frequently Asked Questions

Official information can be obtained from:

• Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova (MHMPS)
• National Agency for Public Health (ANSP)
• Mother and Child Institute (IMC)

For testing and consultations, women can contact their family doctor or gynecologist at the medical institution where they are registered.

Yes. Women treated for precancerous lesions or cervical cancer should have regular medical check-ups, as recommended by their gynecologist or oncologist. Post-treatment monitoring is an important part of the recovery process.

Cervical cancer is not considered a hereditary disease. The main cause is persistent infection with the HPV virus, not genetic transmission.

Yes. If detected early, cervical cancer can be treated successfully.

Participating in periodic cytological screening allows for early detection and increases the chances of complete cure.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and is performed exclusively in specialized oncological institutions, according to protocols approved by the Ministry of Health.
Treatment may include:

• removal of the affected area (in early lesions)
• surgical interventions
• radiotherapy or chemotherapy (in advanced stages)

The type of treatment is determined by the oncologist based on the results of the investigations.

In its early stages, the disease usually causes no symptoms. As it progresses, the following may occur:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after sexual intercourse
• unusual vaginal discharge
• persistent pelvic discomfort or pain

The appearance of these symptoms does not necessarily mean cancer, but requires a medical consultation.

• persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types (especially 16 and 18)
• early onset of sexual life
• multiple sexual partners
• smoking
• weakened immune system
• lack of regular cytology testing

Precancerous lesions, called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), are changes in the cells of the cervix that can precede the development of cancer. They can be effectively treated if discovered early through screening and colposcopy.

HPV infection is common, but the body usually clears it on its own. In some cases, the virus persists and causes changes in the cells of the cervix. If these changes are not detected and treated in time, they can develop into cervical cancer over time.

Cervical cancer is a condition in which the cells in the cervix undergo persistent changes and form a malignant tumor. In most cases, the main cause is long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18.

If the test is performed in another medical institution, the woman must present the result to her family doctor for inclusion in the medical record.

Yes. Before the test is performed, the woman signs the informed consent form in duplicate, according to Annex 3 of the Standard for the Organization and Operation of the Cervical Screening Service. One copy remains with the woman, and the other with the medical institution.

Personal data are processed in accordance with Law No. 133/2011 on the protection of personal data. Cytological sample slides are kept in the laboratory for a minimum of 5 years, under appropriate conditions, according to the archiving rules of the National Cervical Screening Program.

The test is rescheduled by medical personnel after the infection is treated or after menstruation ends.

The result is analyzed by the gynecologist, who determines the next medical steps according to the management algorithm provided in the Standard for the organization and operation of the cervical screening service.

These terms are used in the cytology report and describe the type of cell changes. The gynecologist determines, according to the Standard approved by the Ministry of Health, whether colposcopy, repeat test or other investigation is necessary.

The result can be:

• normal – no cellular changes were identified;
• abnormal – changes have been observed that require further investigation;
• unsatisfactory – the sample could not be evaluated and the test must be repeated.

The test result is issued by the laboratory within 30 calendar days from the date of collection. The family doctor informs the woman about the result.

The procedure takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.

The test is not performed during menstruation. Avoid sexual intercourse for the last 24 hours and the use of vaginal douches or ovules for the last 48 hours before collection.

Medical data are managed confidentially, in accordance with Law No. 133/2011 on the protection of personal data. The results are archived in the medical institution for the period provided for by the medical archiving regulations.

If the presence of lesions is confirmed, the gynecologist establishes the treatment plan according to the management algorithm provided in the Standard for the organization and operation of the cervical screening service.

No. Colposcopy is not a cancer diagnostic procedure, but an investigation to clarify cellular changes observed in the cytological test.

The sample taken is analyzed in the histopathology laboratory. The biopsy result is usually issued within 30 calendar days, depending on the laboratory’s workload, and is interpreted by the gynecologist.

After colposcopy, the woman can resume her daily activities. If a biopsy was performed, it is recommended that she avoid sexual intercourse, hot baths, and the use of vaginal tampons for 2–3 days.

Colposcopy is not painful. The application of the solutions may cause a slight burning sensation or transient discomfort.

The procedure usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

The doctor examines the cervix using a colposcope and applies special solutions – 3–5% acetic acid and Lugol’s solution – to highlight areas of possible changes. If necessary, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for microscopic examination.

Colposcopy is not performed during menstruation. Sexual intercourse is avoided for 24 hours and the use of douches or vaginal washes for 48 hours before the examination.

Yes. The procedure is postponed in case of acute vaginal infections, heavy bleeding or recent interventions on the cervix, until complete healing.

No. HPV vaccination is voluntary, but recommended by Ministry of Health as part of cervical cancer prevention measures.

No. Vaccination is postponed until after the end of pregnancy.

HPV vaccination is a primary prevention measure which prevents infection with HPV types associated with cervical cancer. It is a safe and effective method of prevention recommended by Ministry of Health.

Yes. The vaccine has been used worldwide for over 15 years. In the Republic of Moldova, HPV vaccination has been carried out since 2017, and to date over 50,000 girls have been vaccinated. Only mild reactions have been reported, with no confirmed severe cases.

Yes. Vaccination of children is carried out only after signing the informed consent by one of the parents or the legal representative.

Vaccination is carried out in public medical institutions, by the family doctor or nurse. It is free of charge, being included in the National Vaccination Calendar. Each batch of vaccine is delivered and stored under controlled conditions, under the supervision of National Agency for Public Health (ANSP).

• Children aged 9-14 receive one dose of the vaccine. Young people aged 14-26 receive two doses 6 months apart.
• The current scheme in the National Program is based on WHO recommendations and may be updated based on new scientific evidence.

Vaccination is recommended and offered free of charge to girls and boys aged between 9 and 14 years old, according to National Immunization Program and National Vaccination Calendar.

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Most sexually active people can come into contact with the virus, even if they do not have symptoms. Therefore, vaccination before the start of sexual activity offers the best protection.

HPV means human papillomavirus. It is a group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of HPV can cause lesions that, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer.

Each country selects the vaccine based on approved licenses and international availability. In the Republic of Moldova, the Gardasil-4 vaccine is approved and used, according to the National Immunization Program.

Yes. Vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, that is, before the onset of sexual activity.

No. The vaccine has been used globally for over 15 years, being approved by the World Health Organization and included in immunization programs in over 100 countries.

Gardasil – 4 is a tetravalent vaccine, protecting against strains 6,11,16,18, responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, but not against all types. Therefore, regular screening remains important.

Children aged 9-14 receive one dose of the vaccine. Young people aged 14-26 receive two doses 6 months apart.

Serious side effects are very rare. Mild reactions at the injection site – pain, redness or swelling – may occur, which disappear within a few days.

No. The vaccine does not contain live virus. It only contains particles that mimic the structure of the virus and help the body develop immunity.

Yes. Vaccination does not replace screening. Cytological testing remains necessary to detect other types of HPV and possible cellular changes.

The vaccination is intended for both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14, because boys can also be carriers of the HPV virus.

The vaccine is safe and has no effect on fertility. There is no scientific evidence to indicate a link between vaccination and infertility. Results from the Republic of Moldova and over 100 countries confirm this fact.