What is HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a diverse group of viruses, encompassing over 100 different strains. Notably, high-risk strains like HPV type 16 and 18 are associated with an elevated risk of cervical cancer in women, making HPV vaccination a crucial preventive measure.
Additionally, HPV infections can manifest as genital warts and contribute to abnormal cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers in women, underlining the importance of HPV awareness and vaccination.
HPV is primarily transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sexual intercourse with an individual who carries the virus, emphasizing the need for informed and safe sexual practices among both men and women.
In Singapore, cervical cancer ranks as the 10th most common cancer among women. This statistic underscores the urgency of proactive measures, such as HPV vaccination and regular HPV screening, to combat the risks posed by the virus. HPV vaccination offers a vital defense against the diverse spectrum of HPV strains, protecting women from the threat of cervical cancer and related health complications. Take a step towards safeguarding your health by considering HPV vaccination today.
Why Do I Need HPV Screening?
Cervical cancer is preventable when detected early. Combining Pap smear and HPV testing provides the most accurate screening strategy.
HPV screening can:
- Detect high-risk HPV strains before cervical cell changes occur
- Identify women at greater risk of cervical cancer
- Reduce the frequency of Pap smears if results are negative
- Provide reassurance with a highly sensitive test
Women aged 30 and above are strongly recommended to undergo HPV screening, either alone or together with a Pap smear (co-testing).
How Often Should I Get Screened?
- Women aged 25–29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Women aged 30–65: Pap smear every 3 years, OR Pap smear + HPV DNA test every 5 years
- Women above 65: Screening may no longer be needed if you have a history of consistently normal results, but your doctor will advise
Who are recommended to get HPV Screening
- Women above the age of 30 who are sexually active.
- Women with abnormal pap smear test results
Benefits of HPV Screening
- Early detection of high-risk HPV infections
- Greater accuracy than Pap smear alone in predicting cervical cancer risk
- Provides peace of mind with clear results
- Allows for longer screening intervals if negative
- Helps guide whether further follow-up or treatment is necessary
How to prepare for HPV screening
- Avoid sexual intercourse, swimming, taking a tub bath, or douching 2 days before your screening.
- Avoid screening for HPV during your menstrual period. To be precise, you should only have HPV screening 2 weeks after the start of your menstrual cycle and 1 week before your next menstrual period begins.
- Avoid taking any vaginal cream and medicines, spermicidal foams. Avoid using tampons or lubricants as well.
What Happens During the Test?
HPV screening is quick and similar to a Pap smear:
- You will recline on an examination bed
- A speculum is gently inserted to view the cervix
- A soft brush is used to collect a sample of cervical cells
- The sample is tested in a specialised laboratory for the presence of high-risk HPV DNA
- Results are usually ready within 5 working days
HPV DNA Test
*Turnaround time 3-5 working days
After Your HPV DNA Screening
Once your HPV DNA screening is completed, here is what you can expect:
How You’ll Receive Results
- Turnaround time: Results are usually ready within 3–7 working days, depending on the laboratory process.
- Secure delivery: Your results will be sent via WhatsApp or email. If a review is required, our clinic will contact you directly to arrange a consultation.
What the Results Mean
- Negative result: This means that no high-risk HPV strains were detected. You can continue with your routine cervical screening schedule as recommended by our doctor.
- Positive result: If high-risk HPV is detected, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. It indicates the presence of a virus that may increase your risk over time. Our doctor will arrange a review session to explain your results and recommend further tests if needed (such as a Pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy).
Confidentiality
- Your screening results are treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Next Steps & Ongoing Care
- Monitoring and follow-up: A positive result may require closer monitoring, such as repeat testing in 6–12 months, to track whether the infection clears naturally.
- Additional investigations: If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic procedures may be recommended.
- Specialist referral: If advanced evaluation or treatment is needed, our doctor will refer you to a trusted gynaecologist.
- Prevention and wellness: Our doctor may also discuss preventive measures such as the HPV vaccine and regular cervical health checks to lower future risk.
Why Choose Regis Medical
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursAppointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
You can reschedule your appointment via our booking portal. For urgent cases, please Whatsapp us @ +65 8118 5298.
Finance
General Enquiry
Your HPV screening is considered positive if the test detected one or more high risk strains of virus in your cervix. This virus can cause cervical cancer, as well as vagina, vulva, anus, head and neck cancers.
There is currently no cure for HPV virus. Patients who test positive for HPV should be referred to a specialist for further management and tests such as colposcopy.
If you are already experiencing health issues as a result of HPV virus (i.e genital warts). You will be referred to a specialist for further treatments.