HPV Screening & Vaccination in Singapore

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Many women have heard of HPV, but not everyone knows exactly what it is or how it can impact their health. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common infections worldwide, yet its silent nature often leaves people unaware of its risks.

If you're a woman in Singapore, knowing about HPV and going for screening and vaccination can make all the difference to your well-being.

What is HPV?

HPV infection is very common. It is as common as the flu virus. Most HPV infections are transient and 90% of women who are infected by HPV will clear the infection within 2 years without increasing their risk of cervical cancer.

In about 10-20% of women, for reasons we are not yet clear about, the HPV infection stays and lingers for a long time and slowly causes changes to the cells on the cervix to abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancer. We call these pre-cancer cells.

Not all HPV causes cancer. There are more than 150 types of HPV and currently, there are only 14 types that we know are associated with cervical cancer.

Of the 14 types, HPV Type 16 and Type 18 causes 70% of all cervical cancer. The other 12 types are grouped together and called HPV non 16/18, and make the other 30% of all cervical cancer diagnosed.

HPV infection and pre-cancer cells have no symptoms. The only way we can know if we have an HPV infection or pre-cancer cells is by going for our regular cervical screening.

How is HPV Transmitted?

HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, which includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex with another individual who has the virus. HPV can spread even if the infected person shows no signs or symptoms.

Using protection like condoms can lower the risk, but it doesn't provide complete protection, as HPV can affect areas not covered by condoms.

Types of HPV

HPV types are broadly categorised into low-risk and high-risk groups:

Low-risk HPV: These types (like HPV 6 and 11) don't cause cancer but can lead to genital warts.
High-risk HPV: These types (such as HPV 16 and 18) can cause cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and even certain head and neck cancers.

What are Some HPV-Related Health Issues?

While many HPV infections clear up on their own, others can lead to:

Genital warts: These are small, flesh-coloured growths that can appear in the genital area. They are caused by low-risk HPV types.
Cervical cancer: High-risk HPV types are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Regular screening can detect changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous.
Other cancers: HPV can cause cancers in the vagina, vulva, anus, and throat (oropharyngeal cancer).

How to Reduce HPV Risks?

There are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from infection and its potential complications, including:

Getting vaccinated: HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection from high-risk and some low-risk HPV types.
Using condoms: While not 100% effective, condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
Regular screening: Pap smears and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells.
Maintaining a healthy immune system: A stable immune system can help clear the virus more effectively.

Can I get the HPV vaccine?

Just as regular cervical screening protects you from current hrHPV exposure, the HPV vaccine protects you from future potential exposure for some of the hrHPV types.

Getting the HPV vaccine and going for your regular cervical screening gives you round-the-clock protection from both future and current hrHPV infections.

In Athena, we offer Gardasil 9, the HPV vaccine which will give you the highest protection from hrHPV types.

Gardasil 9 covers 7 out of 14 hrHPV that we know including 2 other HPV types (Type 6 and 11) that cause genital warts.

Gardasil 9 is licensed in Singapore to be given to both men and women from 9 years old to 45 years old.

HPV Testing at Athena Women’s Specialist

At Athena Women's Specialist, we make HPV screening straightforward and stress-free. Here's what you can expect:

Booking Your Appointment

You can easily book an appointment online or over the phone. The staff will guide you on preparation.

The Screening Process

HPV testing can be done via:

Pap Smear: Your provider collects a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormal changes.
HPV Self-sampling Kit: These detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains directly. It can be completed via self-test in the clinic or at home.
Co-testing: Combines a Pap smear and HPV testing for a more comprehensive assessment.

The procedure is quick and takes only a few minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but should not cause pain.

How Important is HPV Screening?

Regular cervical screening is recommended, especially for women aged 25 and above. It helps detect early signs of abnormal cell changes in the cervix, potentially preventing cervical cancer.

Understanding HPV Test Results

After your test, results will be available within a week. It will indicate whether high-risk HPV types are present. Here's what they mean:

Negative: No high-risk HPV detected.
Positive: High-risk HPV strains are present. This doesn't mean you have cancer, but further monitoring or tests may be necessary.
Abnormal Pap Smear: Indicates changes in cervical cells, which could warrant additional testing.

Our specialists at Athena will guide you through the next steps and provide personalised care.

HPV Screening with Athena Women's Specialist

You can protect yourself against HPV by being informed and proactive with HPV screening and vaccination. At Athena Women's Specialist, we prioritise your comfort and care. Our experienced team ensures that your screening process is seamless and stress-free.

We also provide personalised advice based on your results, helping you take proactive steps toward better health. Book an HPV screening today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to test for HPV in Singapore?

You can get tested at Athena Women's Specialist. Our clinic in Singapore offers Pap smears and HPV tests. Please book an appointment for your test.

Can a GP do an HPV screening?

Yes, many general practitioners offer HPV screenings. However, specialists like gynaecologists may provide a more comprehensive evaluation.

Is an HPV test painful?

HPV tests are generally not painful, though you might feel slight discomfort during the sample collection.