HPV Testing in Singapore

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that most sexually active individuals will be exposed to at some point in their lives. There are over 100 variants and certain types are notorious for leading to cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, and oral regions, while other strands may cause genital warts or harmless warts on hands and feet.

The primary concern with HPV strains are those responsible for cervical cancer, notably the high-risk types 16 and 18.

In Singapore, women aged 30 and above and who had sex before are encouraged to undergo regular HPV testing as part of their health screening routine.

Cervical cancer develops gradually, often taking as long as 15 years to fully manifest. As such, it is important for regular health screening as early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and cure.

Walk-ins are available. Our clinic can help to perform this subsidised test for eligible Singaporeans aged 25 years and above. Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure about your eligibility for subsidies.

At times, a person’s immune system is not able to clear a HPV infection, especially if it's a type that can cause cancer. Over time, this can change healthy cells into abnormal ones, which can lead to cancer. Around 10% of women who have HPV infection of the cervix might end up with an infection that does not go away, putting them at a higher risk for cervical cancer.

Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of contracting HPV:

• Sexual Partners: The greater the number of sexual partners you have, the higher the chance of getting a genital HPV infection. This risk also rises if you are with a partner who has had multiple sexual partners.
• Age: While common warts are mostly seen in children, genital warts frequently affect young adults.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of HPV infections. This can be due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or from taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as those used for organ transplant recipients.
• Damaged Skin: Skin that has been cut or broken is more susceptible to developing common warts.
• Direct Contact: Coming into direct contact with warts or unprotected exposure to surfaces contaminated with HPV.

HPV is easily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. While HPV is a specific virus, other sexually transmitted infections can also spread in similar ways. That's why regular STD tests are important for sexually active individuals to monitor and protect their sexual health.

Most HPV infections go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. Certain types can lead to genital or oral warts. Infections with high-risk strains typically remain asymptomatic until significant progression. Symptoms such as post-coital bleeding, irregular bleeding, or unusual vaginal discharge might indicate advanced infection stages, including cancer.

Women aged 30 and above who are sexually active, or have been in the past, should consider regular HPV testing every 5 years.

A HPV test, much like a Pap smear, begins with a doctor inserting a speculum into the vagina to access the cervix. Using a soft brush, a sample of cells is then gently collected from the cervix. This sample is analysed in a laboratory to detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains. The procedure is quick and pivotal for early detection of potential cervical cancer risks.

Prior to your HPV test, you should avoid the following:

• Sexual intercourse
• Douching
• Use of vaginal medications
• Use of spermicidal products (such as foams, creams or jellies)

You are not required to shave or wax, as this does not impact your test results.

Your results will be ready in approximately one week. A doctor will call to discuss with you the results.

Preventing HPV, particularly the high-risk strains, has been made significantly easier with the advent of HPV vaccines. These vaccines, especially Gardasil 9, offer protection against a broad spectrum of HPV types, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive coverage. Alongside vaccination, consistent screening through HPV tests forms a robust defence against the long-term consequences of HPV infections.

Yes, it's still important to undergo HPV tests even if you've been vaccinated. The vaccine protects most but not all of HPV types that cause cervical cancer. Regular cervical screenings can still catch any high-risk HPV strains or early changes in cervical cells, helping to prevent any issues before they develop.

Want to skip the queue at the polyclinic? We are a one-stop health screening centre equipped with Chest X-Ray, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans for your medical examination and full body check up.

Our clinic is conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD) at Anson Road, and just a 4-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station (EW15). Our Orchard clinic branch is strategically located in central Singapore, and just a 2-minute walk from Orchard Boulevard MRT station (TE13).

If you need any help, please WhatsApp / call us at 88838128 or email us at hi@atamed.sg. We will be more than happy to assist you.

Comprehensive Health Screening: You may also be keen to explore our routine and comprehensive health screening packages. Our Crown Plus ($485*), Royal ($667*), Jewel ($1415*), and Marvel ($2289*) packages have various Ultrasound and even Mammogram tests bundled with them.

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.