فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري HPV 

About the Test Our HPV test provides a simple and reliable way to screen yourself for HPV infections. Although most HPV infections disappear on their own, some may persist and cause health problems. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and, in some cases, can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes can eventually lead to cervical cancer. This test specifically checks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause these cellular changes. Unfortunately, many women delay testing due to fear of stigma, discomfort, or privacy concerns. Such delays can pose serious health risks. In the Netherlands, participation in the national cervical cancer screening program is possible, but many women feel uncomfortable with the idea. That is why our at-home HPV test for women offers an accessible and safe solution. The test is designed with your comfort and privacy in mind. Instead of visiting a clinic, you can easily collect a sample at home using a swab. The collected sample is then sent to our certified laboratory, where it is carefully analyzed. Within a few days, you will receive the results through a secure online platform, including a clear explanation and advice on possible next steps. Whether you test regularly as part of your health routine or have specific concerns, this home test provides you with the reassurance of fast and reliable results. Order your HPV test today and take an important step toward a healthier future. Instructions for Use You will receive a discreet package by mail containing all the necessary materials for a simple cervical swab test. Follow the enclosed instructions and register your sample through our secure online platform. This is done anonymously and safely, requiring only your phone number for verification. Package the sample according to the instructions and send it via (medical) postal service to our certified laboratory. After the laboratory receives the sample, you will receive your results within a few days, accompanied by a clear explanation. Symptoms Symptoms of HPV HPV is often asymptomatic, but possible symptoms may include: Genital warts Abnormal vaginal discharge Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse Itching or discomfort in the genital area If HPV remains untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues such as cervical cancer. Regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment. Low-risk HPV Symptoms: Low-risk HPV types may cause genital warts, which can develop around the vagina, penis, anus, and sometimes in the mouth or throat. These warts can cause itching, irritation, or bleeding. High-risk HPV Symptoms: High-risk HPV often shows no early symptoms and may disappear naturally in many cases. However, if the virus persists in the body for years, infected cells can change and begin to grow uncontrollably, which may eventually lead to cancer. By detecting high-risk HPV early through testing, further examinations and preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer. Although high-risk HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, it can also cause cancer of the vagina, vulva, and anus in women, penile cancer in men, and anal or oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the throat or back of the mouth) in both men and women. Vaccination and regular screening for high-risk HPV are therefore important measures to detect cancer at an early stage. Symptoms of genital warts (low-risk HPV): Symptoms may include itching, burning, or sensitivity in the affected area. Flesh-colored, raised bumps may appear, sometimes with a cauliflower-like shape. Genital warts can develop on any skin area that comes into contact with the virus during sexual activity. Who is the HPV test suitable for? An HPV test is especially recommended for individuals over the age of 30 who want to better understand their risk of cervical cancer. The recommended frequency for HPV testing varies by country, but it is generally advised to take the test every 3 to 5 years. Who should not use the HPV test? Who is this test not suitable for? This test is intended to detect high-risk HPV types and can help prevent or detect cervical cancer at an early stage. However, it is not suitable for individuals who: Have symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Are already under treatment by a gynecologist for cervical problems. Have had their cervix surgically removed. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact your general practitioner promptly for further examination: Bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. Longer or heavier menstrual periods than usual. Pain during sexual activity. Bleeding after sexual intercourse. Pain in the pelvic area. Changes in vaginal discharge, such as increased volume, or unusual color or odor. Test Results This test is capable of identifying the two most high-risk HPV types, namely type 16 and 18. In addition, the test can also detect 12 other high-risk HPV types (such as 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68), which may be carcinogenic, although they are less dangerous than types 16 and 18. Your test result can be either negative or positive. A negative result means that no high-risk HPV types were detected, but this does not rule out the presence of other low-risk HPV types, as the test does not check for them. It is also important to note that this test is not a replacement for regular Pap smears performed by doctors as part of national screening programs. What should I do if I receive a positive test result? A positive result indicates that one or more high-risk HPV types are present. This does not mean that you have cervical cancer, as many of these infections resolve on their own. In case of a positive test, it is advisable to consult your general practitioner to determine whether further tests or measures are needed. Does a positive test result mean I will get cervical cancer? While a positive HPV test may be concerning, it is important to know that HPV is very common, and most people contract it at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body clears the infection naturally. If it does not disappear, this test gives you the opportunity to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. The majority of people with a positive high-risk HPV result will not develop cervical cancer. However, it is important to follow up with your doctor after a positive result for further advice and next steps. FAQ Why is HPV testing not recommended for younger women? Since HPV infections often clear up on their own, HPV testing is not recommended for women under 25 years old. The risk of cervical cancer in this age group is low, and with a healthy immune system it usually takes 10 to 15 years for an HPV infection to potentially develop into cancer. In women over 30 with a high-risk HPV infection, however, the risk is higher. According to the World Health Organization, more than 342,000 women worldwide died from cervical cancer in 2020. For this reason, most countries begin HPV screening between the ages of 25 and 35. Testing younger women may lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments for cell changes caused by HPV, which often resolve on their own. Over-treatment can cause emotional and physical burdens, such as anxiety, stress, and the risks of unnecessary medical procedures. What should I do if I receive a positive test result? A positive result indicates that one or more high-risk HPV types are present. This does not mean you have cervical cancer, since many infections resolve naturally. It is best to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate next steps. Does a positive test result mean I will get cervical cancer? While a positive HPV test may be worrying, HPV is very common, and most people will contract it at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body clears the infection without intervention. However, if the infection persists, early detection provides the opportunity to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of cancer. Most people with a positive high-risk HPV result do not develop cervical cancer, but medical follow-up is necessary to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Is an HPV test the same as a Pap smear? An HPV test is different from a Pap smear. In a Pap smear, cervical cells are examined for abnormalities that may indicate cervical cancer. The HPV test, on the other hand, specifically looks for HPV DNA in the cells collected. While a Pap smear can only be performed by a healthcare professional, an HPV test can be done either at home or by a doctor. What does the HPV test check for? This test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer. How do I collect a sample for this test? You will receive a test kit with clear instructions and materials to collect a cervical sample yourself. Simply follow the instructions carefully and send the sample to our laboratory for analysis. How long does it take to receive my test results? Once your sample has been received at the laboratory, we aim to send the results to you via email within 5 working days. Can you do an HPV test at home? Yes, you can perform an HPV test at home. The at-home HPV test includes all the necessary tools to easily collect a sample and send it to an ISO 15189 certified laboratory for analysis. How reliable is the at-home HPV test? The at-home HPV test provides very high accuracy, close to 100%. This test is comparable to the HPV tests used by healthcare providers and in population screening programs. However, it is not a Pap smear; in a Pap smear, cervical cells are examined for abnormalities. What is the difference between high-risk and low-risk HPV? There are more than 100 different types of HPV, divided into two groups: low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk HPV can cause genital warts but is not linked to cancer. High-risk HPV, on the other hand, can lead to cervical cancer and may also cause cancer of the vagina, vulva, and anus. What do my HPV test results mean? The HPV test for women helps determine whether you are infected with a high-risk HPV type. It is advisable to discuss your test results with your doctor, especially if the result is positive and may indicate abnormal cells. In such cases, further examinations, such as a Pap smear, may be recommended. Can HPV be cured? There is no direct cure for the HPV virus itself, but in most cases the infection clears up on its own. High-risk HPV infections or related cell changes usually resolve naturally, especially in younger people. This is why HPV testing in very young women is not recommended, in order to avoid unnecessary treatments and anxiety. However, treatments are available for conditions caused by HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cell changes. Vaccination also provides effective protection against the most common and dangerous HPV types. Can women transmit HPV to men? Yes, HPV can be transmitted between all sexual partners, regardless of gender. The virus spreads through almost all forms of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Can men be tested for HPV? Currently, there is no approved test for detecting high-risk HPV in men. Low-risk HPV can only be identified if visible genital warts are present. Without symptoms, men may not know they are infected, making transmission easier. Therefore, vaccination against HPV is strongly recommended for both men and women.