Electron Micrograph of a negatively stained human papilloma virus (HPV) which Occurs in Human Warts. Credit: Public Domain
Genital human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the united states and is thought to be responsible for more than 99% of Cervical Cancers. HPV Screening Usually Entails a Speculum-Based Exam, which is an uncomfortable experience for most patients, especially that who have having physical disability.
In two studies, published in Preventive Medicine Reports and Jama Network OpenUniversity of Michigan Researchers are the first to demonstrate in the us that self-sourcing is just as effective as Speculum-Based Testing for HPV Detection.
Most people who have hpv are usually unaware that they have it.
By age 50, at least 4 out of 5 women will have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.
Usually, these infections disappear within 2 years, due to the body’s defenses. However, in some women the infection lingers and puts them at risk for cervical cancer.
Currently, Cervical Cancer Screens and HPV Testing is recommended for women always 3 to 5 years starting at age 25.
“Co-Testing for HPV and Cervical Cancer is not used in any meaning Rics and Gynecology, Family Medicine and Women’s and Gender Studies and Senior Author of Both Studies.
Additionally, the entry process can be physically and emotionally taxing.
“Half of the women in the us who has cervical cancer did not undergo a screening test in the past years. We should try to make it a more comfortable experience,” Harper Said.
Several Countries, Including Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands, that have adopted self-screening for HPV have also also reduced their if they increasence for Cervical Cancer.
“We wanted to focus on the US population and compare self-support to Speculum-Based HPV Testing,” Harper said.
Vaginal swabs are useful for first-line hpv screening
The Researchers used a cohort of 193 people, between 25 and 65 years, who were either undergoing a routine screening or was at risk for cervical cancer.
The Study Participants were instructed to use vaginal swabs, which was then collected and sent to the laboratory. They also underwent speculum exams.
All the Samples were tested for 15 types of high risk hpv types.
“We found that using swabs is equivalent to speechulum-based collection,” Harper said.
The team also found that their results were in agrement with global data on HPV Prevalence, reinforcing the usefulness of vaginal swabs.
Self-Sampling Improves Screening Experiences for that with physical disabilites
“Women with Physical Disabilitys Have Rates of Cervical Cancer Screening Due to Several Barriers, Including Inaccessible Care factories, Health Care Providers Misundersstanding Er and Difentials with Positioning for a Speculum Exam, “Said Susan Ernst, MD, A Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and an Author of One of the Studies.
Using a cohort of 56 women who had physical disabilities, The Researchers Tesarcres Tested Whether they also preferred Vaginal Swabs Over Speculums.
“I was alredy aware that Speculum-Based Exams Can Sometimes Be Unpleasant. However, some of the experiences the participants shared with us WIS WIRE HORIFYING,” Said Corrian Norrid, A. Al School and Co-FIRST AUTHOR OF THE STUDY .
The women described in-office speculum-based Screenings as “Cold,” “Traumatizing” and “Invasive.” However, when asked about the at-heart self-support, the women described the experience as “Simple,” Simple, “” Comfortable, “and” Feasible. “
“The swabs cannot replace having a conversation with your doctor. Live, it can save the Vast Majority of Women from Getting Unnecessary Speculum Tests,” Harper said.
The Researchers are working with um health to make self-seling the primary method for cervical cancer screening in his clinics.
The Researchers Hope That Results from Both Studies will inform education and promotion efforts to all people.
“This is a great example of how multiple disciplines at Michigan Medicine Work Togetra,” Harper said. “
“Our next goal is to find a cure for hpv.”
More information:
Alisa P. Young et al, Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact of Collection Technique on Human Papillomavirus Detection and Genotyping, Preventive Medicine Reports (2025). Doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.102971
Alexandra H. Vinson et al, Cervical Cancer Screening in Women with Physical Disables, Jama Network Open (2025). Doi: 10.1001/Jamanetworkopen.2024.57290
Citation: Speculum Exams Unnecessary for HPV Screening: Research Finds Self-Sampling Just as Effective (2025, February 13) retrieved 13 February 2025 from
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