Take a self-test for HPV
In the year you turn 30, you will receive an invitation to have a smear test. What is new is that you will also receive a self-test for HPV. Are you older than 30? Then you can read in the invitation how to request the self-test.
What is HPV?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus that is sexually transmitted. Almost everyone has HPV at some point, and in most cases the body clears the virus itself. Sometimes this does not happen, for example if the immune system is weakened. If the body does not clear the virus, the cells in the cervix can change. Abnormal cells can develop into a precancerous stage of cervical cancer. This is not yet cancer and can often be treated effectively. Treatment can prevent cancer from developing.
Self-test for HPV
With the self-test, you can participate in the population screening. The self-test is an easy way to check whether you have HPV. With the self-test, you can easily collect vaginal material yourself at home and send it to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the self-test is only tested for HPV.
- If your test results do not show HPV, then no further testing is necessary and you will receive another invitation in five years.
- Does your test result show HPV? If so, visit your GP to have a smear test done.
Applications
You can request the self-test via My Population Screening. You will need your DigiD to log in.
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