Do women under the age of 25 need to undergo HPV screening?

Women under the age of 25 generally do not need routine HPV screening. HPV screening is usually recommended to start at the age of 25, or to be determined by a doctor based on high-risk factors such as sexual history and past infection history. Currently, international guidelines generally recommend 25 years old as the starting age for HPV screening, mainly based on the slow development of cervical cancer and the high self-healing rate of HPV infection in young women. Women under the age of 25 have a stronger immune system to clear HPV, and about 90% of infections can resolve on their own within 2 years. Early screening may lead to unnecessary anxiety and overtreatment, such as invasive procedures like vaginal colposcopy or cervical biopsy. The clinical benefits of early screening are limited for low-risk individuals with asexual behavior or a single sexual partner. But if there are high-risk factors such as immune suppression, HIV infection, and a history of cervical lesions, doctors may recommend early screening. If women under the age of 25 experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and persistent abnormal vaginal discharge, they should seek medical attention promptly instead of relying on routine screening. Getting vaccinated against HPV is still the most important preventive measure for this age group, and the nine valent vaccine can prevent over 90% of high-risk HPV infections. Maintaining good reproductive hygiene, using condoms, avoiding smoking and other healthy habits can also help reduce the risk of infection. Cervical cancer screening should be combined with vaccination to form a dual protection.

It is recommended that women under the age of 25 pay attention to their reproductive health and undergo regular gynecological examinations, but there is no need to overly worry about HPV screening issues. When suspicious symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner, and the doctor will decide whether HPV testing or other examinations are needed based on clinical manifestations. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and standardized vaccination are core measures for young women to prevent HPV related diseases.