Routine physical examination for HPV

Routine physical examinations can usually detect HPV infection, but it is necessary to clarify whether the examination items include HPV screening. HPV testing is mainly completed through cervical cytology examination or HPV DNA typing testing. It is recommended that women who have sexual activity undergo regular specialized screening. The basic items of routine physical examination, such as blood routine and urine routine, cannot directly detect HPV. If the physical examination package includes gynecological specialized examinations, it may involve cervical TCT combined with HPV screening, which can detect high-risk HPV infections and abnormal changes in cervical cells. Some physical examination institutions will provide HPV typing testing as an optional item, which can identify high-risk subtypes such as 16 and 18 infections. Male HPV testing requires sampling of urethral discharge or diseased tissue, which is rarely included in routine physical examinations. If the physical examination report indicates HPV positivity, the risk should be determined based on the typing results. Persistent infection of high-risk types may cause cervical lesions.

It is recommended that women over the age of 25 undergo HPV combined with TCT screening every 3-5 years, and those with multiple sexual partners or weakened immunity can shorten the interval. Avoid sexual activity and vaginal medication 48 hours before testing, and do not check during menstruation. Regular screening is still necessary after receiving the HPV vaccine, as the vaccine cannot cover all high-risk subtypes. Discovering HPV infection does not require excessive anxiety, as most cases can be cleared by the immune system, but it is necessary to follow medical advice for re examination and monitoring of viral load.