TL;DR
- HPV is a common virus that can cause cervical cell changes and, over time, cancer if not detected early.
- Pap smears and HPV DNA tests catch these changes before symptoms appear.
- W Gynae offers a comprehensive screening programme, HPV tests included, from $468.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer, one of the most common and serious HPV-related diseases among women in Singapore.
A 2014 study found that about one in ten healthy women here carried HPV, and around 5% had a high-risk type. More recent data show HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in about 43% of cervical lesions and 63% of cervical cancer cases.
Despite these clear links, fewer women are going for routine cervical screenings, including HPV tests. The participation rate fell to 43% in 2022, down from 58% in 2007, according to the National Population Health Survey by Singapore’s Ministry of Health.
Regular HPV screening is an effective way to identify early cell changes and treat them before they progress into cancer.
Ahead, we look at what HPV is, the screenings and treatments available, and how much they cost in Singapore.
What Is HPV?
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses that can infect the moist linings of the mouth, throat, genital area, or anus.
What Causes an HPV Infection?
It spreads mainly through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity — be it vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Anyone who’s sexually active can contract HPV, even if they have only one partner.
Because HPV often causes no symptoms, many people who carry the virus may not realise they have it and unknowingly pass it on.
What HPV Can Look or Feel Like
HPV infections can appear differently depending on which body part is affected.
- Genital Area: Small, flesh-coloured bumps or clusters that may resemble cauliflower; sometimes itchy or mildly uncomfortable.
- Mouth or Throat: Wart-like growths, hoarseness, or a persistent sore throat.
- Hands and Feet: Rough, raised warts on the fingers, palms, or soles (which can be occasionally painful when walking).
- Cervical or Anal Area (High-Risk HPV): Usually no visible symptoms. These infections may cause abnormal cell changes that are detectable only through screening.
- General Irritation: Mild itching, redness, or inflammation can occasionally occur around affected areas.
High-Risk vs Low-Risk HPV
Most HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own within one to two years. These are called low-risk types, and they mainly cause warts.
However, some strains — known as high-risk HPV types — can persist and affect deeper layers of tissue. Over time, they may cause cellular changes in the cervix, vagina, anus, or throat. If untreated, these changes can progress to cancer.
Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are the most concerning. They are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.
HPV Screening in Singapore
An HPV screening checks for high-risk strains of the virus that can cause cervical, anal, and throat cancers. In Singapore, it can be part of a broader health screening programme with other tests that assess the cervix’s health.
Cervical screening can involve different tests:
- A Pap smear
- An HPV DNA test
- Co-testing
Pap Smear Test
A Pap smear checks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix. During the test, we’ll collect a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is then examined under a microscope.
Pap smears don’t detect HPV directly, but the cellular changes that HPV may have already caused.
| Recommended For | Women aged 25 to 29, or anyone who is sexually active. |
| Recommended Frequency | Every three years, if results are normal. |
| Results | If abnormal cells are found, we may recommend an HPV DNA test or further tests such as a colposcopy (a closer examination of the cervix). |
What Happens During a Pap Smear
- You’ll be asked to lie on an examination bed with your knees bent.
- A speculum (or a small instrument) is gently inserted into the vagina to open it slightly.
- The doctor uses a soft brush or spatula to collect a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory for examination.
The process usually takes less than five minutes and may cause mild discomfort or pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful.
HPV DNA Test
The HPV DNA test looks directly for the genetic material of high-risk HPV types. It can detect infection before any visible cell changes appear, making it an effective tool for early intervention.
For this type of HPV screening, we use a similar sample-collection method as the Pap smear.
| Recommended For | Women aged 30 to 69 who have ever been sexually active. |
| Recommended Frequency | Every five years, if results are normal. |
| Results | A negative result means no high-risk HPV was found. A positive result means you may need further testing, usually a Pap smear or colposcopy, to check for abnormal cells. |
Co-Testing
Co-testing combines both the Pap smear and HPV DNA test in a single screening, reducing the risk of missed cases. It checks for both the virus and any abnormal cells, giving a more comprehensive picture of your cervical health.
What Happens During Co-Testing
- We’ll take a single cervical sample, similar to a Pap smear.
- The same sample is then split into two parts in the lab: one for cytology (Pap test) and another for HPV DNA analysis.
- The results show whether the virus is present and whether any cell changes have already occurred.
Recommended For | Women aged 30 to 69 who prefer a more comprehensive screening. |
Recommended Frequency | Every five years, if results are normal. |
Considerations | Slightly higher cost, and not always necessary if the HPV DNA test is negative. |
Benefits | Generally accurate and detects early indications of infection and cellular changes. |
Comparison of HPV Screening Tests in Singapore
Test | What It Checks | Recommended For | Frequency |
Pap Smear | Looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, but not the virus itself. | Women 25-29 years old | Every 3 years |
HPV DNA Test | Detects high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer, | Women 30-69 years old | Every 5 years |
Co-Testing | Combines Pap smear + HPV DNA tests in one sample. | Women 30-69 years old | Every 5 years |
Who Should Go for HPV Screening?
In Singapore, cervical screening is recommended for women aged 25 to 69 who have ever been sexually active.
- Women aged 25 to 29 are advised to have a Pap smear every three years.
- Women aged 30 to 69 are recommended to have an HPV DNA test every five years, or co-testing if preferred.
How Much Does an HPV Test Cost in Singapore?
At W Gynae Women’s Clinic, our Lady’s Premier Health screening package includes an HPV test and a Pap smear. It also covers a full review of your medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and other essential checks to support your general and gynaecological health.
For women specifically concerned about sexually transmitted infections, we also offer a comprehensive STI Screening package, where an HPV DNA test and Pap smear can be added.
Both packages start from $468, depending on the exact combination of tests you choose. Speak with our care team for a personalised quote and guidance.
Where to Get Screened?
In Singapore, HPV screening is available at both public and private hospitals.
If you’re eligible under the Screen for Life programme, you can get subsidised Pap smears or HPV DNA tests at participating clinics.
If you prefer a more personalised and discreet experience, a private gynaecology clinic like W Gynae offers added benefits:
- Shorter waiting times
- One-to-one consultations
- Continuity of care with the same doctor
If you’re unsure which test you need or when you were last screened, book a consultation to review your screening history and determine the next step.
Is an HPV Vaccination Available in Singapore?
In Singapore, the HPV vaccine is part of the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) for girls aged nine to 26 and is routinely offered to Secondary 1 students through the national school-based programme.
Adult women, up to age 45, can still benefit from getting vaccinated, even if they’re already sexually active.
The vaccine helps protect against future infections from HPV types they haven’t yet encountered. But it does not replace HPV screening. Even if you’ve gotten a vaccination, you should continue regular Pap smears of HPV DNA tests for detection and timely management of anything that might come up.
Is There a Treatment That Cures HPV?
However, no medication clears HPV, but most infections resolve naturally as the immune system suppresses the virus. Treatment focuses on managing the conditions HPV may cause, listed above.
At W Gynae, your HPV treatment plan is guided by your screening results, medical history, and comfort level.
Book a Consultation at W Gynae
Whether you’re due for a routine Pap smear, considering an HPV DNA test, or simply want clarity about your screening or vaccination options in Singapore, we’re here to guide you.