Test yourself for the HPV virus in Skåne

HPV is a very common virus. HPV stands for human papillomavirus.

It is spread from person to person, for example during sex.

It sometimes causes changes to cells in the cervix, and these cell changes can lead to cancer.

HPV normally has no symptoms, and you won’t be aware that you have it. So you should always do a test when the time comes round.

The test shows if you have the HPV virus. It is good to detect HPV early. Then it is easier to treat the virus. Therefore, test yourself every time you get a test performed at home.

Test yourself even if you are vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine does not completely protect against HPV.

The test is free. You decide if you want to test yourself.

In some cases, you do not need to test yourself

You do not need to test yourself if any of these apply to you:

• You've never had sex. This applies to all types of sex.
• You have had surgery to remove the entire uterus and uterine tube. It is called total hysterectomy.
  
  Then you can call Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV) and say that you do not want the home tests anymore.

Here you can see when you get the test home:

• Are you between 23 and 49 years old? Then you get tested every three years.
• Are you between 50 and 70 years old? Then you get tested every five years.

If you are 64 years old and do not have HPV, you do not need to do more tests.

If you have protected personal data

Do you have protected personal data? If so, you should order the test yourself.

Contact Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV). Skatteverket (The Swedish Tax Agency) will then send you your test.

Once you have tested yourself, Skatteverket will also send you your test result.

If you do not receive a test 

Have you not received a test even though you should have? Or would you like to know when you are due to receive a test? Contact Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV).

You will receive the test by post when it's time.

Instructions are included with the test. It says how to perform it. The instructions are available in Swedish and English.

Do not use any medicine in the vagina the day before or on the same day. Also, wait with the test if you are menstruating. Then you should test yourself when your period is over instead.

Do as follows:

1. Perform the test on yourself. It doesn't hurt.
2. Return the test in the envelope that came with it. Return the test within seven days of testing yourself.
3. You will receive your test result by post within four weeks. Contact Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV) if you do not receive your result.

If you have been circumcised

Female circumcision means that a woman's external genitalia have been removed or damaged. Female circumcision is prohibited in Sweden and in most countries.

If you have been circumcised, you can test yourself for HPV if you get the sampling stick in the vagina.

If this is not possible, you can get help from a midwife. The midwife will help you take the test. Contact Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV) if you need help.

Test yourself through a midwife if you are pregnant. You can also wait and test yourself after pregnancy.

Do not use the test you receive at home by post.

The test shows whether you have the HPV virus. You will receive your test result within four weeks. Call Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV (Advice on self-testing for HPV) if you do not receive your test result.

A new test will be sent home to you when it is time to test yourself again.

You will need to visit a midwife if you have HPV. You must visit the midwife no later than three months after testing yourself.

The midwife takes a cell sample from your vagina.

The cell sample shows if you have had cell changes. Cell changes are usually harmless and usually heal on their own.

However, some cell changes can be dangerous and cause cancer. Cell changes are not felt either. It is good to detect them early and remove them. Then, most people will be healthy.

If you have HPV and want to have sex, you must use a condom.

Do you have any questions or want advice?

Contact Rådgivning egenprovtagning HPV.

You can also call telephone number 1177 to get advice.