Examinations/tests

Test yourself for the HPV virus in Sörmland

Testa dig för HPV-virus i Sörmland - engelskaThe content concerns Sörmland

Are you a woman, between 23 and 70 years old? Then you will regularly receive a self-test for the HPV virus. You take the test at home. The test shows if you have the virus HPV which can cause the disease cancer.

Previously, your cell sample was taken by a midwife. Now, anyone living in Sörmland can get a self-test instead.

You take the self-test at home. Then submit it for analysis in the post.

What is HPV?

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 self-test sent to your 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 you have had surgery to remove the entire uterus and uterine tube. It is called total hysterectomy.

Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland and say that you do not want the self-test sent to you anymore.

  • Are you between 23 and 49 years old? Then you are offered to take the test every three or five years.
  • Are you between 50 and 70 years old? Then you are offered to take the test every five or seven years.

The last test is offered when you are between 64 and 70 years old.

If you have protected personal data

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

Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland.

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 have changed to a male social security number

You will not receive a test kit automatically if you have changed to a male social security number.

Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland and they will send you a test kit.

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 Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland.

This is how it works

You will receive the test by post.

Do not use any medicine in the vagina the day before or on the same day. 

Are you menstruating? Wait with the test until your period is over. 

How to take the test:

  1. Find a position that allows easy access to the vagina. For example, prop one leg up against a chair or squat.
  2. Insert the fuzzy part of the swab into the vagina.
  3. It is enough for the swab to enter about five centimeters into the vagina (to the red marking).
  4. Rotate the swab a few times inside the vagina.
  5. Follow the instructions that come with the test on how to pack the sample.
  6. Then place the packed sample in the reply envelope and seal it. 
  7. Submit your sample by placing the envelope in any ordinary postbox.

You will receive your test result by post within four weeks. Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland if you do not receive your result.

If it is difficult for you to take the test

You can get advice and help, for example if any of the following is true:

  • You have difficulty moving.
  • The vagina is sewn together after circumcision.
  • You find it very unpleasant to take the test.

You can get help from a midwife to take the test. Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland if you need help.

If you are pregnant

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.

About your test result

The test shows whether you have the HPV virus. You will receive your test result within four weeks.

Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland if you do not receive your test result.

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

If you have questions or want advice

Do you have any questions or want advice?

Contact Kallelsekansli för gynekologisk cellprovtagning Sörmland.

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