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Down There Disclaimers
There is a lot of confusion around HPV and cervical cancer screening — and we get it.
From myths about who needs it, to fears about “doing it wrong,” these mixed messages stop too many women from taking the first step.
Down There Disclaimers is our social media myth-busting campaign that aims to set the record straight — one swipe at a time.
Test your knowledge
Test yourself at our Instagram @a4hpv_sg
“HPV is the same as cervical cancer.” Not quite — HPV isn’t cancer, but it’s the virus that can lead to it. HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and it’s actually very common — most people will come into contact with it at some point in their lives. The reason we pay attention to HPV is because certain types of the virus can increase the risk of cancer, while others might cause harmless skin warts on areas like the hands, feet, or genitals. When it comes to cervical screening, we focus on the high-risk types of HPV that are linked to cancer — because early detection can make a big difference. And the good news? HPV is preventable and manageable; through vaccination, regular screening, and better awareness.
“Self-swabs are just as accurate as those done by doctors — when done correctly.” Yes, that’s right! Self-sampling has been shown to have comparable accuracy to samples collected by a doctor. It is a very simple process. You will be given a picture and instructions to guide you through how to do the sampling. Feel free to check in if you have any uncertainties about the swabbing process.
“What’s the minimum age women can start self-swabbing?” In Singapore, women are eligible to start HPV screening from the age of 30. A pap smear is recommended in Singapore if you are between 25 and 29 years old. It is recommended that you do a pap smear every 3 years. A HPV test looks for the cancer-causing HPV types that cause the abnormal cells on your cervix. The HPV test is recommended for women between 30 and 69 years old. It is recommended that you repeat your HPV test every 5 years. Since most of the HPV that is found in these women are short-term infections (like the common flu) that are cleared effectively by their stronger immune system, the test is too sensitive for younger women. A positive HPV test in younger women in Singapore is not a true reflection of their risk of future cervical cancer. A test that is too sensitive for these younger women can lead to unnecessary treatment that may lead to pregnancy issues in the future and unnecessary stress. Hence, it is only used in women from the age of 30. For future information, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
“Men can carry or transmit HPV.” Yes, men absolutely can carry and transmit HPV — it’s not just a women’s issue! HPV is super common and affects people of all genders. While it often shows no symptoms, it can still lead to health problems like genital warts and, in some cases, cancer — even in men. The good news? HPV is preventable. Vaccines like Gardasil 9 are approved for both men and women aged 9 to 45. So guys, don’t sit this one out — getting vaccinated protects not just you, but also your partners. It’s an easy way to stay safe, take charge of your health, and help build a future with fewer HPV-related diseases for everyone.
“You can’t get HPV if you’ve had a hysterectomy.” Tricky one. It depends on whether your cervix was removed: If your cervix is still intact (e.g. partial hysterectomy), you still need to screen. If your cervix was removed and you have no history of abnormal Pap/HPV results, you may not need screening, but it’s best to check with your doctor.
“HPV cannot be passed if you use condoms.” Yes, but not 100%. Women who are currently or have previously been sexually active can be exposed to HPV. Using condoms correctly and consistently can help reduce the risk of passing the virus to a new partner, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk completely.
“HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact” That’s true — HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. It’s one of the most common infections, but the good news is that it’s preventable and manageable. You can’t get HPV from toilet seats or casual contact, so there’s no need to worry about that. Understanding how it spreads is a powerful first step toward protecting yourself.
“How often should women go for HPV testing?” You are recommended to have an HPV test every 5 years, this is based on the Singapore National cervical cancer screening guidelines. The HPV test is recommended for women between 30 and 69 years old. A pap smear is recommended in Singapore if you are between 25 and 29 years old. It is recommended that you do a pap smear every 3 years.
“Self-swabbing will break my hymen.” Not quite. If you’ve never had sex before, your risk of being exposed to the cancer-causing HPV virus is very low — so cervical cancer screening isn’t necessary at this point. However, this is actually the best time to consider the HPV vaccine, as it’s most effective before any sexual activity begins. It’s a simple, proactive step you can take to protect your future health. Talk to your doctor to see if you're eligible. And if you're worried about the swab — don’t be. It’s only inserted slightly to collect surface cells and doesn’t go deep or ‘break’ anything. It’s quick, safe, and nothing is taken away from you.
“Waiting for the result is too stressful.” We feel you. But not knowing is worse and most results come back clear. If your result is positive, it does not mean that you have cervical cancer. It just means that we will refer you to see a doctor for a closer look or repeat the screening test if required.
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