The surprising solution to getting more women screened for one of the most common viruses may come down to a humble tampon.
Nearly a third of people aged 25-49 skipped their cervical smear in 2023, despite 99.8% of cervical cancers being caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
On a quest to tackle this, gynae healthcare brand Daye has launched the first-of-its-kind HPV-testing tampon, which can be inserted by users at home to collect a sample of cells. It can then be sent – in discreet packaging – to the lab for testing, and results will arrive within five to 10 days.
The company has already launched a diagnostic tampon for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma that tests users from the comfort and convenience of their own home (it’ll set you back £89).
Now, Daye is hoping that its innovative HPV tampon can help to easily diagnose the virus and prevent it from developing into abnormal cells and cancer.
Speaking of the initiative, Daye’s CEO and founder Valentina Milanova says: ‘Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 requires a joined-up approach of vaccination, screening and testing, and we hope to encourage more women and AFAB individuals to proactively test for HPV.
‘By utilising the familiar tampon, this hassle-free HPV testing kit is extremely easy and comfortable to use, and we hope this will lead to more patients taking control over their long-term health and fertility.’
Traditional smear tests are performed by a nurse or doctor using a speculum – a device which hasn’t been updated in nearly 200 years – to open the vagina. A swab is then inserted to take a sample of cells from the cervix.
While smear tests are nothing to be worried about and many women find the appointments totally okay, they can be uncomfortable. It’s one of the reasons take-up for the tests are low – along with a lack of education and communication about HPV and related health risks.
HPV facts
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that tend to affect the genital areas (vagina, cervix, anus), but it can also impact the mouth.
Although very common, in some cases it can cause more serious conditions, such as cancer.
What causes the spread of HPV?
HPV can be very easy to catch and spread, and involves skin-on-skin contact.
You can contract the virus even without having penetrative sex – for example, if you share sex toys or perform oral sex.
HPV symptoms
In most cases, HPV goes undetected and does not cause any problems.
However, it can sometimes lead to genital warts and abnormal changes in the cells.
High-risk HPV cases are linked to cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancers. It has also been associated with some head and neck cancers.
Are there treatments for HPV?
There is currently no treatment for HPV. Usually the body clears out the disease within 2 years, but detecting it early on and curbing the spread is paramount, as it can lead to more severe issues.
For more information, you can visit the NHS website here.
Some women find the appointments painful even, while, for others, the vulnerability of being splayed naked with a doctor stops them: research from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust found that the most common reason women skip their smear is embarrassment about their body.
HPV screenings can also be hard for the one in five women who have experienced sexual assault, with three-quarters of sexual violence survivors not attending or delaying their cervical screening because the intimacy of the procedure may be triggering.
According to Daye, the HPV diagnostic tampon can help prevent these barriers to access. Made from ethically sourced materials with a sustainable applicator, which enables patients to reach their cervix without a speculum, users can insert the device when they feel ready and comfortable and without anyone else watching.
The HPV screening tampon also has a 1% user error rate, compared to a 15% user error rate in traditional tests, meaning more women are likely to receive accurate results.
The swab test is being launched as part of NHS England’s Accelerator for Innovation to help it meet the ambitious target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
By being tested for HPV you can help reduce your own risk of developing cancer.
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