A Guide to Female Health: Screenings and Tests to Own Your Sexual Health
Most of us have been brought up learning that annual health checkups are important. But apart from the standard BMI (body mass index), hypertension and blood-glucose test, it’s about time we paid attention to sexual health and wellness-related tests as well!
Given the purportedly high cost of seeking medical treatments, the saying “better to be dead than sick” has also become more commonplace than ever. But does it have to be? We tell you where you can get your sexual health covered and affordably in this article.
This is for y’all, sisters!
Presenting to you - A female’s guide to screenings and tests to take care of your health.
1. PAP Smear
What is a PAP smear and why is it important?
A PAP smear involves taking cells from the cervix and examining them for cancerous and precancerous cells.
Such precancerous cell changes can be caused by the Human Papillomavirus (more about HPV below!) which if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer.
When do I need to start getting a PAP smear?
From 25 to 29, you should get a PAP smear done once every 3 years.
Ladies 30 years and older can get a PAP smear done once every 5 years if combined with HPV screening.
Where can I get a PAP smear done?
Rejoice, ladies! Free PAP smear tests can be done at the Singapore Cancer Society.
Alternatively, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) also subsidises PAP smear tests at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) General Practitioner (GP) clinics as long as you’re above 25 years old. This applies to both Singaporeans and Permanent Residents!
Here’s a helpful summary of HPB’s subsidies that we found on Moneysmart.
2. HPV Testing
What is HPV?
HPV refers to Human Papillomavirus. HPV is a very common virus and everyone who has been sexually active before will likely be exposed to it at some point of time in life.
There are over 100 strains of HPV. While usually harmless, some HPV strains can lead to genital warts, with high risk strains like 16 and 18 even leading to cervical cancer.
How is HPV contracted?
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact such as during sexual activity. Risk of infection is higher for
People who have multiple sexual partners
People with partners who have had multiple sexual partners
People with weakened immune systems
Note that while using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV infection, it does not guarantee 100% protection or cover all genital skin surface.
How are HPV tests done?
The procedure for HPV testing is carried out in the same way as a PAP smear, with a small amount of cells taken from the cervix to analyse for the presence of HPV virus.
When do I need to start getting HPV testing?
Women should start getting HPV tested from 30 years old, up till the age of 65.
Where can I get HPV testing done?
Similar to PAP smears, HPV tests can be done at the Singapore Cancer Society for free.
Preventing HPV
The best way to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated. HPV vaccinations can be obtained at various clinics in Singapore, including the DSC.
Take note however, that different clinics may carry different vaccinations. For example, while polyclinics provide what looks like a very affordable HPV jab, it only protects you from 2 strains of HPV, as compared to the latest HPV vaccination that can protect you from up to 9 strains. Correspondingly, a vaccination that protects you from 9 strains of HPV virus will cost more than one that only protects you from 2 strains.
However, apart from the government subsidy at polyclinics, HPV vaccinations - except for Gardasil 9 - are also Medisave-claimable at approved centres under the Medisave400 scheme.
Is the PAP smear or HPV test still necessary if I’ve taken the HPV vaccination?
Yes! Depending on the HPV vaccinating you’ve taken, it only protects you from 70% to 90% of the common cancer-causing HPV strains.
Fun fact: Did you know that males should get HPV vaccinations too?
While males cannot get cervical cancer, getting vaccinated
May prevent genital warts, penile cancer, anal cancer
Spreading HPV to sexual partners
What is the difference between HPV testing and PAP smear?
You’re probably thinking… What the heck is the difference between HPV testing and a good ‘ol PAP smear?! We gotchu fam.
Things to know about cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer in Singaporean women.
It is the cancer of the neck of the womb, called the cervix.
Cervical cancer is a slow-progressing condition that takes years to develop.
Cervical cancer can be cured when detected early.
Protect yourself with regular screening and vaccination.
3. Mammogram
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray that screens for breast cancer.
When do I need to start getting a mammogram?
As age is a risk factor for breast cancer, females aged 40 and above should get a mammogram yearly, while women above 50 need to get a mammogram once every 2 years. If your family has a history of breast cancer, however, speak to your doctor about commencing screening earlier.
Where can I get a mammogram done?
*Screen for Life refers to HPB’s screening programmes for cardiovascular diseases and selected cancers.
The Singapore Cancer Society Clinic @ Bishan
Address: 9 Bishan Place Junction 8 Office Tower, #06-05, Singapore 579837
Clinic operating hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9.00am to 6.00pm (last appointment at 5.15pm)
Saturdays, 9.00am to 4.00pm (last appointment at 3.15pm)
Contact number: 1800-727-3333
For a summary of tests that you should go for and the subsidy rates, check out HPB’s website!
Note that eligibility for the programme subsidy depends on factors such as your age, gender, pre-existing conditions and last screening date.
Resources:
https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/
https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/
Fact Checked by Dr. Tan and Partners