Cervical human papillomavirus detection is not affected by menstrual phase

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is crucial for cervical cancer screening.
• The impact of menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations and oral contraceptive (OC) use on HPV detection remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of OC use and cervical sampling timing relative to the last menstrual period (LMP) on HPV detection.
• To assess the influence of menstrual phase and OC use on HPV viral load.

Main Methods:

• Cervical samples were collected from 2209 women over 6093 visits.
• Specimens were categorized into four menstrual phases: follicular, midcycle, luteal, and late luteal.
• HPV testing and viral load analysis were performed on collected samples.

Main Results:

• HPV detection rates did not significantly differ across menstrual phases (follicular, midcycle, luteal, late luteal).
• Oral contraceptive use did not influence HPV detection.
• Menstrual phase did not affect viral load in HPV-positive samples.
• Analyses for high-risk HPV types, including HPV 16 and 18, showed non-significant associations with menstrual phase.

Conclusions:

• HPV detection is not associated with the menstrual phase.
• Standardizing the timing of specimen collection for HPV testing is not required.
• These findings support current cervical cancer screening protocols without the need for menstrual phase consideration.