The use of a condom is essential to protect yourself and your partners against STDs. It is recommended that women aged between 25 and 64 have HPV screening and that young girls aged from 12 to 14 years old (up to 18 years old) are vaccinated against HPV.
How can an HPV infection be diagnosed?
An HPV infection of the cervix usually disappears spontaneously. However, when the infection persists, lesions may develop. These can be diagnosed through a swab test.
Flanders organises cervical cancer screening where a free smear every 3 or 5 years is offered to women in the target group who are not at particular risk. Women aged 25 to 29 receive a 3-yearly invitation for a cytological examination. From the age of 30 to 64, a 5-yearly screening with an HPV test is recommended.
In Brussels and Wallonia, women in the same age group can also have a cervical cancer screening completely free of charge every 3-5 years (depending on age, as indicated above). This is currently still done on a voluntary basis.
More information on screening?