Impact of Vaginal Suppositories on HPV Test Results and Vaccine Efficacy

Vaginal suppositories were used prior to HPV testing?

Doctor, I had an HPV test and the result was negative with a value of 0.17.
However, I used a suppository for inflammation treatment the night before the test.
Will this affect the results? Additionally, I would like to know if my test result means that receiving the quadrivalent vaccine will provide significantly lower protection compared to someone who has not engaged in sexual activity.
Lastly, when I initially visited a clinic for vaginal inflammation, the doctor noted that my labia were not smooth and seemed to have growths, leading to a biopsy that indicated condyloma.
However, I later consulted two other doctors who said it was normal and not condyloma, and my HPV test was also negative.
Can I confirm that the irregularities in my labia are normal?

Ariana, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I had an HPV test, and the result was negative with a value of 0.171.
The night before the test, I used a suppository for treating inflammation.
Will this affect the results? Answer: This will not affect the results.

2.
With this test result, if I receive the quadrivalent vaccine, will the protective efficacy be significantly lower compared to someone who has never engaged in sexual activity? Answer: It is best to receive the vaccine between the ages of 9-15 without sexual activity.
For ages 16-26 without sexual activity, it is slightly less effective.
For ages 16-26 with sexual activity, it is even less effective, but not significantly lower.

3.
Initially, when I visited a clinic for vaginal inflammation, the doctor noted that my labia were not smooth and seemed to have growths.
A biopsy was performed, and it was reported as genital warts.
However, I have since consulted two other doctors who said it was normal and not genital warts.
Additionally, I had an HPV test that was negative.
Can I confirm that the irregularities are normal? Answer: It is likely not genital warts.
The biopsy report stating it was genital warts needs to be reviewed for the pathology report.

Reply Date: 2018/07/01

More Info

The impact of vaginal suppositories on HPV test results is a common concern among patients undergoing HPV screening. Based on the information provided, using a vaginal suppository the night before an HPV test is unlikely to affect the test results. HPV tests are designed to detect the presence of the virus in cervical cells, and while certain substances can potentially interfere with tests, most vaginal medications do not significantly alter the accuracy of HPV testing. Therefore, your negative HPV test result with a value of 0.17 can be considered reliable, despite the use of the suppository.

Regarding the efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil), it is important to understand that vaccination is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity. For individuals who have already engaged in sexual activity, the vaccine can still provide protection against strains of HPV that they have not yet been exposed to. Your current test result indicates that you are not currently infected with HPV, which is a positive sign. However, the vaccine's effectiveness may be slightly reduced compared to someone who has never had sexual intercourse, as they would be more likely to have a broader immune response to the vaccine. Nevertheless, receiving the vaccine is still beneficial, as it can help prevent future infections with HPV strains that you have not encountered.

As for the concerns regarding the appearance of your labia and the initial diagnosis of genital warts (condyloma), it is reassuring that subsequent examinations by two other doctors did not confirm the presence of warts, and your HPV test results were negative. This suggests that the irregularities you are experiencing may not be related to HPV infection or genital warts. It is essential to obtain a copy of the pathology report from the initial biopsy to clarify the diagnosis further. If the report indicates that the tissue is benign, you can feel more confident that the irregularities are normal anatomical variations rather than a sign of disease.

In summary, the use of vaginal suppositories prior to HPV testing is unlikely to affect the results, and your negative test is a good indicator of your HPV status. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine can still provide significant protection even if you have had sexual experiences, and it is advisable to proceed with vaccination. Lastly, the negative HPV test and the opinions of multiple healthcare providers regarding your labial appearance suggest that there is no cause for concern, but reviewing the pathology report will provide additional peace of mind. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow-up care.

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