subtypes of the virus have been identified until now, with more than 40 of them being transmitted through sexual contact and more than 60% being linked to a broad range of pathologies of the reproductive system
What is HPV;
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the
most common viral infection
of the reproductive tract.
This viral infection is the
most common sexually transmitted
disease in the world.
More than
170
20
high-risk subtypes are responsible for 99.7% of cases of cervical cancer, with subtypes 16 and 18 being at the origin of 70% of them
How is HPV
transmitted?
The subtypes of the virus that infest the urogenital area are transmitted through sexual contact (of any type) and through skin to skin contact. Because of the variable time points of the onset of the infection it is not easy to determine by whom someone was infected and when, since the virus may be inactive at a latent status. The infection may become active during a period of immunological frailty.
How can I reduce the risk of infection from HPV;
- Using a condom during sexual contact greatly reduces the infection risk (without eliminating it completely).
- Vaccinating against the major subtypes of the virus, which cause 70% of cases of cervical cancer.
- Having a healthy way of life ensures a strong immune system
- Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the immune system.
About FEMISELF
The Femiself test detects the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical smears, by utilizing specialized molecular biology methods.
Femiself is designed and manufactured for the diagnosis and identification of HPV, responsible for deformities of the cervix. The collected DNA is isolated from the cellular material of the cervix and when analyzed to detect and identify 40 strains of the papillomavirus (HPV).
The Femiself test has been developed to assist your physician to rapidly and efficiently reach a conclusion, and see to the verification and incorporation of the results in your medical treatment.
The sample is packed* in a way that ensures safe transportation without any damage risk. We have partnered up with state of the art certified diagnostic center** that analyzed the sample.
The sample material is analyzed with the state of the art methods to detect all HPV subtypes, assisting in the early detection of the risk of cervical cancer. The results are disclosed to your physician via the chosen method.
HPV detection and identification of 40 subtypes
High Risk:
16, 18, 31
33, 35, 39
45, 51, 52
56, 58, 59
Possibly
High-Risk:
26, 53, 66a
66b, 67, 68
70, 73, 82
Low Risk:
6, 11, 40
42, 43, 44
54, 55, 61
62, 64 69
71, 72, 81
83, 84, 87
89, 90
Femiself offers your physician a clear picture of your clinical condition in 6 simple steps.
Frequently asked questions about FEMISELF
A virus is a non-autonomous form of life. Its survival and reproduction requires a host cell. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that contains DNA in its genome and infects the human cells, typically those of the skin and of the mucosa, which constitute its host. There are more than 170 different types of HPV (serotypes), more than 120 of which infect humans and are distinguished as high- or low-risk according to their capacity to induce development of cancerous or other lesions.
When high-risk HPV types, also called oncogenic, do not regress with the help of the immune system, can more commonly cause cervical cancer and more rarely vaginal or vulvar cancer. The low-risk types occasionally cause genital condylomas, which are not a malignancy. It is worth mentioning that most HPV infections do not lead to cancer.
Infection of cervical cells with HPV DNA does not immediately lead to cancer. It can take years for intraepithelial low-, or later, high-grade lesions, i.e. precancerous lesions, to develop in these cells. 70-80% of the intraepithelial low-grade lesions will automatically regress without need for treatment particularly in young women. Only 10-20% of the low-grade lesions will finally develop into high-grade intraepithelial lesions.
High-grade intraepithelial lesions will develop in 12-70% of the cases into invasive cancer in an average of 9-10 years. These lesions must be treated or surgically removed.
HPV is the most frequently transmitted through sexual contact, without full penetration during contact being a requirement.
The viral infection is asymptomatic and can be detected by the patient only if condylomas (acuminata; genital warts) develop on the outer genitals. There are specific tests for detection of the virus based on the DNA (genome) analysis with molecular techniques. These tests can detect the virus and identify the type of the virus even in the initial stages of the infection.
While there is no medical treatment that eradicates HPV, there are some options for treating symptoms. The goal of any treatment is to remove the condylomas in order to eliminate annoying symptoms.
Some treatments can be implemented at your physicians’ office (cautery, laser excision) and others consist of a local application of medicinal creams for several weeks at home.
More than 170 subtypes of the virus have been identified until now, with more than 40 of them being transmitted through sexual contact, 60% of which are related to a broad range of pathologies of the reproductive system.
Of these, subtypes 16 and 18 are the most frequent high-risk HPV types and they are overall responsible for approx. 75% of cervical cancers and for approx. 55% of high-grade precancerous lesions (grade 3) of the same area.
Subtypes 6 and 11 are the most frequent benign types and are implicated in approx. 90% of cases of genital condylomas.
Therefore, the precise diagnosis of the subtype(s) is extremely important for treatment and prognosis.
Femiself allows not only the early detection, with a very high sensitivity grade, of the HPV presence but also, simultaneously, the precise identification of the subtype(s) and therefore the precise diagnosis, early treatment and follow-up without the need of unnecessary complementary tests.
Very simply! The only thing you have to do is to book an appointment with your gynecologist. The test is done in their office by taking a cervical sample. The sampling procedure is rapid and painless. The special Femiself brush offers safety, efficacy and renders the collection of vaginal cellular material reliable.
For women not included in the high-risk groups a control every 3-5 year is suggested, starting from the age of 25 years.
Femiself detects 40 HPV subtypes classified in3 categories: high-, possibly high- and low-risk.
The Femiself service collaborates with a chain of modern certified diagnostic centers. The sample is analyzed with the state of the art methods.
The results are available within 8 days following the date of the examination. You may choose the method in which you may receive your results by ticking the relevant box next to your preferred method in the requisition form. The results can be sent to you via e-mail either by your physician or directly from the Femiself service. Alternatively, you can be informed over the phone. For any other alternative way you may contact the Femiself service by phone at +30 2106125554 or by sending an e-mail at info@femiself.gr. A colleague will always be available at your service.
Your personal information is absolutely safe. The reason that you are signing the requisition form is to give your consent to run the test. At the back of the form you may read the terms of use of the service as well as the confidentiality statement.
You may find additional information on the test in the webpage www.femiself.gr, you may ask your physician or contact our service at our e-mail: info@femiself.gr or by calling us at +302106125554.
CONTACT
Analysis of the sample is performed in the collaborating diagnostic center with the use of AMPLIQUALITY HPV-TYPE EXPRESS v3.0 of AB ANALITICA srl bearing the sign CE IVD