A regular visit to a gynecologist for a cytological analysis is the key to the early detection of gynecological diseases and especially to the detection of cervical cancer. Cytology allows to detect the lesions that the human papillomavirus – HPV can cause in the cervix and to start the treatment as early as possible. However, cytological tests can be replaced by a simple menstrual blood sample. A study conducted by researchers in China and published in the journal JAMA Network Open reveals that the examination of menstrual blood can be easily performed and serve as an alternative in the detection of papillomavirus. Analysis of DNA from menstrual blood Researchers have analyzed DNA from menstrual blood and found that it can reveal the presence of human papillomavirus with a 94.2% accuracy rate. In fact, this method is even more accurate than cytological tests for detecting papillomavirus infection. The researchers say that the detection of papillomavirus through menstrual blood can be a useful and very practical non-invasive method. Samples should be taken from the second day of menstruation, as bleeding is usually heavier then. Papillomavirus and cancer Papillomavirus is associated with cervical cancer, although it can also cause cancer of the vagina, anus, penis, and some cancers of the mouth and throat. 80% of sexually active people will be infected with human papillomavirus at some point in their lives. However, a small proportion of them develop cancer because their immune system deals with the virus and does not lead to the appearance of cancerous lesions. Not all variants of human papillomavirus are carcinogenic: there are more than 200 variants and only about 20 are potentially carcinogenic. The incidence of cervical cancer is between 8 and 9 cases per 100,000 people. Occurs in women where the infection has been latent for years until it eventually causes abnormal cells to appear. Protection against cervical cancer The HPV vaccine in girls and the use of protection during sexual intercourse are the two main elements to avoid contracting and developing cervical cancer. For early detection, the gynecologist performs a pap smear – taking a sample from the vagina and cervix, which is analyzed in a laboratory. In reality, cytology does not detect papillomavirus, but possible precancerous or cancerous lesions that it may have caused, no matter how small. If the cytological profile is changed and the gynecologist suspects unusual lesions, a test for human papillomavirus is performed. This test allows us to detect the exact variants of papillomavirus that the patient has contracted. Strengthening the immune system Being infected with human papillomavirus does not mean that cancer will develop. The virus has a latent period, which meansthat it spends some time in the body before it starts to cause tumor changes. This latent period can last for years. Strengthening the immune system through healthy habits, a healthy diet, exercise and stress management is an investment in health that will help our body fight against all types of pathogens, including human papillomavirus. In any case, gynecological control is essential and deaths from this tumor are few in developed countries, thanks to early detection, which allows early treatment. After the age of 25, a cytological examination is recommended every 3 years. Human papillomavirus testing can also be done after the age of 30 and if negative can be done again after 5 years. This control should be maintained until the age of 65 by cytological analysis or testing for human papillomavirus. Analyzing menstrual samples, in women of childbearing age, would facilitate diagnosis, as it is easier and more practical. Sources: https://www.sabervivirtv.com/ginecologia/detectar-virus-papiloma-vph-sangre-menstrual_6756 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2787432