Discussing HPV can be challenging, but you don’t need to feel ashamed. If you need support, you can talk to your general practitioner, doctor’s assistant, gynecologist, or the public health service GGD. Remember, you’re not alone.
Contact your doctor
or the GGD IF:
You can do two things to protect yourself against HPV: vaccination and condom use during sex.* Additionally, women can take part in cervical cancer screening. 1
*Condoms do not protect you fully against an HPV-infection.
For questions you can consult your general practitioner and the GGD. If you’re interested in vaccination, you can contact either your GP, GGD, private clinic or a vaccination center. At your GP you will have to purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy first. At a private clinic or vaccination center, the vaccines are usually in stock and can be administered directly.
Depending on your health situation you may need 2-3 vaccine doses, meaning you will return several times to your chosen location for the shot.
If you’re a woman (30+), you will receive an invitation for a free HPV smear test every 5 to 10 years as part of the Dutch cervical cancer screening program. The test is done at the general practitioner’s office, usually by the doctor’s assistant. If your test result is positive, you may be referred to a gynecologist at a hospital. At any point you can ask them your questions. 2
1. RIVM, HPV, accessed aug 2023
2. RIVM, Bevolkingsonderzoek baarmoederhalskanker , accessed aug 2023
