Study: Menstrual blood can identify HPV infection

For many, having a Pap smear can feel difficult, even though people with a uterus are advised to do it every five to seven years.

In a study published in the medical journal The BMJ, researchers looked at whether it was possible to perform HPV tests on menstrual blood.

The results showed that the researchers' new test, designed to be performed at home using a piece of cotton on a pad, was almost as effective at identifying HPV infection as traditional methods.

Screening for HPV in Sweden is currently performed either through a home test or by a midwife. In both cases, an instrument is inserted into the vagina.