1 jam yang lalu
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Rudi Simanjuntak, said that the awareness of women towards HPV vaccination in Indonesia is currently increasing. However, many women are still hesitant because they feel they do not yet need the vaccine and early detection. Yet, the risk of HPV infection is often unnoticed because it does not always cause symptoms.
"HPV can be contracted without notice for years, so waiting for complaints to emerge is not the right strategy. Vaccination helps protect against high-risk virus types, while screenings such as pap smears or HPV DNA tests can detect cell changes from the early stages," said Rudi Simanjuntak on May 9, 2026.
The awareness of Indonesian women in taking early steps to maintain their health is increasing, ranging from HPV vaccination, pap smears, to routine medical check-ups. Some may ask, "But if I feel healthy, is early detection still important?"
According to Rudi, many women's health conditions develop without symptoms in the early stages, including cervical cancer closely related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, most cervical cancer cases can actually be prevented through preventive measures.
"Most cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, which can actually be prevented with vaccination and routine screening. The challenge is that many women come in advanced conditions because they did not previously undergo examinations," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health.
In the context of prevention, when there are no complaints, that is the best time for prevention. Early detection is not only related to cervical cancer, but also to women's overall health, so that various conditions can be identified earlier through routine examinations, ranging from hormonal disorders, reproductive problems, to the risk of chronic diseases, while also helping to determine the appropriate preventive measures.
Similar to maintaining a diet, exercise, or skincare, maintaining reproductive health is also a long-term investment. The earlier it is done, the greater the benefits that can be obtained.
For those who are still uncertain, the first step can be started by consulting a doctor to determine the need for appropriate vaccination and screening, without waiting for a certain age or the emergence of complaints. Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong and Bethsaida Hospital Serang, under the auspices of Bethsaida Healthcare, offer HPV vaccination services as well as comprehensive women's medical check-up packages designed to support early detection.
With integrated examinations and doctor consultations, it is hoped that women can determine preventive measures according to their conditions and needs. Early detection is no longer just an additional option, but a long-term health investment for women. HPV vaccination and routine screening help reduce risks in the future, while also providing a sense of security to carry out daily activities with more confidence.
Read: Indonesia Expands HPV Vaccine Program to Include Men Starting 2026
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