Outcomes following conization and factors on HPV regression among young females in Wuxi.

Abstract

Purpose: It is crucial to prioritize the detection of precancerous lesions in clinical practice, especially in young women who have not yet made decisions about family planning. Herein, we conducted a retrospective study to track HPV regression among young females who underwent conization in the past five years and identify predictors of persistent HPV infection.

Methods: We involved 400 women under the age of 35, who underwent colposcopy-guided biopsy after primary infection with high-risk HPV at the affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University and were histologically confirmed with LSIL/HSIL between June 2018 and December 2022. Follow-up data was collected at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical characteristics, including age, BMI, marital status, gravidity, contraception method, sexual history, HPV infection duration, HPV vaccination status, preoperative HPV, and cytology status, were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software.

Results: A total of 400 patients aged 18 to 35 were included, with 354 (88.5%) undergoing cervical biopsy and 92 (23%) undergoing cervical conization. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, marital status, pregnancy history, and HPV vaccination between patients with persistent HPV infection and those with HPV regression after conization. However, the timing of first sexual activity and the use of condom contraception had a statistically significant impact on HPV status.

Conclusions: Duration of sexual life may play a significant role in the development of cervical precancerous, showing a positive correlation. Condoms for contraception can promote HPV regression by creating a physical barrier that blocks the transmission of HPV. Regular follow-up intervals following cervical conization are of greater significance than HPV vaccination.