Short-term HPV detection dynamics across hormonal contraceptive methods in adolescent girls and young women: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial in South Africa

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly prevalent in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated short-term differences in HPV prevalence and early detection dynamics across hormonal contraceptive methods in AGYW. Methods Ninety-eight AGYW (15–19 years) were randomized to receive norethisterone enanthate (Net-EN), combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), or a combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR). Cervical samples were collected at baseline and 16-weeks for HPV genotyping. Results Baseline HPV prevalence was high (93/98; 94.9%) and remained high at 16-weeks (87/97; 89.5%), with no significant differences between contraceptive methods. Longitudinal analyses (n = 87 paired samples) showed no statistically significant differences in HPV acquisition, persistence, or clearance. Conclusions No significant differences were observed in HPV outcomes between hormonal contraceptive methods over 16-weeks. Findings should be interpreted as exploratory given the small sample size and short follow-up.