What is HPV?
o A very
common infection that infects the
genital and anal skin.
o Over 100 types, low and high risk.
o Low
risk HPV is
responsible for genital warts.
o High
risk HPV increases your
risk for cervical cancer if not found in time.
o Most infections don’t cause anything and
your immune system clears it in a few months, but HPV can persist for a few
years.
o If HPV doesn’t clear, it can increase
your risk for developing cervical cancer.
Why did I get HPV?
o Sexually transmitted
o Very common infection! Means that you have a common virus that usually
clears from the body without having any issues.
o It is not unusual for HPV to be
diagnosed in a long-term relationship!
What
is a pap smear?
o Screening test looking for abnormal
changes in your cells in the cervix before they turn into cancerous cells.
o Small brush is used to swab cervical
cells and it is sent to lab for evaluation.
When should I get a pap smear?
o ACOG recommends no earlier than 21
years of age.
o Usually once a year, but new
guidelines are available based on new research, so please discuss with
healthcare provider.
o Can refer to ASCCP.ORG
What
is HPV testing? Is it the same as a
pap smear?
o Not the same as a pap smear. It specifically looks for HPV infection.
o It is done as a co-test for women 30
years of age and older, and as followup for abnormal cells on a pap smear.
Why
isn’t HPV tested in women under 30 years
of age?
o HPV is very common in younger women and
will most likely to be cleared naturally.
What
is HPV genotyping?
o Useful to see who is infected with “High risk” HPV infection that may
increase risk of cervical cancer.
o Important types are 16 and 18, which are found most with
cervical cancer.
What
happens if my pap is abnormal?
o Depends on severity of Pap. You may need to simply repeat it more often.
o If more extensive changes and “high
risk” HPV positive, you will need in-office procedure: COLPOSCOPY. Special
microscope is used to closely examine cervix and biopsies are taken.
What
if I need treatment?
o Mild cervical changes can be monitored
because your immune system can naturally clear the infection. Helpful hints to help clear the HPV
infection: Take your daily vitamins, stop smoking if you are and decrease your
stress level!
o Moderate and
severe infection are usually treated
and treatment depends on age, if pregnant, and where cells changes are located.
o Treatment options: cryosurgery (freezing),
laser, LEEP (thin, electrically charged wire to cut away abnormal cells), cone
biopsy (surgical knife to cut away cells)
What
about HPV vaccine?
o CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination
for males and females age 11-26 years of age
o Makes it much less likely a woman will
develop cervical cancer or have precancerous cervical cell changes.