An Easy Guide to HPV by Dr. Maria Culotta

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.

    Dr. Maria Culotta is currently seeing patients at Garden Ob/Gyn

Dr. Maria Culotta was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, with a Bachelors of Science. Dr. Culotta then moved to Washington, D.C. where she attended Georgetown University School of Medicine. After graduating in 2007, she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center. She served as academic chief her senior year and received "The Uro-gynecology" award for clinical excellence and "Outstanding Resident Teacher" award in 2003. 

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Dr. Culotta specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is dedicated to providing her patients and family a unique and memorable experience. She encourages patient involvement and actively includes the patient and her partner in the decision making process during the labor, delivery, and postpartum period. She also provides Gynecological care and is interested in minimally invasive surgical techniques. She has a special interest in women's health care and education. Dr. Culotta is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.