HPV is one of the most common infections in the United States, and most people who have it never develop symptoms. Still, certain types of HPV cause changes in cervical cells that can lead to cervical cancer. That’s why understanding HPV and keeping up with cervical cancer screenings are such important parts of women’s health.
Makunda Abdul-Mbacke, MD, MPH, FACOG at Piedmont Preferred Women's Healthcare, provides warm, compassionate care to girls and women needing OB-GYN and urogynecologist services. These services include sexual health services, such as HPV testing and vaccination.
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of more than 150 related viruses. HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Many HPV infections clear without causing health problems.
Some types of HPV, however, are considered high-risk because a chronic infection that persists can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells. Chronic HPV infection is responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as some cancers affecting other parts of the body.
Having HPV doesn’t mean you have cancer. It also doesn’t tell you when you became infected. HPV can remain in the body for years, so a positive test doesn’t necessarily mean you or your partner contracted the virus.
Chronic HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells; an HPV test looks for high-risk HPV that can cause those changes. Depending on your age and screening history, your doctor may recommend one test or a combination of tests.
When screening finds abnormal cells or high-risk HPV, your doctor can recommend the appropriate follow-up. That may include repeating the screening test, monitoring the changes, or having a closer examination of the cervix called a colposcopy.
Regular screening allows your doctor to find cervical changes before they become cancerous.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancers and genital warts. It’s recommended routinely for children and adolescents, with catch-up vaccination recommended through age 26 for those who weren't adequately vaccinated earlier.
Some adults aged 27 through 45 may also benefit from vaccination after discussing their individual situation with a healthcare provider. Vaccination works alongside cervical cancer screening. Even vaccinated women should continue screening according to their doctor's recommendations.
Regular cervical cancer screening remains one of the most important ways to protect your health. If you receive an abnormal Pap or positive HPV result, follow up with your healthcare provider so you understand what the result means and what comes next.
If you're due for screening or have questions about an HPV or Pap test result, contact our office to schedule an appointment today. We offer services in Rockingham County, North Carolina (Reidsville and Eden, North Carolina), southern Virginia (Danville and Ridgeway, Virginia), and surrounding areas.
