Home About Us Medical Staff Curtis D. Struyk, M.D. Douglas M. Van Drie, M.D. Judith A. Hiemenga, M.D. Roger W. Edvenson, M.D. Michael L. Bennett, M.D. Elizabeth J. Luce, M.D. Jason B. Bennett, M.D. Kate Haehnel, MS, CUPN, FNP Kathleen Hascher, MSN, FNP Obstetrics Pregnancy FAQs Your First Visit Fetal Well-Being Kick Counts The Non-Stress Test Biophysical Profile Should I Call The Doctor? Active Labor Post Partum Visit Welcome To The World Gynecology Incontinence Pelvic Floor Rehab Overactive Bladder Heavy Periods Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Interstitial Cystitis Vulvodynia Infertility Fibroids Permanent Contraception Abnormal Pap Smear Pap Test HPV Testing Other Menopause Osteoporosis PMS Yeast Infections Procedures Colposcopy Endometrial Biopsy Hysteroscopy LEEP Essure Endometrial Ablation Thermachoice Renessa Novasure Tegress TVTs Surgery GVG Imaging Ultrasound Facts 3D Ultrasound Gynecologic Ultrasound Obstetrical Ultrasound Biophysical / Amniotic Ultrasound Pelvic Ultrasound Nuchal Translucency Amniocentesis Lung Maturity Notification Of Scan Results Memory Photos & Videos AIUM Official Statements What's New Glossary Links Common Problems

What is HPV Testing?

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, approximately 9,710 women in the United States alone will develop cervical cancer. Approximately 3,700 will die from it. However, unlike most cancers, cervical cancer can almost always be prevented. Early detection is the key. A simple test performed along with your annual pap smear can detect the presence of the human papillomavirus test (HPV).

Any sexually active woman, regardless of the number of partners they have had, could potentially have HPV and not realize it. It is an extremely common virus. Approximately eight out of ten women will carry HPV at some point in their lives by the time they reach the age of fifty. Women under the age of thirty usually to not need the HPV test unless the results of their Pap Smear are inconclusive - not abnormal, but not normal either. HPV is common in women in this age group, but it usually goes away on its own without complications. Cervical cancer is rare in this age group as well. Women who are thirty and over are more at risk for cervical cancer, which is why at this point in your life, you should get the HPV test annually. Even if you have a history of normal pap smears, it's still a good idea to get the HPV test. HPV can lie dormant in your system for years without being detected. It can take another ten to fifteen years to develop into cervical cancer.

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