How to Get Tested for HPV



Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is estimated that at least 80 percent of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While most cases of HPV are harmless and go away on their own, some can cause serious health problems like genital warts, cervical cancer, and other types of cancer. Getting tested for HPV is important to ensure early detection and treatment if necessary. Here’s how to get tested for HPV:

1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor: The first step in getting tested for HPV is to make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to discuss the different tests available and help you decide which one is right for you.

2. Get a Pap Test: A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is the most common way to test for HPV in women aged 21-65 years old. During this procedure, your doctor will use a small brush or spatula to collect cells from your cervix which can then be examined under a microscope for signs of abnormal cell changes caused by certain types of HPV strains that can lead to cancer or other health issues if left untreated.

3. Discuss Other Tests: Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as an HPV DNA test or an anal Pap test if you are at higher risk due to engaging in anal sex or having multiple sexual partners over time.

4. Follow Up Care: After getting tested for HPV, it’s important that you follow up with your doctor regularly as recommended by them so they can monitor any changes in your condition over time and provide appropriate treatment if necessary based on the results of any tests you have had done previously as well as any new symptoms you may experience between visits such as genital warts or abnormal bleeding from the vagina/rectum area etc..

Getting tested for HPV is important because it helps detect potential health problems early on before they become more serious issues down the road so make sure to talk with your doctor about testing options today!

Tags:

Human papillomavirus (HPV), sexually transmitted infections, genital warts, cervical cancer, Pap test, HPV DNA test, anal Pap test, follow up care,

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