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HPV is not something to be taken lightly. The virus can put women at a much higher risk for cervical cancer. That’s why HPV screening is so important. At MAIA in Downers Grove, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your health. 

What is an HPV Screening? 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) test detects human papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer, abnormal cervical cells, and genital warts. The test detects high-risk forms of HPV that are more likely to lead to pre-cancer or cancer of the cervix.  

The HPV test is typically done during a pelvic exam, and it’s recommended to start having an HPV test at the age of 30. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends HPV testing every five years for individuals 30-65 years old.  

Knowing whether you have HPV or not can help you and your healthcare provider know what the next steps should be.  


What Causes HPV?

HPV infection occurs when the human papillomavirus enters your body. This typically comes in through a cut, abrasion, or tear in the skin. The virus is most often contracted through skin-to-skin contact, and genital HPV infections are typically contracted through sex, anal sex, or other skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Some HPV infections occur due to oral sex as well.

Because HPV is quite contagious, it’s very common to contract it from another person. Coming into contact with the skin of someone carrying the virus is all it takes to contract it.

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What to Expect During an HPV Screening

An HPV test is usually done at the same time as a Pap test and/or pelvic exam. To start, we will ask you to get undressed from the waist down and provide you with a sheet or gown to cover yourself. You’ll then lie down on the exam table and rest your feet into the stirrups. From there, Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell will place a plastic speculum into the vagina to move the vaginal walls aside. She’ll then use a brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix. And that’s it! The test only takes a few minutes. Afterward, you can return to your normal routine.

The results will come back in a few days, and we’ll contact you with the findings.

 

HPV Screening Results 

Results from your HPV test will come back either positive or negative. A positive result means that you have a type of high-risk HPV that has been linked to cervical cancer. This doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. It’s a warning sign that it could develop in the future. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to test again in about a year, continue to monitor the cells, or recommend further examination of the cervix with a colposcopy or biopsy. Removal of the abnormal cervical cells is also an option. 

HPV Treatment Options 

There are a few different options for treating HPV and removing lesions. The right treatment for you depends on the severity of the lesions and what Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell recommends. The options include: 

  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): The loop electrosurgical excision procedure uses a specialized wire loop charged with an electrical current to remove abnormal cells from the cervix.  
  • Cold knife cone biopsy (conization): With this procedure, Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix that contains the warts or abnormal HPV cells.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the guidelines for HPV screening?

The guidelines from the American Cancer Society state that HPV screenings should start at the age of 25 and then continue every five years until the age of 65. The HPV test can be done alone or along with a Pap smear. These guidelines should be followed even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.

What should I avoid before an HPV screening?

Before your HPV screening, you’ll want to avoid sex at least two days prior and avoid douching and any vaginal products, including tampons. We also recommend that you don’t have your period, but we understand that’s not always possible.

How should I prepare for an HPV screening?

You do not need much to prepare for your HPV screening. We recommend you avoid sex, douching, vaginal products, and tampons before your appointment, and schedule your appointment around your period if possible.

How often should I get an HPV screening?

From 25-65, you should have an HPV screening or an HPV and Pap smear together every five years.

How accurate is HPV screening?

The accuracy of the HPV screening can differ depending on the test and the type of HPV, but overall, most screenings are 98% accurate or more.

What should I do if I test positive for HPV?

If you test positive for HPV, Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell will walk you through the next steps. They will likely order further tests and monitoring or start a treatment plan immediately. It differs from patient to patient. A positive HPV test also doesn’t mean you have or will ever have cervical cancer.

Will I be HPV-positive for life?

According to the CDC, HPV often goes away on its own within two years 90% of the time. Further screening will help you monitor whether HPV is still present.

Am I contagious if I test positive for HPV?

Yes, even if you don’t have symptoms, you can pass HPV to others through sexual contact. It can be passed through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

Who is eligible for HPV screening?

People aged 25-65 are eligible for HPV screenings as part of a cervical cancer screening.

Can I get HPV without having sex?

Yes, it is possible to contract HPV without having sex. It can be passed through skin-to-skin contact and through shared surfaces with someone who has HPV.

Schedule A Consultation 

If you’re worried about HPV, at risk for cervical cancer, or simply in need of an HPV screening, take the first step toward better gynecological health and schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell today! Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or complete our online contact form.  

Our team at MAIA proudly serves the Chicago, Aurora, Downers Grove, and Naperville, IL communities. 

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Additional Resources

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