Human papillomavirus (HPV) is incredibly common, so common that nearly all sexually active people get it at some point in their lives. You may never know you’ve had it because it often causes no symptoms and clears up on its own.
However, because certain strains of HPV closely link to cervical cancer, there are steps you need to take if your HPV screening is positive.
Our team at Women’s Specialists of Fayette, located in Fayetteville and Peachtree City, Georgia, offers the best in women’s healthcare: highly advanced testing and treatments combined with personalized, patient-focused care.
Our goal is to build trustworthy relationships that last throughout a woman’s lifetime, from menarche to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond.
Here’s why our team wants you to take HPV seriously without panicking.
HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses that cause warts. Some types are “high-risk” because they link to changes in the cervix that can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer.
A positive HPV test means you have one of these high-risk types. It does not mean you have cancer. And most of the time, even high-risk HPV clears from the body naturally within one to two years without causing any health problems.
Fortunately, according to research by the National Cancer Institute, women who have routine screenings rarely develop cervical cancer. Still, the risk is there, making cervical cancer screening essential, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with HPV.
Your provider develops a follow-up screening schedule based on your specific needs. For instance, your schedule may vary depending on the type of screening you had.
If your provider includes your HPV test with a routine Pap smear, they may recommend additional tests that further define the initial results. Our on-site testing services help ensure quick and accurate results.
If your HPV test is positive but your Pap test is normal, your provider might recommend repeat testing in 12 months to see if the virus clears. You may also benefit from HPV typing to check for the most concerning types, such as HPV 16 or 18.
If there are abnormal cervical cells detected or persistent HPV on follow-up, your provider might recommend a colposcopy. This in-office diagnostic procedure lets us take a closer look at your cervix to check for any early changes.
In any case, following your individualized screening guidelines is essential to a successful outcome.
There’s no medication to “cure” the virus itself. That said, your body’s immune system is usually very good at clearing HPV on its own.
However, if it causes changes in your cervix, there are effective treatments to remove abnormal cells and prevent them from turning into cancer.
That’s why regular follow-up after positive HPV testing is key. Our strategy is to closely monitor your cervical health and identify precancerous changes early, when treatment is typically more effective and less complicated.
Take a deep breath. An HPV diagnosis doesn’t mean you have cancer, and it certainly doesn’t define you. And it doesn’t necessarily impact your health in the long term.
It just means it’s time to be proactive, stay on top of your screenings, and take care of your body. Have questions? Our team is here to support you with guidance, follow-up care, and the answers you need.
Schedule a visit at Women’s Specialists of Fayette today. Call our office or request an appointment through our online service. Remember, you’re not alone. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.
