HPV and Cervical Health: What You Need to Know This Year

Cervical health is one area where what you do today can shape your health in the years ahead. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an incredibly common sexually transmitted infection, and knowing how it affects cervical cells can empower you to protect yourself through screening and timely care.

At the practice of Alan B. Patterson, MD, in Coral Springs, Florida, we provide the thorough, compassionate gynecologic care every woman deserves, including the guidance you need to stay ahead of HPV-related cervical changes.

Why HPV testing matters

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most sexually active adults will be exposed at some point, often without knowing. That’s because many HPV strains cause no symptoms at all. 

While many infections clear naturally, certain high-risk strains can cause abnormal cervical cell changes that, over time, may progress to cervical cancer if not monitored or treated.

The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable with routine Pap smears, HPV testing, and appropriate follow-up care.

The evolving science of HPV and cervical screening

In recent years, cervical screening recommendations have shifted to focus more heavily on HPV testing, because research consistently shows that persistent high-risk HPV is the strongest predictor of cervical cancer risk. 

Combining Pap and HPV testing offers the most comprehensive look at your cervical health and is especially useful for women over 30, when high-risk infections become less likely to resolve on their own.

What happens if your results are abnormal

Abnormal Pap or HPV results understandably cause anxiety, but an abnormal test doesn’t mean cancer. In most cases, it means that HPV has triggered mild, temporary cell changes that may resolve on their own. Depending on the result, Dr. Patterson may recommend:

• Repeat testing at an appropriate interval
• A colposcopy for closer evaluation
• Treatment to remove abnormal cells if needed

Dr. Patterson takes a clear, supportive, step-by-step approach to ensure you always understand what your results mean and how to best move forward.

How to protect your cervical health this year

Since HPV rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, prevention and routine monitoring are your strongest tools. 

Stay up to date with Pap and HPV testing

Routine screening is the single most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. HPV-related cell changes develop slowly, and this means Pap and HPV tests can detect abnormalities long before they become serious.

Many women postpone screening because they feel fine, so it’s important to keep in mind that you can have HPV without symptoms. Sticking to a schedule based on your age, your medical history, and your previous results dramatically lowers your lifetime risk. 

Consider HPV vaccination, if eligible

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts. While vaccination is routinely recommended through age 26, some adults up to age 45 may still benefit depending on their exposure history and risk factors.

Even if you’ve already had HPV, vaccination can still offer protection against strains you haven’t encountered. Dr. Patterson will review your health history, prior screenings, and long-term goals to determine whether vaccination is a good option for you.

Strengthen your immune system

Your immune system plays a crucial role in clearing HPV. Most infections resolve naturally within a year or two when immune function is strong. When immunity is weakened, however, high-risk strains are more likely to stick around.

Supportive habits include adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and stress reduction. Avoiding smoking is especially important, as tobacco exposure makes it harder for cervical tissue to repair itself and fight off HPV. 

Keep follow-up appointments

Whether your test results are normal or require closer monitoring, timely follow-up is essential. Some cervical changes return to normal on their own, while others need further evaluation to determine whether treatment is necessary.

Dr. Patterson provides clear guidance on when to repeat testing, when colposcopy is recommended, and what steps come next. With same-day and telemedicine appointments available for many concerns, staying on schedule is easy and convenient.

Schedule your next Pap/HPV test today

If you have any questions or concerns about your cervical health, or need to schedule a screening, don’t hesitate to contact us at our Coral Springs, Florida, office today.