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Most sexually active people are exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. For women, persistent infection with a high-risk HPV strain raises the risk of cervical cancer. Fortunately, vaccination and routine Pap testing offer the best defense.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. While many HPV infections go away on their own, certain high-risk strains can increase your risk of cervical cancer and other gynecological conditions if left untreated.
At the OB-GYN practice of Alan B. Patterson, MD, in Coral Springs, Florida, our team provides personalized women’s health care focused on prevention, early detection, and individualized treatment. Because HPV rarely causes symptoms, routine gynecological care plays an essential role in protecting your long-term health.
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses that spread primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types are considered low-risk and may cause genital warts, while others are classified as high-risk because they can lead to cervical cancer or other cancers — including throat, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers — over time. Different strains of the HPV cause problems with different organs. You can have HPV just in your cervix without having it elsewhere. Likewise you could get genital warts which are from HPV on your vulva without having HPV of the cervix because the strains that cause vulvar warts are different from the strains that could infect your cervix.
In many cases, your immune system clears the infection naturally. However, persistent HPV infections can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells that require monitoring or treatment.
The importance of routine screening
Most women experience no symptoms of HPV, which is why routine screenings remain so important, even when you feel healthy. Pap smears and HPV testing – both provided here at the office of Alan B. Patterson, MD, are among the most effective tools.
Pap tests allow us to identify changes before they progress. Women should start getting regular Pap smears at the age of 21. Depending on your age, health history, and previous screening results, our team may recommend:
- Routine Pap smears and/or HPV testing
- Colposcopy for closer examination of abnormal cells
- Follow-up monitoring for persistent HPV infections
Early detection gives you more treatment options and helps reduce the risk of complications. Regular gynecological visits also provide an opportunity to discuss symptoms, concerns, and preventive care in a comfortable, supportive setting.
How HPV raises the risk of cancer
High-risk HPV strains can cause abnormal changes to cervical cells. Persistent HPV infections in the cervix can trigger precancerous changes. Luckily, Pap tests can detect these changes before they develop into cancer, and subsequent treatment can then prevent cervical cancer.
Can HPV be prevented?
While no method can eliminate risk entirely, there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of HPV-related complications.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against many high-risk strains associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. Safe sex practices and routine gynecological care are also important parts of prevention.
Even if you’ve received the vaccine, regular screenings are still necessary. Vaccination doesn’t protect against every HPV strain, and ongoing monitoring is crucial for maintaining cervical health.
Personalized women’s health care you can trust
If you’re due for a Pap smear, have concerns about HPV, or need follow-up care after abnormal results, contact our office in Coral Springs, Florida, to request an appointment and take a major proactive step toward protecting your reproductive health today.