by Dr. Wendy (OB/Gyn)
Question
How is HPV Diagnosed
Answer
Most HPV infections are asymptomatic. Most are picked up on routine screening pap smears.
Less commonly patients present with visible warts.
Recent recommendations for pap smears have added routine high risk
HPV testing (regardless of pap smear results) in women over the age of 30.
Women under the age of 30 are not routinely HPV tested if their pap
is normal (if the pap shows atypical or abnormal cells in women of any age,
high risk HPV testing is done as a reflex test) because of the
high rate of contracting and resolving HPV infections.
Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS,
is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only.
It is not medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.
Only your own physician knows all the important details of your
specific medical and personal history and should be the only one to give you advice
regarding your own medical care. You should never disregard medical advice or
delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read herein.
If you have any questions whatsoever about your medical health or believe you have a medical
problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider.
