How to Talk to Your Doctor About HPV

By eHow Health Editor

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If you feel that you are at risk for contracting HPV, you should speak to your doctor. She will be able to help you properly diagnose the virus, as well as discuss proper methods to reduce the chance of infection.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

HPV test
Doctor or gynecologist

Speak to Your Doctor About HPV

Step1

Have an annual pelvic exam and pap test. Depending on your state and insurance, your primary care physician may perform this routine exam or you may go to a gynecologist.

Step2

Talk to your doctor about the HPV immunizations available. The vaccine is recommended for young women aged nine to 26. If you are sexually active, the vaccine may help prevent cervical cancer.

Step3

Ask for an HPV test if you are over the age of 30. A simple viral DNA test of the cervical wall tests for all strains of HPV. A normal test result may mean you can wait longer between routine pap tests.

Step4

Speak with your doctor about the common risks that can lead to the contraction of HPV. You should discuss different birth control methods and how to best prevent the infection.

Step5

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and infects millions of women each year. Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor. The virus is not only common, but also easily managed.

Step6

Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for general information on HPV (see Resources below). Learning as much as you can about the virus will better prepare you to talk to you doctor.

Step7

Print out a copy of questions you should ask your doctor about HPV. Such a list is available from PBS's Second Opinion website (see Resources below). The questions provided are a great starting point for a discussion with your doctor. Taking the list with you will help you remember to ask all of the questions you may have.

Tips & Warnings

A positive HPV test does not mean you have cervical cancer. Not all strains of HPV lead to cervical cancer, but the presence of the virus may mean that you are more at risk for pre-cancerous changes in the cervical cells.