The Importance and Implications of HPV Testing for Women’s Health

The HPV test is performed to detect HPV infection and the type of HPV present. Like the Pap test, the HPV test is done by analyzing a sample of secretions taken from the cervix.

In women, the oncogenic types of HPV (such as types 16, 18, 31 and 45) can cause changes in the cells of the cervix visible on the Pap test. However, these changes can disappear by themselves, without treatment, leaving the risk of evolution towards cancer.

The main indication is after an abnormal Pap test. If the HPV test detects oncogenic types of HPV, colposcopy or cervical biopsy (performed in specialized offices, clinics or gynecology departments in hospitals) is recommended.

The HPV test does not pose any risk to the health of the person examined. In some cases, however, it is possible to indicate the repetition of the test, which could cause anxiety to the person concerned.

After sampling, light vaginal bleeding or gray discharge may sometimes occur. Vaginal washing and sexual contact should be avoided for a period of time recommended by the specialist who performs the test.

Generally, HPV test results are available in 1-2 weeks, and the test may be normal, when HPV is not present, or abnormal, when HPV is present. The HPV test has increased reliability in detecting HPV, but its reliability decreases in the absence of HPV, and there may be false-positive results.

Vaccines against various types of HPV, especially those that can cause cervical cancer, are already available (Silgard, Gardasil), but they are only useful for preventing HPV infection in people who are NOT yet infected.

CAREFUL!

The accuracy of the HPV test can be influenced by certain factors that can interfere with the test results, such as: intravaginal washes, the use of tampons and vaginal creams 48 hours before the test, insufficient samples of cervical cells collected, menstruation and treatment with some medicines, such as Digoxin or Tetracycline.

REMEMBER!

The HPV test is not routinely used for the diagnosis of genital warts, being used mainly to evaluate whether the abnormal Pap test result is caused by one of the oncogenic types of HPV. A positive HPV test does not indicate the presence of cervical cancer, but the presence of one or more types of HPV with increased cancer risk, which increases the risk of precancerous changes in cervical cells. The specialist doctor will recommend the necessary subsequent examinations (colposcopy and/or biopsy) to determine the presence of precancerous cells.

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2023-11-19 14:38:00
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