Understanding Your Test Results
Fortunately, cervical cancer is quite preventable if you take the necessary precautions, such as taking an HPV test. It is strongly recommended that women ages 30 and up have an HPV test as part of their regular screening, while women 21 or older should receive one if their gynecologist finds abnormal Pap results. Keep in mind, women over the age of 30 are at an increased risk for developing cervical cancer.
HPV is most often passed during sexual intercourse, and most people are unaware they or their partner have it. That said, if the HPV remains on a woman’s cervix for years, it could lead to cancer, and the only way to find out and prevent the cancer from developing is to have the test.
For your reference, we have provided a chart below that explains the results of your HPV and Pap results. It is based on medical guidelines developed by a panel of experts from the National Cancer Institute, the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the American Cancer Society.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with OB/GYN doctors or would like to learn more about HPV testing guidelines in Chesapeake, VA, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
| Normal Pap (and are age 30 or over) * | Inconclusive Pap (ASC-US) | Abnormal Pap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do not have HPV | Good news! You can rest assured that you are not at risk for cervical cancer and do not need to be retested for HPV for 3 years! However, your doctor or nurse will need to see you next year for other important women's health checks such as a pelvic and breast exam. | A lab professional looks at a sample of cervical cells through a microscope | Even though cervical disease is highly unlikely if you do not have HPV, it is still important to understand why your cells look abnormal. Your doctor will likely perform a procedure called a colposcopy that allows your cervix to be more closely examined. In some cases, a sample of tissue will be taken for analysis. |
| Have HPV | It's recommended that you have another HPV and Pap test in 6-12 months. If either test is abnormal at that time, your doctor or nurse will likely do a colposcopy, a procedure that allows your cervix to be more closely examined. Depending on what the exam shows, this will allow treatment to be started immediately and early, if needed. | A computerized molecular test is done on either the same sample of cervical cells collected for the Pap, or on a separate sample | Your doctor or nurse will do a colposcopy to better examine your cervix. |
