What are the 4 types of HPV I should know about?
HPV is a virus that is easily passed on - so any exposure can put you at risk. If your'e a young women, there are 4 types of the virus you should really know about. That's because those types cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in women.
- HPV Types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
- HPV Types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital wart cases.
All HPV types that affect the genital area can cause abnormal pap tests.
Who gets HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn't care who you are. If affects both females and males. You can get the virus through any kind of sexual genital contact with someone who has HPV - that means intercourse isn't necessary.
When if comes to HPV, the facts speak for themselves:
- 80% of women will have had genital HPV by the time they're 50.
- Transmission of HPV can happen during the first 2-3 years of sexual contact.
- Even if you already have a certain type of HPV, you could still be at risk for other types of HPV.
Am I too young to worry about cervical cancer?
No. While half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old, many of these women could have been exposed to cancer-causing HPV types in their teens and 20's. When a women is infected with certain types of HPV and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found early and treated, precancers and then cervical cancer can develop.
Testing for HPV
The pap test looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix that occur as a result of a persistent high-risk HPV infection. The HPV test looks for an HPV infection. When used together, thest tests can show with nearly 100% certainty that you do not have cervical disease. Women who test negative for high-risk HPV, and have a normal pap test, have virtually no risk of developing cervical cancer before their next scheduled visit. Knowing your HPV status helps you and your provider determine how often you should be screened. Early detection of pre-cancerous cell changes is the key to preventing cervical cancer.
Your HPV status is not a reliable indicator of you, of your partner's, recent sexual behavior. HPV can lie dormant in cervical cells for many decades before becoming an active infection.
Most insurance companies cover the high-risk HPV test when used with a Pap test for cervical cancer screening of women 30 or older. However, the individual benefits you or your employer purchased may or may not cover the test. For more information as to wheather or not your insurance covers this test contact 866-895-1478, response requires 24-48 hours. You may also visit www.qiagen.com for more information about HPV testing.
If you would like this test performed please go to our downloads and print the HPV Letter & Waiver form to bring with you at your next visit.
