• 20 million people in USA currently infected.
• 99.7 % of cervical cancer is caused by HPV
• Genital HPV are subdivided into 2 subtypes:
• Low risk: types 6 and 11
• High risk: types 16 and 18
• Low risk types cause 90% of genital warts. They do not cause cervical cancer.
• High risk types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers.
• High risk HPV cannot be seen with a naked eye and has no symptoms.
• The virus is usually cleared by the immune system.
• The virus can persist for a long time and can be triggered to cause symptoms years later.

• Women need to continue to get Pap tests.
• The vaccine only protects against 2 types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
• Pap tests currently screen for cervical cancer.
• First Pap age 21 or 3 years after beginning of vaginal intercourse.
• Yearly screening until age 30.
• At age 30 Pap tests can be done every 2-3 years if had 3 normal Paps in a row.
• At age 30 the other option is Pap test and HPV testing every 3 years. 
• Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need to have Pap smears unless they had the surgery for cervical cancer.
• Women with HIV, weakened immune system or organ transplant should have their Pap smear every year.
• Women should still come every year for the gyn exam.

The news material on this web page is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The news material presented here does not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. Fridel.