How do I know if I have HPV?
Most people have HPV at some time in their life but are never aware of it.
There is a test which can detect some high-risk HPV types, but this test is not recommended in women under the age of 30. This is because infection with these high-risk types is very common in this age group and is usually transient - that is, it goes away naturally.
Most women only become aware of having HPV when their Pap test shows some cell changes or if they are infected with HPV types that cause genital warts.
Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types and do not cause cervical cancer.
 |
print this page |  | Email this page |  |
Lucy's story
I've always been very aware of the importance of regular Pap tests, as my Mum had early-stage cervical cancer in her 30s.
She encouraged me to start having regular Pap tests when I turned 18 and I followed her advice, albeit begrudgingly!
