What You Should Know about the HPV Test
Testing for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is highly important for individuals which are at high risk for getting the disease. It will help in determining the need of the individual as well as what actions need to be taken. While there is still not a lot of information available about the disease itself, it is important to make sure that more women know the importance of getting testes as well as what to expect whenever they are getting tested. This will help to take the fear out of it so that they will simply get the test.
Of course, to remove the fear of the HPV test, it is important to provide the right information. This will include information about the testing practices, the procedures you will need to go through and the availability of the tests to begin with. This will help to make sure that you are well informed as you are going through the process to safeguard your health.
Learning the Testing Practices
The main thing to know is when you might want to get tested. The main age at which the testing for this kind of disease happens is at age 30. This is because you will be more at risk of cervical cancer and other kinds of cervical related diseases. Additional testing will occur any time there is an abnormal pap which will lead the doctor to believe there is something else causing the irregular counts in cervical cells. While some tests are administered as a part of a regular physical, others will only be used whenever there is a reason to as determined by another test like a pap smear. It is important to remember that while men are susceptible to HPV, there is no test right now which will help you to know if you are suffering from this or if you are not.
Learning the Testing Procedures
The testing HPV test is very similar to many of the other tests you will go through when going through a gynecology visit. They will collect some cell samples on a swab which can then be analyzed in the lab. Because a speculum is used to separate the vagina to get better access to the cervix walls, it can cause discomfort in some women. The actual collection of the tissues is something which some women have reported that they feel a tugging inside. This is simple the swab being wiped across the cervix to collect the cells. The swab is then protected inside of a tube and shipped to the lab for testing. The answers will return in a matter of days and the doctor will call you to let you know the outcome.
Availability of the Test
This test has become fairly common in most offices. It is used as a way to determine those who are at high risk of acquiring the disease as well as those which have exhibited other kinds of symptoms of having the disease. The HPV test which can be used is no longer something which has to be special ordered by the doctor. Only in rare occasions will a doctor have to find the test to administer. This is why it is important to only see doctors with an understanding of women’s needs. The will help in making sure that you are getting everything that you will need to stay healthy. Since the test is still in low numbers, it is necessary for some women to ask for the test. Make sure you are with a doctor willing to test when needed.
Fact:
Each year, 1,500 women and 5,600 men are diagnosed with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils).