While HPV DNA is detected in over 99% of cervical cancers, many women test positive for HPV, and do not develop cervical disease. However, since we do not know whose body will clear the virus, and who will go on to develop invasive cancer, further testing and follow-up is important.

At this time, there is no proven medicine or cure or drug to eliminate an HPV infection of the cervix. In many cases, the body’s immune system will take care of it on its own. 

For women who show signs of precancer or cancer, there are treatment and procedure options to stop further progression of disease.

Your healthcare provider takes every precaution to use clean and sterile equipment so there is no worry of patient to patient transfer of virus. Early detection of disease can help stop its advancement, and is always a good idea. 

HPV is quite common, almost everyone who is sexually active has had it, or will be exposed to it in their lifetime. Since there are often no symptoms, people usually share it unknowingly.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you may want to let your partner know, so that you have support and understanding during the follow-up visits and management of your health care. There is no test or treatment at this time for men. There is no reason to blame or finger-point about how you might have gotten the virus. It could have been in your body for years, without showing any signs or symptoms.

Usually women experience only minor discomfort during cervical sample collection for an HPV DNA test. If a more significant sample is collected (for example: tissue, for a biopsy) there may be some momentary pain, but it is usually manageable.

Sometimes there will be small or light spots of blood for a few hours or days after cervical screening, or after a biopsy is performed. If this continues for more than a few days, please contact your healthcare provider or schedule a follow-up appointment.

If your first dose of the HPV vaccine was received when you were between the ages of 9-14, only two doses of the vaccine are needed to be considered sufficiently immunized.

You may need 3 doses of the HPV vaccine if your first one was received when you were between ages 15-26, or if you have an immunocompromised immune system and are between the ages of 9-26, or the first dose was started after 27. The HPV vaccination shots are recommended within 6-12 months of each other.

Yes, you still need to be screened even if you have been vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine provides protection from the most high-risk types of HPV known to cause cancer, however, it does not protect you from all types of the virus that can potentially cause cancer; due to this reason, it’s important to go for routine cervical cancer screening tests to ensure you catch any potential disease early and reduce the chance it will cause cancer in the future. 

For patients of all ages, please check with your doctor or healthcare provider for HPV vaccination recommendations.

A colposcopy is a visual examination of your cervix, very much like the procedure you had when your screening sample was collected. 

The healthcare provider may use a device, called a speculum, to hold open the vaginal walls to get a better view. Then, your cervix will be visually examined using a special microscope called the colposcope. The colposcope is placed outside of the body and does not enter the body. 

During colposcopy, if areas of your cervix appear abnormal, a biopsy may be performed. This involves the sampling of small pieces of tissue to be sent to the laboratory for testing. 

You may feel some pressure or experience some bleeding, cramping, or soreness. If this continues for more than a few days, please contact your healthcare provider or schedule a follow-up appointment.

It may have been recommended that you return to the clinic for a follow-up exam called a "colposcopy". To prepare for this visit, your doctor may suggest that you:

1. Avoid vaginal intercourse, or placing any products such as tampons or medicine, inside your vagina the day or two before your colposcopy appointment
2. Avoid scheduling the colposcopy appointment during your period, and tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant
3. Talk to your doctor about taking pain medication before going to the colposcopy appointment

It is normal to feel anxious about the exam. Remember to talk to your clinic about your concerns when you book your colposcopy appointment, and do not delay booking the appointment. The iThemba Life app will remind you to take the important next steps to stay informed about your health.

Sometimes, small samples of tissue may be collected. This is called a “biopsy”. A laboratory test will analyze whether abnormality is present, showing cervical disease.

The clinic may also advise that you avoid sexual intercourse, the use of tampons or menstrual cups, or bathing for a period of time.

It is normal to feel anxious about the exam or while waiting for the results. You may also experience some unusual, discolored discharge for a day or two. Usually this clears up and is no reason for concern. However, if symptoms go on longer than a few days, please contact the clinic.

Please contact the clinic following a colposcopy immediately if your discharge lasts longer than a few days, or if you experience a fever, chills, bad smelling discharge, or severe pain.

Yes, patients who are HIV positive are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who are HIV negative. Your care will be managed even more closely, with more frequent cervical screenings as necessary. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for more specific information about your personal medical history.

Medicines used to manage the virus, HIV, are not protective against HPV. Currently, there are no medicines or treatments to eliminate the HPV virus from your body. For patients living with HIV, the immune system may not be able to fight an HPV infection as easily, so it is important to work closely with your doctor or healthcare provider and follow all of the prescribed recommendations and next steps.