Robin Wedberg M.D. Gynecology and Menopause Management

Women's Health in the News

At regular intervals, an important and timely topic in women's health will be reviewed on this website, either by Marcy Thornton, N.P. or by Dr. Wedberg. We welcome topics for future discussion that are of special interest to you.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Cervical Health

Some of you have had or will have the experience of the dreaded phone call informing you that your pap smear is abnormal and that HPV may be to blame. To help you deal with this unpleasant situation, and to dispel any misconceptions that you may have about HPV, also known as genital warts or condyloma, some facts will follow along with a hot line and web site information.

HPV is extremely common and is the most prevalent STD. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active people have been exposed at some point but fortunately only a minority of exposed women develop abnormal pap smears which require further evaluation.

There are approximately 100 different strains of the virus. Exposure to certain strains may lead to genital warts, also known as condylomata, while others can lead to pre-cancerous changes of the cervix. Only a handful of strains result in invasive cervical cancer if undiagnosed over many years. In some instances, abnormal pap smears may be unassociated with HPV.

We now know that in most cases HPV is transient, lasting several years or more, eventually being eradicated by a healthy immune system. Condoms do not guarantee potection but are highly recommended to help decrease the transmission of HPV and other STDs.

Currently no treatment is available for cure of the virus however there are treatment options for conditions caused by HPV. Topical medications for external warts and freezing, laser, and LEEP procedures for pre-cancerous cells on the cervix are quite successful. Follow-up exams and pap smears at regular intervals are extremely important to confirm adequate response to therapy.

If you have had more than one sexual partner in your lifetime, it is very difficult to determine when and where you were exposed. The virus may lie dormant for months or even years and then present itself long after a relationship ends. It is important to understand this so as not to place false blame on the current partner. Of course, honesty is the best policy when starting a new relationship.

Since most people have no symptoms of HPV, it is very important to have a yearly exam and pap smear. Our office also offers an additional screening test done at the time of the traditional pap which is called PapSure. This consists of a visual exam of the cervix using a special light source and magnification. It only adds an additional minute or two and, done along with the traditional pap, improves the overall accuracy.

Dealing with HPV and an abnormal pap smear can certainly be upsetting and difficult, but with early detection and treatment, along with the transient nature of the virus, this experience is one you can and will get through. Nurse Practitioner Marcy Thormton and Dr. Wedberg are here to answer any further questions you may have.

Resources

National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Hotline: 1-877-HPV-5868