THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HPV

• HPV is spread person to person during sex. Genital HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact.

• There are 70 different types of HPV, about 30 of these types are sexually transmitted and cause genital HPV.

• These virus can remain dormant for weeks, months and years without any warning signs.

• Can increase a women's risk of getting cancer of the cervix if not detection early.

• Women of all ages who are sexually active should be tested.

• Scheduling a regular exam with your OB/GYN is the only way to test if you have HPV.

HOW IS THE HPV TEST DONE?

Just like a Pap test, a small number of cells are collected from the cervix and your doctor will check to see if HPV is present.

HOW IS HPV TREATED?

HPV cannot be treated only simple treatments that will remove or destroy infected cells can prevent cancer from developing on cervix.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER AN HPV TEST?

Most major insurance companies will pay for the HPV test, but you should always check with the doctor's office and your insurance provider.

Although you can reduce your risk by adding folate to your diet, the only real way to reduce your risk is to have an exam and a liquid based Pap smear or a sample from the cervix that can detect the virus and cellular changes.