Thanks for sharing your question. I also know a bit about Pap and HPV testing having done them myself for years and dealt with a combination of results. The truth is, according to medical guidelines, doctors shouldnt even run HPV tests on women under 30. That is simply because the HPV virus is SO prevalent. Most sexually active women will be exposed to it...yet most - particularly young, healthy women - will clear it via their own natural immune system. As such, guidelines from groups like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggest to doctors that they begin HPV testing women who are age 30 and older (see article @ guidelines: http://obgmanagement.com/article_pages.asp?AID=8448&UID= )
However, you now have your results. Your doctor sounds like he/she is pretty proactive/aggressive. However, at your age it may be okay for watchful waiting. Ie, go back and re-test in 6-12 months rather than going through a colposcopy. See if your body successfully fights off the HPV infection, and if it doesnt, then go for the colposcopy.
The CDC also has some good information on Pap/HPV test results and follow-up, below. Good luck!
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Thanks for sharing your question. I also know a bit about Pap and HPV testing having done them myself for years and dealt with a combination of results. The truth is, according to medical guidelines, doctors shouldnt even run HPV tests on women under 30. That is simply because the HPV virus is SO prevalent. Most sexually active women will be exposed to it...yet most - particularly young, healthy women - will clear it via their own natural immune system. As such, guidelines from groups like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggest to doctors that they begin HPV testing women who are age 30 and older (see article @ guidelines: http://obgmanagement.com/article_pages.asp?AID=8448&UID= )
However, you now have your results. Your doctor sounds like he/she is pretty proactive/aggressive. However, at your age it may be okay for watchful waiting. Ie, go back and re-test in 6-12 months rather than going through a colposcopy. See if your body successfully fights off the HPV infection, and if it doesnt, then go for the colposcopy.
The CDC also has some good information on Pap/HPV test results and follow-up, below. Good luck!
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/Screening.html
October 18, 2010 - 11:39amhttp://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/pdf/hpv_brochure_ENG_2010.pdf
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