Dx w/ hpv in 14. 17 pap smear abnormal with low-risk hpv. 20 pap smear normal but no hpv testing done. dr says hpv is only clinically relevant if pap is abnormal. i want to know if i still have hpv. she says i dont need testing. can i get it done?

Some basics: HPV is a family of virus strains that range in importance from common skin wart strains to 7 or more associated with cervical cancer. When or if you acquire a cancer associated strain it would generally clear/not be contagious a few years later but it could trigger cancer years or decades later in some. The pap smears will still be needed, no mater what strains you acquire.

Agree with Dr.F: If you get tested, what will you do with the results? There is no specific treatment for HPV. Keep getting PAPs as advised by your doctor. Get HPV vaccine to prevent infection with other strains of HPV. Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Depends: HPV testing is not recommended in women under 30 unless there is a certain type of abnormal Pap smear. In women 30+, co-testing (Pap smear to look at cervical cells+ HPV testing for high risk strains) is one of the best ways to screen for cervical cancer. So it depends on your age. Testing for low risk HPV (which causes genital warts) is not recommended.