A Guide to HPV Co-Testing

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A Guide to HPV Co-Testing
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What is Co-Testing?

• Co-testing involves two routine screenings which
  are performed at the same time
• A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear), which
  is a screening for abnormal cervical cells.
• An HPV test, which checks for DNA from HPV in
  cervical cells.
• Doctors are able to use the same cell sample for
  both tests, which saves time and helps to ensure
  that women get the proper health screenings
  to prevent cervical cancer.

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Pap HPV Co-Testing Guidelines

• The recommendations for getting Pap and HPV tests
  vary by age
• Women ages 21 through 29 should get a Pap test
  every three years.
• Women ages 30 through 65 should get a Pap and HPV
  co-test every five years.
• Women over 65 only need a Pap test if theyve
  never gotten these tests or havent been tested
  since age 60.
• Women over 65 who have received routine co-tests
  with normal results over the previous 10 years
  likely do not need Pap or HPV testing anymore. In
  addition, women who no longer have a cervix after
  a hysterectomy and who dont have a history of
  cervical cancer dont need to receive these tests
  either.

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What to Expect During Co-Testing
At your co-testing appointment, youll lie on
your back on the exam table and place your feet
into stirrups on either side of the table. During
the test, your doctor will insert a speculum into
your vagina and open it to see your cervix. Then,
theyll use a swab to collect cells from the
cervix which are then sent on to a laboratory for
testing. Co-testing only takes a few minutes.
There is usually a bit of pressure as the
speculum is inserted and opened. You might
experience some discomfort, but it should not be
painful. If youre concerned about feeling pain
during the procedure, you can take an
over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour
before your co-test. Some women experience light
bleeding from the vagina after the exam.
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Co-Test Results
Most HPV test and Pap smear results come back in
about one to three weeks. Youll get one of the
following results for the Pap smear Normal Your
Pap smear did not show any abnormal cells and no
further testing is needed until your next routine
screening. Unclear The doctor is unsure whether
your cells appear normal or abnormal. The doctor
will perform another Pap test right away or in
six months to a year to rule out any
concerns. Abnormal The cells from your test
appear to be abnormal and you need further
testing. If the changes look serious, your doctor
may recommend a biopsy or colposcopy. For more
info https//hpvhub.com/a-guide-to-hpv-co-testing
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