We know that there is a lot of information out there on the internet.  Three sites we would recommend are as follows:

www.screeningforlife.ca

www.hpvinfo.ca

www.gardasil9.ca

Most people will have had at least one abnormal pap smear in order to be referred to a colposcopy clinic.  The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes abnormal pap smears. If your family doctor has not told you what type of abnormality your pap results showed, please ask during your colposcopy appointment.

There are over 200 different types of HPV. There is no cure for the virus, but many low-risk HPV types will simply clear up on their own. Some HPV strains require treatment to prevent cervical, or other cancers, from developing. There is no way of detecting when you were exposed to the HPV virus, or how long you have had it for. HPV infection is usually determined by the diagnosis of genital warts or an abnormal pap test. 

There are some things you can do to help strengthen your immune system so that your body has its best chance to fight this virus. One important step is to quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke. The likelihood of requiring treatment on your cervix is increased in people who smoke.

Your partner has likely also been exposed to HPV, and there are some health issues that they may need to be aware of. We would encourage your partner to ask their own Family Doctor about health issues with regard to HPV. 

Most people we see here at our clinic will not require treatment.  However, we only find that out over time. You will usually be seen for a minimum of 2 visits, at least 6 months apart.  Please do not have a pap smear with your Family Doctor while you are in our program. We will let you know when you are discharged, and when you will be due for your first pap smear at your Family Doctors office.

Follow-up, meaning attending your scheduled colposcopy appointments, is very important to your health. The only way to determine if you’ve been exposed to the type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer is to come for your recommended colposcopy exams.

Created: Nov 30 2019