Does an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist perform an HPV test?

During the visit, a clinician uses a speculum to view the cervix and collects a sample with a small brush. The sample is checked for high-risk types of human papillomavirus linked with cervical cell changes. HPV can be present without symptoms, and a positive result does not by itself diagnose cancer. Your clinician may explain whether you need routine screening, repeat testing or another examination based on the result and your history.

Ask the clinic whether you need screening or follow-up testing and whether any preparation is advised. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, current treatment and previous abnormal results. Keep the result and follow-up date, because completing the recommended next step matters even when you feel well.

Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, unusual discharge or persistent pelvic pain. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding with weakness, or fainting. These symptoms require assessment and should not be explained away by an HPV result.

Ask: Is this screening or follow-up? How will the sample be collected? When will results arrive? What happens after a positive result? Do I need an examination or repeat test?