When is cervical screening test recommended for HPV infection?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is common and can cause changes in cervical cells. Many infections clear without causing lasting changes, but some persist and require monitoring. A positive HPV result does not by itself diagnose cervical cancer.

The next step depends on the type of test used, whether cervical cell changes were found, and your previous results. Screening may involve an HPV test, a cervical cell sample, or both. A follow-up sample can show whether the infection has cleared or whether cell changes need closer assessment.

Read the follow-up instructions on your result and book the recommended appointment. Tell the clinician about previous abnormal screening, treatment to the cervix, pregnancy, immune-system conditions, or medicines that affect immunity.

Keep follow-up appointments even when you feel well because HPV and early cervical cell changes often cause no symptoms. Do not rely on symptoms to decide whether testing is needed.

Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, unusual watery or blood-stained discharge, or persistent pelvic pain. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, faintness, or fever with marked illness.

Ask which HPV result was found, whether cervical cells were checked, when repeat screening is due, and what would make a colposcopy appropriate.