Add paps to the list of stuff that women don’t usually like to discuss over coffee or read about on blogs for that matter, but it’s real life and absolutely crucial to make sure you’re on top of your {gynecological} health.

For me, getting my yearly pap is an absolute must, no doubt about it, wouldn’t miss it by a month. Reason? When I was 10 years old, I remember all too well the day that mom told me she had cancer. Cervical cancer. Thankfully she’s a survivor and remains cancer-free to date.

There has been a ton of new information released about cervical cancer and it’s connection with the HPV infections.  HPV is a necessary factor in the development of 99.7% of cases of cervical cancers. However, during your routine pap, you’re probably not being tested for HPV unless your cells look “abnormal”. If you’re over 30, most experts agree that whether or not your pap is normal, you should definitely be screened for HPV. If you’re under 30, you don’t need routine HPV testing, but keep reading because it’s never too early to educate yourself.

So, who exactly should get the HPV test?

Young women over the age of 20 should have the HPV test if their Pap result is inconclusive, to help determine if further exams are needed. In addition, women 30 years of age or older can benefit from the added peace of mind offered by getting the HPV test along with their Pap, no matter what their Pap result. Read more here.

Why shouldn’t women under 30 get the HPV test routinely?

It’s true that HPV infections are very common among young women. However, in the under-30 age group, HPV infections usually don’t stay active for very long, since their immune systems are very strong. As a result, cervical cancer is relatively rare in young women. Read more here.

How to get the test?

For US residents:

Call your doctor’s or nurse’s office before your next exam to find out if the HPV test is offered as part of routine screening for cervical cancer, along with the Pap. Remember: Make sure the office understands that you want the HPV test no matter what the Pap shows. Some doctors and nurses only order an HPV test when your Pap results are inconclusive {called an “ASC-US” Pap}. Read more here.

For Canadian residents:

HPV testing is not currently paid for by the national health program, although many experts are working to change that. {You can help in that effort by making sure your employer and physician are aware that you want access to the HPV test, so they can use their influence to encourage its inclusion in the national health plan.}

However, many companies offer their employees supplemental coverage for lab tests, which can be used to pay for HPV testing. If you, or your partner, are employed, ask the appropriate human resources contact if your company offers such lab coverage. If your company does not offer supplemental lab coverage, or if you are not employed, you can still get the HPV test, but you would have to pay out of pocket – most likely about $80 Canadian. Just keep in mind that if testing shows you do not have the HPV virus, you only need to be re-tested every three years.

Where to get the test?

Most physicians ask the lab to do an HPV test if a woman’s Pap result is inconclusive. However, you may need to look for a doctor or nurse who will routinely offer HPV testing for women 30 and over. Read more here.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Educate yourself and follow @HPVinformed on twitter and learn more about protecting yourself against cervical cancer on facebook. I’m due for a pap soon, so I’ll be discussing this with my doctor.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the QIAGEN digene HPV test. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to discuss.

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