At Teal Health, we’re on a mission to get everyone with a cervix screened for cervical cancer. Despite the fact that cervical cancer is highly curable when caught early, one in four women in the U.S. has not had her screening. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common reasons for this, as well as how we all can help overcome them. 

‍

1. Lack of information

One reason people do not get routinely screened for cervical cancer is simple: They aren’t aware that they should be. Whether it’s misinformation about what an HPV test orPap smear is for, lack of awareness about cervical cancer prevention, or not knowing the cervical cancer screening guidelines, we have a long way to go to make sure everyone has the information they need to make informed decisions about their cervical health. 

‍

According to Teal Health’s Medical Director and OB-GYN Liz Swenson, MD, “Education can start as early as middle or high school health classes. It would also be helpful to have more information on frequented media-based and social platforms like Instagram. Lastly, doctors should talk about HPV and cervical cancer screening during preventive exams and follow-up exams so as not to miss an opportunity to educate.” 

‍

While we can’t control how doctors manage their appointments or how teachers manage their curriculum, here are some ways we can all help get the word out about cervical cancer screening: 

• If you’re the parent of a school-aged child, ask your child’s health class teacher whether the curriculum will cover preventive screenings and tests for HPV and cervical cancer. If not, either share information (like this article!) with them, and/or educate your child. 
• Make sure you get the HPV vaccine, or get your child vaccinated against HPV based on medical recommendations. If you have a daughter, speak with her doctor about when she should begin screenings. 
• Ask your doctor(s) about preventative testing, not just for cervical cancer but for anything else you may not even know about! Doctors are busy but they’re here to help—sometimes you may just need to prompt them by asking the right question. 
• Spread the word. Whether it’s resharing statistics or information on social media or openly talking to your friends and family about your latest Pap smear, spreading the word can save lives.

‍

2. Lack of access (care deserts)

In over nine percent of all U.S. counties, the majority of residents live in an area with a primary care provider shortage. This means roughly 13 million people live in areas where they cannot easily access a doctor’s appointment at a physical location. Further, as of 2017 half of U.S. counties lack a single obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), and as recently as 2020, 36 percent of U.S. counties had no hospital or birth center offering obstetrics care.

‍

This lack of access to care can have devastating impacts on women. We saw the impact of lack of access to care during the pandemic—cervical cancer screening rates dropped by 94 percent in 2020. One way we can improve care deserts is by making virtual care and self-screen options far more accessible and available. 

‍

At Teal Health, we’re working to bring an at-home self-collection option for cervical cancer screening at no cost to the patient. This is a test that can be done in less than 5 minutes, from the comfort of your own home. We’re inspired by the efforts and innovations of other medical tech companies, all with accessibility and quality patient care at the forefront of their missions. 

‍

3. Lack of trust in medical institutions

According to self-reported data compiled by researchers for the Journal of General Internal Medicine, respondents reported a median score of 31 (within a range of 10 to 50) on the Health Care System Distrust scale, indicating generally high levels of distrust. These numbers are even higher among minority communities and people of color. When asked about their own healthcare experiences, 56 percent of Black Americans reported having at least one negative experience, including having to speak up to get proper care and/or being treated with less respect than other patients. 

‍

Again, improving access to virtual care is critical as it opens opportunities to find a provider the patient can trust, as opposed to being limited to the primary care physician physically closest to them. 

‍

4. Discomfort and fear of the speculum exam

According to Dr. Swenson, fear of the exam itself is a major reason women don’t get screened for cervical cancer. The speculum—the tool used for the Pap smear or standard clinic-based exam —hasn’t been updated in over 150 years. Needless to say, the device can appear intimidating to many women. Additionally, prior sexual trauma can make the process extremely uncomfortable and distressing for women.

‍

Teal Health data indicates that 87 percent of respondents would get screened on time if the Teal self-collection Wand^TM were available. Of the women who have tested Teal’s Wand^TM, 94 percent preferred it to clinician collect with a speculum. We are seeing that people overwhelmingly want the option to perform what has historically been such an intimate and uncomfortable exam from the comfort of their own homes.

‍

5. Fear of abnormal results

Of course, as with any medical exam, there is always the fear of abnormal or concerning test results. Dr. Swenson mentions the importance of removing the stigma of HPV and abnormal cervical cancer screening results, something we can again do by talking openly about our experiences with the women in our lives. 

While cervical cancer is a frightening diagnosis, when caught early it is curable 92 percent of the time. This is a highly curable type of cancer that can be eradicated if we ensure everyone with a cervix gets screened on time, every time. 

‍

Teal Health is working to bring you a comfortable self-collection option for cervical cancer screening that you can conveniently do in the privacy of your own home. 

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

‍

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as your trusted experts in women's health, we thought it timely to inform you of some recent changes to critical women's health screening guidelines as of 2023.

‍

This year, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced new breast cancer screening recommendations. Importantly, they lowered the age at which women should start screening by 10 years—from 50 to 40 years old. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also now requires that patients are informed about the density of their breast tissue, which can impact how a mammogram is interpreted and increase their breast cancer risk.

‍

While you can always ask your doctor for the most up-to-date cancer screening recommendations, it’s important for women to have an idea of these timelines and guidelines for themselves too. Since they’re often changing based on the latest science and medical advancements, this can feel daunting. But don’t worry, Teal Health is here to help. 

‍

In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest screening recommendations for breast and cervical cancers so you can rest assured you’re on top of these important preventive measures. Note that these screening guidelines are for women with average risk factors for breast and cervical cancer. Those who have a relevant family history or may have a breast cancer-related genetic mutation may need to begin screening earlier and more frequently. You should always discuss your specific medical history with your doctor, should you need a personalized or tailored screening schedule.

‍

Breast cancer screening guidelines

Part of what makes screening guidelines potentially confusing is that various organizations make different recommendations. The reason the USPSTF’s updated recommendation of lowering the screening age from 50 to 40 is noteworthy is that it is now aligned with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Therefore, all the major experts agree: Women should begin breast cancer screening at age 40. 

‍

In terms of how frequently you should get screened after your initial mammogram, the experts still differ. The ACS and NCCN state that women should get screened annually beginning at age 40, though the ACS says it should be “optional” for women ages 40-44 and mandatory from 45 onward. The USPSTF recommends women get screened every other year. In terms of what makes sense for you, talk to your doctor and come up with a plan you’re comfortable with. Weigh the pros (early detection) against the cons (like overdiagnosis or the potential for a false positive) and decide whether you’ll be screened annually or biennially. 

‍

As of 2023, the FDA also requires the facility conducting your mammogram to tell you about the density of your breasts. Dense breast tissue can make mammograms hard to interpret (so your provider may suggest other screening methods) and are also a risk factor for developing breast cancer.

‍

Most providers and the National Breast Cancer Foundation also recommend doing a breast self-exam on a regular basis (typically, once a month). Self-exams help you stay familiar with how your breasts feel, so you can notice any changes. You can start self-exams as early as your 20s and 30s. However, self-exams should not take the place of routine mammograms and clinician-conducted breast exams.

‍

What does breast cancer screening entail?

Breast cancer screening is usually done via a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. You will place each breast between two plastic plates, and then a technician will take a quick X-ray. A screening mammogram will only take a few minutes, whereas a diagnostic mammogram (taken if you’ve noticed signs or symptoms of breast cancer) will be more involved. Other (less common) breast cancer screening approaches can involve an ultrasound or a breast MRI.

‍

Cervical cancer screening guidelines

As we mentioned, it can be confusing to stay up to date on all of your preventive cancer screenings. In 2018, the USPSTF made changes to cervical cancer screening guidelines. Then in 2023, the ACS released new guidelines. 

‍

For decades, a Pap smear was the best way to test for cervical cancer. Then, with the evidence that HPV (human papillomavirus)  causes more than 90 percent of cervical cancers, the HPV test was introduced alongside the Pap smear. Now, there are three ways to test for cervical cancer: a Pap smear, an HPV test, and a co-test, which includes both a Pap smear and HPV test. 

‍

The main difference between the Pap and HPV tests is that the HPV test catches changes in the cervix earlier than Pap tests. The Pap test finds changes in cervical cells after they’ve already happened. 

‍

Here are the most current screening schedules for cervical cancer, which include recommendations for Pap, HPV, and co-tests, according to each organization: 

‍

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Recommends a Pap test every three years for women ages 21-29. For women over 30 years old, either a Pap test every three years, primary HPV testing alone every five years, or co-testing (Pap + HPV testing) every five years. 
• American Cancer Society: Those aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. 

‍

The main differences between the two are recommendations based by age as well as the ACS stating HPV as the preferred type of testing. 

‍

What does cervical cancer screening entail?

You’ll also notice that there are three types of cervical cancer screening tests mentioned in these recommendations. Some providers continue to perform Pap smears and HPV tests together (known as a co-test) every 5 years. However, as of 2020, the American Cancer Society’s preferred cervical cancer screening method for women ages 25-65 is the primary HPV test every 5 years (in place of the Pap smear) because it is a better (more sensitive) screening test for cervical cancer. Here are the current recommendations: 

‍

• The Primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test screens for a panel of high-risk HPV.  Having certain HPV types is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer – primary HPV screening can help prevent and catch cervical cancer early. 
• The Pap test or Pap Smear The Pap test or Pap Smear looks at cells collected from the surface of your cervix.  This process can detect early changes before cancer starts, but can also show harmless changes, sometimes triggering a false positive result.
• A co-test includes the primary HPV test & the Pap test, incorporating the benefits and risks of both. This method is the runner-up to primary HPV testing in its ability to detect risks for precancer changes. 

‍

The procedure for these tests will look and feel the same. When you arrive at the doctor’s office, you’ll undress from the waist down and likely change into a gown. Your doctor or clinician will have you place your feet in stirrups and spread your legs. From there, they will insert and open a speculum to hold the vaginal walls apart so the clinician can access your cervix. They will insert a brush to get cells from your cervix which may cause you to feel pressure or mild cramping. It’s not a comfortable process, but it shouldn’t take longer than a couple of minutes. 

‍

After your exam, your clinician will insert the brush into a preservation solution and send it to a lab to perform an HPV test and/or Pap smear on the sample. You’ll typically receive results from your doctor within 1-3 weeks. 

‍

Now that you’re up to date on breast and cervical cancer screening guidelines, don’t wait to get screened. As for the future of cervical cancer screenings? Teal Health is working to bring you a comfortable self-collection option for cervical cancer screening that you can conveniently do in the privacy of your own home. 

‍

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

There’s a lot to understand when it comes to human papillomavirus (HPV)—as there are more than 200 different types. (Check out our guide for a more comprehensive overview.) Here, we’re diving into genital warts (or, HPV warts), which are skin growths that are sexually transmitted infections (STI) caused by certain types of HPV. 

‍

HPV warts: What they are and what causes them

As a quick refresher, HPV is a group of viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexually transmitted HPV falls into low-risk and high-risk groups, and within these groups, there are different genotypes of HPV (those categorized as higher-risk are routinely screened for as part of your cervical cancer screening). There are about 40 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted and can affect your genital area.

Genital warts are usually caused by low-risk types of HPV, such as types 6 and 11. These are not the types of HPV that typically cause cancer, but they can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, or throat. If you notice these warts, you should visit your doctor; however, it’s important to note that many HPV infections can be asymptomatic. 

‍

HPV warts occur in both men and women. In men, if the warts are large enough to be seen, you may notice them on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus. In women, genital warts may be visible on the vulva or between the external genitals and the anus. They may also occur inside the body; on the walls of the vagina or the anal canal. Warts can also occur in the mouth or throat of someone of either sex who has had oral sex with someone infected with HPV warts. 

‍

Symptoms of HPV warts

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. The warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.

‍

According to Teal’s Medical Director, Elizabeth Swenson, MD, “Typically, these are painless growths that can be painful or cause bleeding if irritated. The less common symptoms occur typically when [the warts] aren't visible (they can occur within the vaginal canal) where they can cause bleeding and/or pain after intercourse. They can also itch and cause painful urination.”

‍

HPV warts and pregnancy

Worth noting is that HPV warts can cause complications during pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic warns that while rare, warts can enlarge during pregnancy, making it difficult to urinate and/or inhibiting the stretching of vaginal tissues during childbirth. Warts can bleed when stretched during delivery, and in extremely rare cases, a baby born to a mother with genital warts can develop the infection in their airway, which is known as respiratory papillomatosis. Dr. Swenson states, “This condition can cause airway obstruction and these children can require numerous surgeries to remove the growths from their airway.” 

‍

As with any complication you wish to avoid, it’s always best to raise concerns with your doctor and ensure they know your medical history with HPV warts should you become pregnant. 

‍

How to treat (and prevent) HPV warts

If you suspect you may have genital warts, your best bet is to speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe topical medicine to use at home or remove the warts with treatments in the office. However, it's important to note that you may still be able to to pass along the infection even if you don't have visible symptoms. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.

‍

In terms of prevention, Dr. Swenson advises, “Since genital warts are an HPV-related condition, the quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccinations are the best prevention available. Protected sex (using condoms) can help prevent them.” 

‍

Similarly, practicing safe sex is always wise when it comes to preventing STIs like genital warts. Avoid having sex with a partner who has active warts.

‍

The HPV vaccine

HPV vaccines were first introduced in the U.S. in 2006 and since then, among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88 percent. The CDC also reports that among young adult women, these same infections have dropped 81 percent. 

‍

Gardasil, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone (both females & males) between ages 9-26. While it is recommended until 26, it is approved in the United Sates though the age of 45, it is worth asking your doctor about this powerful means of prevention if you were not vaccinated as a teenager.

‍

Join us in creating a more equitable, accessible, and empowered women’s healthcare system.

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

‍

It can be scary to find out you have an abnormal Pap smear or co-test. First of all, take a deep breath. There are many reasons for an abnormal co-test or Pap smear (also called a Pap test); and arming yourself with trusted information and resources to help determine your next steps is your best course of action.

‍

Before we dive in, it’s important to know that there are three types of tests that screen for cervical cancer: a primary HPV test, a Pap smear, or a co-test (which combines the Pap and HPV). The HPV test is the most sensitive (which means that it is best at picking up disease or infection when it is present) and is the American Cancer Society’s recommended way of screening. However, providers may still conduct Pap smears, most often as a part of a co-test.

‍

The Pap is a cervical ‘cytology’ screening, which means that it studies your cells. In this article, we’ll discuss different Pap smear (or cytology) results, what they mean, and what to expect as you navigate next steps with your doctor’s guidance.

‍

What is an abnormal Pap smear? 

A Pap smear is used to detect cell changes in the cervix. It involves collecting cells from the cervix using a smallbrush. (If you’re cringing, we hear you. That’s why we created an improved, at-home experience!)

‍

The sample is sent to a lab for testing.Your result will come back as either normal or abnormal. An abnormal result means that there are cervical cell changes that are not normal. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but that the cell changes may require further investigation. The cause of the abnormal cytology results as well as the different abnormal results are often linked to high-risk HPV, which your doctor can test for as part of routine screening.

Here are some of the abnormal cytology results that can be found:

‍

‍

I had an abnormal Pap smear or co-test—now what?

Depending on the abnormal cytology result, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy. This procedure may look and feel similar to a Pap smear or co-test, although this time, your doctor will use a magnifying device (colposcope) to look at abnormal cells within your cervix. Your doctor may apply a solution to the area of concern, which turns abnormal areas white. Once your doctor identifies the abnormal cells, they may take a small amount of tissue (a biopsy) for testing. These cells will then be sent to a lab for analysis. 

‍

This is an out-patient procedure. You may, however, experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, mild spotting/bleeding or discharge. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

‍

From here, you’ll wait to hear from your doctor. Waiting on medical results is never fun, so ask your doctor when you can expect to hear your results and how they will communicate the results to you (e.g. email, a phone call, a follow-up appointment, etc.). Based on the results, your doctor will be able to guide you further on next steps, which may include further testing and treatment. 

‍

Join us in creating a more equitable, accessible, and empowered women’s healthcare system. 

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

‍

Teal Health’s Take: It can be difficult to see cancer death rates everywhere we turn. The one positive about cervical cancer is that if detected early through routine screening, it is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. But several barriers exist for routine screening. We are thankful to our community for sharing their stories and putting names to the numbers. We hope you find these inspiring and share the importance of cervical cancer screening with all the women in your life.

‍

Cervical cancer is highly preventable, thanks to the HPV vaccine and screening tests. Unfortunately,  when women aren’t regularly screened or haven’t been vaccinated, the asymptomatic nature of cervical cancer can have a devastating impact on women and their families. This was the case for my grandmother, Yom “Noy” Chanhom Cross, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2005, at the age of 66, after it had metastasized to her liver and lungs. 

‍

In sharing my story, I want to highlight the very human aspect behind cervical cancer statistics. In spreading the word about the importance of cervical cancer screening, I hope others can prevent a loss like mine in their own families. 

‍

‍

‍

My grandmother grew up in the province of Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand near the border of Laos. She was a woman of remarkable courage with a rebellious streak. Determined to escape an arranged marriage, she worked hard to save money until she had enough to run away from her village. After boarding the first train to Bangkok,  she met the love of her life, my grandfather, an American soldier named Robert Cross. They were married in 1968 and my mother was born the following year. The new family of three soon flew to the U.S., where they settled in Texas. 

‍

‍

Navigating a New Language and Healthcare System in the U.S.

‍

My grandmother relied on American soap operas and her daughter to guide her through the complexities of learning English. Despite her progress, my grandmother still struggled to communicate at times — especially on topics relating to her health. 

‍

Combined with this language barrier was a generational mistrust in the medical community, which led her to keep quiet and press on despite experiencing health issues. These issues included intense pain and incontinence. It wasn't until my mother noticed my grandmother's pain that she urged her to seek medical attention. 

‍

‍

Jumping Through Hoops For a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

‍

One of my grandmother's greatest obstacles was her insurance coverage's limitations. She wanted to see a gastrointestinal specialist, but the insurance company imposed strict regulations and prerequisites that she had to fulfill before accessing that care.

‍

Since she had not visited a doctor in decades, my grandmother was required to undergo a battery of steps, including going to a primary care physician and getting a heart stress test, colonoscopy, and pap smear. 

‍

Because of my grandmother’s language barrier and lack of knowledge of pap smears, the process felt discouraging and overwhelming. Additionally, she had not experienced a period since giving birth to her only child, my mom, after doctors found a tumor.  The doctors in Thailand had told her that she could not have any more children. From then on, her assumption was that she had a hysterectomy, a misconception shared by her husband and daughter and not helped by the language barrier. This misconception further prevented her from seeking regular OBGYN visits.

‍

As part of her initial screenings for insurance, she was still required to visit the OBGYN for her overdue pap smear. During the pap smear, she experienced excruciating pain and bleeding in the cervix region. The bleeding was unusual for a typical pap smear and the doctor recognized it as a potential indicator of cervical cancer. 

‍

Following her appointment, results were expected within seven days — if they were normal. After three frustrating and anxiety-inducing weeks, she learned that she had stage four cervical cancer and would need immediate treatment. Unfortunately, what they didn’t know was that the cancer had already metastasized to her liver and lungs.

‍

Despite her valiant efforts to get answers, the time from when she first sought medical care to her passing was only three months. 

‍

‍

Finding Hope and Changing Outcomes With At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Tests

‍

‍

My grandmother’s story is one that many families and doctors have heard before. It's the all-too-common narrative of "if only we could have caught it earlier." I can't help but wonder what might have been, had she had access to an at-home cervical cancer screening test. 

‍

Teal Health is hoping to build an open dialogue and supportive community to help all women understand the importance of routine screening, have women feel empowered (and not embarrassed) to talk about it openly and have private, flexible access through their at-home test. At-home cervical cancer screening tests allow women to quickly (and affordably) take control of their cervical health in the comfort of their homes — without the need to wait for an appointment. By reducing barriers to testing, at-home cervical cancer screening can change the conversation — and the negative outcomes — for other women and their families. 

‍

‍

Reminder of current cervical cancer screening guidelines:

‍

‍

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

It can be unnerving to receive an HPV diagnosis or an abnormal Pap smear test result, so first things first—you’ve come to the right place! If you’ve been diagnosed with HPV, you are most certainly not alone. HPV infections are very common; in fact, many will get HPV at some point in their lives. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and in many cases, often clears up on its own.

Let’s take a closer look at what HPV is, how you can prevent it, and actionable guidance for understanding and navigating this diagnosis.

‍

Table of contents

• What is HPV?
• What causes HPV? How can I protect myself against HPV?
• How is HPV treated?
• Importance of cervical cancer screening.

‍

What is HPV?

HPV is the human papillomavirus. This is a group of 200+ related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexually transmitted HPV falls into two groups: low-risk and high-risk HPV, and within these groups, there are different strains of HPV. High-risk HPV is routinely screened for as part of your cervical cancer screening (and based on your age/guidelines). There are about 40 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted and can affect your genital area, while other types of HPV can affect other parts of your body, for example, cause plantar warts on your feet.

‍

Low-risk HPV

Most types of low-risk HPV do not cause cancer and tend to resolve on their own. A few types of low-risk HPV (ie. Types 6 and 11), can cause genital warts. While genital warts may not be pleasant, they can be treated.

‍

High-risk HPV (hrHPV)

There are about 14 types of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) that can cause cancer. Types 16 and 18, are associated with most HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancer is most commonly associated with hrHPV, and according to the CDC, about 10 percent of women with an HPV infection can be at risk for developing cervical cancer. High-risk HPV can also cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.

‍

What causes HPV?

HPV is an STI. It is most commonly transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is often asymptomatic, making it very easy for someone to pass it on to someone else without knowing. Therefore, it is so important to make sure you are getting screened when appropriate and medically recommended.

‍

How can I protect myself against HPV?

Fortunately, there is also a vaccine to help protect against HPV. The vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents starting at ages 11-12 and can be given up until the age of 26. It is given as a 2 or 3 dose vaccination series depending on the starting age of vaccination. Some adults, ages 27 to 45, can also receive the vaccination, however this may vary from person to person based on risk, so please talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you!

‍

Practicing safe sex is also important to reduce your risk of STIs, however, it doesn’t fully eliminate your risk of HPV because HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact. It is important to take precautions to reduce your risk of HPV by using condoms and getting regularly tested for STIs (and asking any sexual partners about their test results before having sex).

‍

How is HPV treated?

If you’ve been diagnosed with HPV, you’re already taking the first  step in doing your research to understand what HPV is and whether you should be concerned. Hopefully, by knowing a bit more about HPV, you’ll feel confident in asking your healthcare provider the right questions.  While there is no treatment for the virus itself, there are treatments for the health conditions it causes (i.e. genital warts).  Together with your healthcare provider, you can discuss a course of action that leaves you feeling more in control of your body and health.

‍

The importance of cervical cancer screening

Screening for cervical cancer is our best tool for early detection and to prevent this disease. When caught early, cervical cancer is curable 92 percent of the time.

There are three types of tests that are used to screen for hrHPV and cervical cancer:

1. The primary HPV test screens for certain strains of HPV that can be associated with cervical cancer. HPV tests catch changes in the cervix earlier than any other test.
2. The Pap smear test can find changes in the cells of the cervix after they have already happened.
3. The HPV test and Pap smear can also be combined in a co-test.

‍

Fortunately, we have easy-to-follow recommended screening schedules you can discuss and implement with your healthcare provider, as well as more information on these screening options.

‍

Join us in creating a more equitable, accessible, and empowered women’s healthcare system.

‍

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.