Are there any symptoms of high-risk HPV infection?
High-risk types of HPV do not cause any symptoms. Most women feel fine even when they have cell changes in their cervix and during the early stages of cervical cancer. Once cervical cancer has developed, abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially during intercourse, increased discharge, and lower abdominal pain may be warning signs. Of course, most women with these signs do not have cervical cancer, but if you have any of them, you should see your clinician. How can I protect myself against cervical cancer? You can protect yourself by having regular Pap tests. HPV testing, in certain situations, is also a way to protect yourself. Read below to find out more about when HPV testing is a good plan. Regular Pap tests can help find very early precancerous conditions, which are easily treated to prevent cancer from developing. Most sexually active women should have a Pap test every year. Some may need them more frequently. Women over 30 who have had three or more normal Pap test results in a row,
