Understanding Your HPV Risks

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. An estimated 13 million Americans get HPV every year, but it usually doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, so it often goes unnoticed — and untreated.

Unfortunately, certain types of HPV can lead to cancer without proactive treatment. That means understanding your risk is essential to protecting your health and getting the care you need.

At Path MD Labs, we’re here to help. We specialize in genotyping for high-risk HPV, and our advanced testing helps ensure you get an accurate diagnosis to inform your treatment plan. Here’s what you should know.

The basics of HPV

HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses. These viruses spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Not all strains of HPV increase your risk of cancer, but some do. That’s why the types of HPV are typically classified into two main categories: high-risk and low-risk.

Low-risk HPV

Low-risk HPV strains can cause discomfort and concern, but they’re not associated with an increased risk of cancer. For example, HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for the majority of benign (non-cancerous) conditions, including genital warts.

Most of the time, low-risk HPV infections resolve on their own within about two years. They usually don’t cause long-term complications.

High-risk HPV

High-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, pose a more serious threat to your health. These strains are strongly associated with cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the primary risk factor for these cancers because it can turn precancerous lesions into invasive cancer over time.

How genotyping works for high-risk HPV

Most cases of HPV don’t have noticeable symptoms at first, and it’s impossible to know which type you have without specific STI testing. Genotyping helps identify high-risk HPV strains so your healthcare team can develop appropriate management strategies.

Our specialists at Path MD Labs use Hologic APTIMA® assays to determine the specific HPV strains present in your infection. If you’re diagnosed with high-risk HPV, your doctors can use these results to assess your individual risk profile and tailor treatment accordingly.

Depending on the severity of your infection and associated risks, interventions may range from close observation to more aggressive treatment, like surgical procedures or other targeted therapies. Your doctor may recommend regular screenings, like Pap smears or HPV tests, to detect any precancerous changes early.

Along with clinical evaluation and close monitoring, genotyping can provide invaluable information to help your healthcare providers optimize outcomes while minimizing unnecessary interventions.

High-risk HPV can threaten your health, but learning more is the first step to getting the care you need. Genotyping can give you valuable insights into your HPV infection so you can start personalized treatment. Call our Los Angeles, California, office at 424-245-7284 or send us a message online for more information.