Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test

Test Details

How do I prepare for each HPV test?

Providers use Pap smears to detect HPV. They may do follow-up tests such as colposcopies or cervical biopsies.

How do I prepare for a Pap smear?

• Schedule your appointment for at least five days after your period ends.
• Avoid vaginal sex for at least two days before your examination.
• Don’t use tampons, vaginal creams or medicines, birth control foams or jellies, lubricants or douches for at least two days before your Pap smear.

How do I prepare for a colposcopy?

• Tell your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant.
• Schedule your appointment for at least five days after your period ends.
• Avoid vaginal sex for at least two days before your examination.
• Don’t use tampons, vaginal creams or medicines, birth control foams or jellies, lubricants or douches for at least two days before your examination.
• Ask your provider if you should take over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure in case your provider decides to take a small sample of your cervical tissue.

How do I prepare for a cervical biopsy?

There are several kinds of cervical biopsies. Providers may use local or general anesthesia during your biopsy. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for a cervical biopsy:

• Tell your provider about regular medications you take that may affect how your body reacts during the procedure.
• Tell your provider if you have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to anesthesia.
• Ask your provider about steps you should take if your biopsy requires general anesthesia. You may need to fast for several hours before your biopsy.
• Don’t use tampons, vaginal creams or medicines or douche for 24 hours before your biopsy.
• Don’t have sex 24 hours before your biopsy.

What should I expect during these tests?

Pap smears and colposcopies are done in your healthcare provider’s office. Cervical biopsies are also done in your provider’s office but may be done in the hospital. You may feel some discomfort during your Pap smear or colposcopy, but the tests shouldn’t hurt. Tell your provider if you have any pain during the tests. They’ll make you comfortable so they can complete the test.

Cervical biopsies may be done in your provider’s office or the hospital. Cervical biopsies may involve general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

During your Pap smear, your provider will:

• Gently insert a speculum into your vagina. A speculum is a metal or plastic device that holds your vagina open so your provider can see your cervix. You may feel a bit of pressure when your provider inserts the speculum.
• Use a small brush or spatula to gently scrape cells from your cervix.
• Send your cells to a lab for analysis.

During your colposcopy, your provider will:

• Gently insert a speculum into your vagina. Like a Pap smear, you may feel some pressure when your provider inserts the speculum.
• Position a colposcope at the entrance to your vagina. A colposcope is a microscope with a light that gives your provider a clear view of your cervix.
• Apply a weak solution of acetic acid to your cervix. Acetic acid is similar to vinegar. Applying acetic acid makes it easier for your provider to see any abnormal areas. You may feel a slight burning sensation.
• If your provider spots an abnormal area, they may remove a small piece of tissue that will be examined under a microscope.
• They’ll send your tissue to a lab for analysis.

During your cervical biopsy, your provider will:

• Administer your anesthesia. You may have general anesthesia or regional anesthesia before your surgery. If you don’t have general or regional anesthesia, you may have local anesthesia given during your procedure.
• Gently insert a speculum into your vagina so they can reach your cervix.
• They may apply a weak solution of acetic acid to your cervix. Acetic acid is similar to vinegar and makes it easier for your provider to see any abnormal areas on your cervix.
• There are several types of cervical biopsies. The type of biopsy done depends on your specific situation, such as the location, size and shape of abnormal cells on your cervix.
• If you haven’t received general anesthesia, your provider may inject a numbing medication into parts of your cervix. This is called local anesthesia.
• If you were given local anesthesia, the biopsy itself may feel like a cramp or slight pinch.
• You may have bleeding from the biopsy. Your provider will use medication or other steps to stop the bleeding. They may place a pressure dressing on your cervix.
• They’ll send your cervical tissue to the lab for analysis.

What should I expect after these tests?

Pap smears and colposcopies typically don’t cause any post-procedure discomfort or problems. If your provider removed some cervical tissue for testing, you may want to rest a while after the procedure.

Here’s what may happen after your cervical biopsy:

• You’ll probably spend some time in a recovery room so providers can monitor your blood pressure, pulse and breathing.
• If you had your biopsy as an outpatient, someone should drive you home after your procedure.
• You may have some cramping, spotting or discharge for a few days after your procedure. You may want to wear a sanitary napkin until the spotting or discharge stops.
• Your provider may have given you a pain reliever to take as needed.
• They may tell you not to use tampons or douche or have sex immediately after your procedure. Ask your provider when it’s OK to resume your usual personal care and to have sex.
• Depending on the kind of biopsy you had, your provider may recommend you limit some other activities until your cervix heals. You may go back to your normal diet unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

When should I contact my provider after my cervical biopsy?

Your provider will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your recovery. Tell your provider right away if you have any of the following problems:

• You’re bleeding. While you may have spotting after your procedure, you shouldn’t be bleeding.
• You notice a foul-smelling discharge or drainage from your vagina.
• You have a fever above 101 Fahrenheit (33.8 Celsius) and/or chills.
• You have severe pain in your lower abdomen or stomach.