1. Genital tract HPV infection is very common in both men and women. It is primarily transmitted through genital contact – including vaginal intercourse and anal sex. Most sexually active people can become infected with HPV at some point in their lives, although most people are unaware of it because there are no signs or symptoms of HPV infection. 3. There are about 40 subtypes of HPV that can cause lesions in the genital tract. In most cases, the virus can be cleared within two years without causing any health problems. This may be the result of the body’s immune function fighting the virus. 4. Sometimes, HPV does not clear up automatically within 2 years. Certain HPV subtypes can linger in a woman’s cervix and cause cellular changes. If left untreated, these changes can eventually develop into cervical cancer. 5. Cervical cancer can be prevented by having regular cervical cancer screenings and following your doctor’s advice. Cytology screening can detect abnormalities in the cells of the cervix (caused by HPV). This allows treatment to be given before it develops into cervical cancer. 6. In some cases, your doctor will do both an HPV test and a cytology screening. This HPV test can detect the presence of HPV subtypes associated with cervical cancer in your cervix. This test can help your doctor determine your screening interval and whether other tests are needed. 7. Take responsibility for your health by having regular screenings. Make sure you get your test results and are on time for follow-up appointments and appropriate treatment. Expert recommendation: If TCT and HPV are double negative, repeat both screenings after 3 years. If either cytology or HPV result is positive, you will need to follow up and get further tests. Make sure you have the tests and follow-ups recommended by your doctor. An abnormal cytology does not mean you have cervical cancer, but you may have HPV infection or abnormal cell changes. Your doctor can treat cell abnormalities caused by the virus, but cannot treat the virus. Although HPV infections are common, cervical cancer is very rare. With regular review, most women with HPV infection do not and will develop cancer.