Women's Health
Ask the doctor: Do I need an HPV test?
Q. I'm 50 years old and have never had an HPV test. Do I need one as part of my health screening?
A. The short answer to your question is, no, you don't need the HPV test for routine cervical cancer screening. However, it's complicated, and there have been some changes in screening guidelines for cervical cancer that women should know about.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.