Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is an expert gynecologist and specialist in NYC for HPV. Dr Goldstein stresses that HPV is not the disease, but that certain strains must be monitored to ensure they do not become cervical cancer, which is the disease that women must protect against.
You can find answers to many of your questions about HPV below. If you need to discuss further with a specialist, then please schedule an appointment with Dr Goldstein.
We now understand that virtually all squamous cell cancers of the cervix as well as some adenocarcinomas of the endocervix are ultimately related to certain strains of the HPV virus. Unfortunately, there are over 100 strains of HPV and the virus is truly ubiquitous. I am sure I have it, my mother had it, virtually all of my patients have been exposed to it as have their parents. Truly, the only people who do not get exposed to any HPV strains are those who have not had ANY sexual activity.
HPV is spread through skin to skin contact, and thus even the use of condoms may not ultimately protect since it does not come out in semen like other organisms such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, etc. There are at least a dozen strains that have been deemed “high risk.” Within those types, 16 and 18 are considered to be of the highest risk. In addition, type 45 has been associated with endocervical (in the cervical canal leading to the uterus) disease more commonly than exocervical (face of the cervix that can be seen from the vagina) disease.
However, realize that the goal is that you as a patient should never ever develop cervical cancer. THAT is the disease. The media and many physicians have turned HPV into the disease. Almost everyone who is exposed to HPV will clear it over time. The goal is to monitor HPV and make sure it does not develop into cervical cancer.
More than a decade ago, I wrote an editorial entitled, “If it ain’t broke, why are we fixing it.” This was in reference to the Pap smear, which, other than the polio vaccine, may be one of the single best epidemiologic triumphs of the last century.The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is detected by a Pap Smear, a procedure done in the office as part of the examination.
Many gynecologists recommend annual gyn exams. I like to see my patients every 6 months. If they develop HPV, I’d like to know as soon as possible so we can monitor the HPV so it does not become cervical cancer.
Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is one of the best obgyns in NYC, in private practice for more than 25 years and considered one of the nation’s top gynecologists. Learn more about Dr Goldstein here and make an appointment
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