#11 HPV: Prevention, Screening and Cervical Cancer

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, yet it remains widely misunderstood. What is HPV? Who is at risk? Can it be prevented? And what does it really mean if you test positive? In this episode of The Vulvalution, we're joined by Laurie Smith, RN, to answer the most common questions about HPV and provide clear, evidence-based information on prevention, screening, and care. We discuss the different types of HPV, how the virus is transmitted, its connection to cervical and other cancers, and the important role of HPV vaccination in preventing disease. We also cover cervical cancer screening, what to expect after a positive HPV test, common myths and misconceptions, and the questions women ask most often about HPV, relationships, and long-term health. 🎧 Whether you've recently received a positive HPV test, want to better understand cervical cancer screening, or are simply looking for reliable information about HPV prevention and care, this episode is for you. Episode Resources:  General HPV info: https://smartsexresource.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/stis-conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv/ SOGC Canada, HPVinfo.ca www.hpvinfo.ca https://hpvinfo.ca/resources/ https://www.hpvinfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SOGC-HPVBrochure-EN-f-web-1.pdf Cervical Screening: Cervical screening in British Columbia: https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix ***For specific recommendations for other provinces/jurisdictions, search for your own provincial guidelines: For example, in Ontario, Cancer Care Ontario establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/cervical/screening and In Alberta, Alberta Health Services establishes cervical screening guidelines. https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/ Outside of Canada, speak to your clinician or ensure you are look at credible resources for cervical screening guidelines where you live. HPV Vaccination: For information about the HPV vaccine in British Columbia https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine Immunize Canada: https://www.immunize.ca/human-papillomavirus-hpv For those outside of British Columbia, consult your regional/provincial vaccination program for details regarding eligibility, cost etc. Resources regarding HPV and cervical screening results: BC Cancer Cervix Screening program: https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix/how-it-works/understanding-your-results Chapters:  00:00 Intro 07:03 What Is HPV and How Common Is It? 09:21 Types of HPV 10:25 HPV and Cancer 18:20 Prevention and Vaccination 30:48 Screening and Testing 36:00 I Tested Positive for HPV—What Should I Do? 40:00 What Women+ Really Want to Know  44:24 True or False? 46:00 Common HPV Myths 46:51 Resources 49:00 Conclusion