
HPV Screening with Self Collection Endorsed by Three Organizations
Three organizations—ACS, ACOG, and HRSA—have each recently endorsed new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. All of them discuss screening with self collected samples.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common sexually transmitted infection. So common that most (~80%) of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point. While it is often harmless, it can cause genital warts and even lead to cervical cancer. In this episode of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast, Fred Wyand talks to Ina Park, MD, assistant professor at University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, about HPV, from genital warts, cervical cancer vaccines, the stigma associated with warts “below the waistline,” talking to partners about HPV, and more.

Three organizations—ACS, ACOG, and HRSA—have each recently endorsed new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. All of them discuss screening with self collected samples.

Research suggests that only one dose of the HPV vaccine may be effective enough to prevent HPV-related disease, including cancer.

Australia has been a leader in cervical cancer prevention for decades and is now close to eliminating the disease.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening that focus on HPV testing and approve the use of self-collected samples. The recommendations also clarify the age at which screening should start and stop.

We’ve known for years that the HPV vaccine works. Now new research shows that widespread vaccination even protects those who haven’t gotten the shot. This study proves that it is possible to reach herd immunity for HPV.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Still, finding out that you or your partner has it can feel stressful and confusing. It’s normal to have a lot of questions: What does this mean for our health? Did someone cheat? Should we

The FDA just approved the Teal Wand, a self-collection device for HPV testing that does not require a speculum exam or even a trip to the doctor’s office. People can collect their own sample at home and send it to a lab for analysis.

The results of large-scale study of HPV suggest that one shot of the vaccine may be enough to protect young people from HPV and related issues like cervical cancer.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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