do I need a hpv test?

[lisaheather]

I saw a commercial today that says every woman over 30 should have a hpv test because some woman on the commercial had normal paps and then had a hpv test and was positive for a high risk strain of hpv.  I have been with the same person for 18 years and have always had normal paps.  Could I have the high risk strain of hpv and still have all those normal paps??  Should I get a hpv test??  About 1-2 years ago I asked my Dr. about it and she said I would have abnormal paps.  But now I saw this recent commercial and it tells otherwise.  Is there new information??  How long after getting hpv would you have abnormal paps if you had a high risk strain??

[mayflowers]

I agree with Emma. As long as your paps are fine, I don't see the point in knowing. It's probably cleared by now anyway.  

[Emma_08]

I also saw an advertisement for the HPV test.  Personally, I don't think you need to get it.  You have had all normal paps and you have been with the same person for 18 years.  Assuming you and your partner have just been with each other for the past 18 years, if you had HPV (even high-risk), it has probably cleared.  I think the test could be good in conjunction with the pap test in some circumstances...but I think for you, yearly pap tests are enough.  But then again, I'm not a professional...your doc's advice is better than mine :)
Best wishes,
Em