HPV: Clear answers, fast diagnosis, experienced care.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. There are more than 200 types; around 40 affect the genital area. Roughly 80% of sexually active women will encounter HPV at least once in their lifetime. Most infections are cleared by the immune system within 1–2 years — what matters is catching persistent high-risk infections early.

HPV spreads through sexual contact but also through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms reduce risk but do not eliminate it. HPV usually has no symptoms, so either partner may carry it unknowingly.

Low-risk types (mainly types 6 and 11) cause genital warts. High-risk types (particularly 16 and 18) cause no symptoms but can drive cervical cell changes and, over years, cervical cancer if untreated. More than 99% of cervical cancers are HPV-related — which is why early detection and rapid intervention are essential.

Current guidelines recommend:

• Ages 21–29: Pap smear every 3 years
• Ages 30–65: Pap smear + HPV co-test every 5 years

When HPV comes back positive or a smear shows abnormality, we do not leave patients waiting for weeks. Colposcopy is typically scheduled within the same week. In many Turkish centres this pathway can take 4–6 weeks — our priority is shortening uncertainty.

Colposcopy examines the cervix under specialised magnification. Dr Berra Önsoy performs hundreds of colposcopies per year, identifying suspicious areas with precision. The visit lasts about 15–20 minutes, is painless, and patients return to normal activities the same day.

Our difference: when your result is abnormal, there is no long waiting list — colposcopy is usually done within the same week.

When a suspicious area is seen during colposcopy, biopsy is taken in the same session — no need for a second appointment. Pathology results are reviewed within one week and discussed with you in detail.

Results using terms like LSIL, HSIL, CIN 1–2–3 are explained clearly, along with the next step and any implications for your fertility plan.

For high-grade lesions (CIN 2–3), LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision) is the gold standard. When indicated, Dr Berra Önsoy plans and performs LEEP within one week — significantly faster than typical wait times in Turkey.

Fertility-preservation priority: for patients planning pregnancy, the smallest safe excision is chosen to minimise the risk of cervical insufficiency. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes under local anaesthesia.

Gardasil 9 covers the 9 most common HPV types and prevents the majority of cervical cancer risk.

• Ages 9–14: 2 doses
• Ages 15–45: 3 doses

The vaccine is most effective before HPV exposure, but sexually active or HPV-positive women also benefit from protection against reinfection.

Options include topical creams, cryotherapy (freezing), and electrosurgical removal. The best method is chosen based on lesion location, size, and patient preference; most treatments are completed in a single outpatient session.