Women's Health Service
HPV Screening in Princeton, NJ
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and most people who have it do not know it. In many cases it clears on its own. But certain strains of HPV are directly responsible for cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the throat, anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. Screening and vaccination are how we stay ahead of it.
At Jersey Family Health, HPV screenings are part of our routine preventive care for both men and women in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Salman Saad, MD and Dr. Moizah Saad, DO conduct HPV testing and cervical cancer co-screening in a confidential, non-judgmental environment and provide HPV vaccine referrals for patients who need vaccination.
We accept most major insurance plans. We also offer a membership called Direct Primary Care (DPC), which gives you easy, stress-free access to checkups without the long wait times.
Why HPV Screening Matters
Human papillomavirus is estimated to affect approximately 80 percent of sexually active adults at some point in their lives. Most infections resolve without causing any harm. But high-risk HPV strains particularly types 16 and 18 are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers and contribute significantly to other HPV-related cancers in both men and women.
Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable when HPV is detected early through regular screening and when vaccination is given before exposure. For women, the combination of Pap smear and HPV co-testing is the most effective cervical cancer prevention tool available. For men, understanding HPV risk and accessing vaccination significantly reduces transmission and the risk of HPV-related cancers.
HPV Screening and Vaccination by Age
HPV recommendations shift at different life stages. Here is what we focus on for each group.
Children and Teens (Ages 9–18)
- HPV vaccine recommended at ages 11–12, before exposure risk begins
- Two-dose series if vaccination begins before age 15
- Three-dose series if started at age 15 or older
- New Jersey school vaccination requirement review
Young Adults (Ages 18–26)
- HPV vaccination recommended for all adults through age 26 who have not completed the series
- Pap smear starting at age 21 for women, every 3 years
- HPV test for women, added to Pap smear co-testing starting at age 30
- HPV risk counseling and STI screening for sexually active patients
Adults (Ages 27–45)
- HPV vaccine referral available for adults aged 27–45 based on individual risk assessment
- Abnormal result follow-up and colposcopy referral when indicated
- HPV risk discussion and prevention counseling for men
Adults 65 and Older
- Cervical cancer screening may be discontinued after age 65 if prior results have been consistently normal, we assess this individually
- Continued monitoring for patients with prior abnormal results or incomplete screening history
- Ongoing HPV-related cancer risk discussion particularly for throat and anal cancers
HPV Screening and Vaccine Services at Jersey Family Health
We offer comprehensive HPV screening for both men and women, along with HPV vaccine referrals for patients who are candidates for vaccination.
For women, HPV testing is performed alongside the Pap smear as part of co-testing the most sensitive and recommended approach for cervical cancer screening. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains, while the Pap smear examines cervical cells for abnormal changes. Together they provide a complete picture of cervical health. Current guidelines recommend co-testing every 5 years for women aged 30–65, or a Pap smear alone every 3 years for women aged 21–29.
If your HPV or Pap result is abnormal, we review the findings with you directly and in plain language, not just a letter in the mail. Depending on the result, follow-up may include repeat testing, colposcopy referral, or additional monitoring. We coordinate all next steps and communicate with the appropriate specialists on your behalf.
There is currently no FDA-approved HPV test for men equivalent to the cervical screening used in women. However, HPV risk counseling and vaccination are critical components of men’s preventive health. We discuss HPV transmission, associated cancer risks, and the role of the HPV vaccine in reducing those risks — and provide referrals for vaccination for men who have not completed the series.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the nine most common HPV strains responsible for cancer and genital warts. It is recommended for all boys and girls starting at age 11 to 12, and for adults through age 26 and in some cases through age 45 based on individual risk. We assess your vaccination status, confirm eligibility, and coordinate referrals to a pharmacy or vaccination provider in New Jersey so you can complete the series without delay.
We also provide family medicine weight loss support, combining medical guidance, metabolic evaluation, and lifestyle planning.
When Should You Schedule an HPV Screening?
Meet Your Physicians
Why Choose Jersey Family Health for HPV Screening?
Confidential and Non-Judgmental Care
HPV is an incredibly common infection and carries no reflection on your character or choices. We discuss HPV openly, honestly, and without stigma so every patient leaves informed and supported, not embarrassed.
Results Explained Clearly, Not Just Mailed to You
We review your HPV and Pap results with you directly, in plain language, at a dedicated follow-up. You will understand what your result means and exactly what the next step is, whether that is reassurance, monitoring, or further evaluation.
Screening for Both Men and Women
HPV affects everyone — not just women. We provide HPV risk counseling and vaccination referrals for male patients, and comprehensive HPV cervical screening and co-testing for female patients, all in one practice.
HPV Vaccine Referrals Coordinated Directly
When vaccination is indicated, we assess your eligibility, confirm the appropriate series, and coordinate referrals with pharmacies or vaccination providers in New Jersey — so there is a clear, straightforward path to getting vaccinated.
Telehealth Available Across Three States
Jersey Family Health is a licensed telehealth provider in New Jersey, New York, and California. HPV result reviews, follow-up consultations, and vaccination guidance can all be handled via secure virtual visits, wherever you are in those three states.
Flexible Insurance & DPC Membership
We accept most major insurance plans, many of which cover HPV screenings at no cost as part of preventive care. DPC members receive screenings with no per-visit co-pays and direct physician access for results and follow-up.
HPV Is Common. Knowing Your Status Should Be Simple.
HPV screening is one of the most powerful preventive tools available and one of the easiest to access. At Jersey Family Health in Princeton, NJ, we make it straightforward, confidential, and genuinely informative. You leave knowing your status, understanding what it means, and clear on your next steps. Whether you need an HPV test, an HPV Pap smear co-test, an HPV vaccine referral in New Jersey, or simply an honest conversation about your risk — our board-certified physicians are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is HPV and how common is it?for same-day concerns?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. An estimated 80 percent of sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lives. Most infections clear on their own without causing harm. However, high-risk HPV strains especially types 16 and 18 can cause cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers if left undetected.
Q2: What is the difference between an HPV test and a Pap smear?
A Pap smear looks for abnormal cervical cells that may be precancerous. An HPV test detects the presence of high-risk HPV strains in cervical cells. When performed together as co-testing, they provide the most comprehensive picture of cervical health and are the recommended approach for women aged 30 to 65.
Q3: How often should women have an HPV screening?
Current guidelines recommend a Pap smear alone every 3 years for women aged 21 to 29, and HPV and Pap co-testing every 5 years for women aged 30 to 65. Your physician may recommend more frequent screening based on prior abnormal results or other risk factors.
Q4: Can men be tested for HPV?
There is currently no FDA-approved HPV test for men equivalent to the cervical test used in women. However, we provide HPV risk counseling and vaccination referrals for men, which is the most effective way to reduce HPV-related cancer risk in male patients.
Q5: What happens if my HPV test comes back positive?
A positive HPV result does not mean you have cancer. It means a high-risk HPV strain was detected and further monitoring is needed. We review your result with you directly, explain what it means, and determine the appropriate next step, which may include a repeat test, a colposcopy referral, or closer cervical surveillance. You will not navigate this alone.
