Misconception #10: The HPV test is always run as part of your pap smear.

Nope. You usually have to ask for the HPV test in addition to your pap, unless your pap came back abnormal!

I've heard that some doctors will suggest it without the patient asking, and others don't. Really, I can't think of one good reason not to be tested every time you get a pap smear.

So yes, ladies - in addition to getting your regular paps, you need to ask for the HPV test while you're at your appointment. Make sure you ask the doctor treating you directly. Double check to make sure they actually add the HPV test to your pap, because sometimes they forget.

Update: I recently went to my gyno for a pap smear and for an HPV test. I do it every 6 months. I made it very clear to the doc that I wanted the HPV test included with my pap, and made sure it was understood that that part, in particular, was pretty important to me. And of course, I later found out that the HPV test wasn't added as I'd asked. My doctor is excellent - comes highly recommended and is well-respected in the medical community. But it just goes to show that even if you say exactly what you want, and get assured that all the right boxes have been checked, there's still a chance a mistake will be made. Always follow up and ask specific questions to make sure you got the information you asked for.
This is Post #9 in the series, Debunking HPV Myths. For other parts of the series, click here.