How do I find out if I have HPV?
Is there a test for HPV?
*The HPV tests on the market are only used to help screen for cervical cancer.
*There is no general test for men or women to check one’s overall “HPV status,” nor is there an HPV test to find HPV on the genitals or in the mouth or throat.
*But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now.
*The HPV tests on the market are only used to help screen for cervical cancer.
*There is no general test for men or women to check one’s overall “HPV status,” nor is there an HPV test to find HPV on the genitals or in the mouth or throat.
*But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now.
How is HPV diagnosed?
*There are no blood tests for HPV, but some tests can help your health care provider diagnose the infection.
**Pap test — During this test, the health care provider removes a sample of cells from the cervix. The cells are then examined under a microscope to look for any changes in the cells, even in the absence of genital warts.
*Colposcopy — For this test, a health care provider uses an instrument — called a colposcope — that shines a light and magnifies the view of the cervix. A vinegar solution is placed on the cervix. The solution turns abnormal cells that are infected with HPV white, so they can be more easily seen.
*HPV DNA test — Called DNAwithPap™, this test looks directly for the genetic material (DNA) of the HPV within a sample of cells. The test can detect the type of HPV connected to cervical cancer. The sample used for this test is generally removed at the same time as a Pap test.
