Testing for HPV: What You Should Know



Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that affects both men and women. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and it can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and other types of cancers. For this reason, testing for HPV is important for both sexes. Here’s what you should know about testing for HPV:

1. Who Should Get Tested?

Most people who are sexually active should get tested for HPV at least once during their lifetime. Women aged 21 to 65 should get screened regularly by their healthcare provider as part of their routine Pap test or pelvic exam. Men aged 21 to 65 who are at risk should also be tested, although there is no routine screening test available yet for men. People who have had unprotected sex or multiple partners should also consider getting tested.

2. What Tests Are Available?
A Pap test can detect abnormal cells caused by certain strains of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer in women, while a DNA test can detect the presence of specific high-risk types of HPV in both men and women that can cause cancerous changes in the cervix or throat area. Both tests require a sample from the cervix or throat area to be taken either through swabbing or scraping with a brush-like instrument called a speculum during an exam with your healthcare provider.

3. What Happens After Testing?
If your results come back positive for high-risk types of HPV, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as an MRI scan or colposcopy to further evaluate any changes in your cervical cells caused by the virus and determine if any treatment is necessary to prevent any potential health issues from developing down the line such as cervical cancer or genital warts . If you are diagnosed with genital warts due to HPV infection, treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing them off) or topical creams may be recommended by your doctor depending on how severe they are .

4. How Can You Prevent Getting Infected With HPV?
The best way to prevent getting infected with HPV is practicing safe sex using condoms every time you have intercourse and limiting sexual partners as much as possible . Vaccines like Gardasil 9 protect against nine different types of HPVs including those most likely associated with causing cervical cancer , so it’s important that everyone gets vaccinated if they are eligible . Additionally , avoiding smoking , excessive alcohol use , sun exposure , and eating healthy foods will all help reduce your risk of developing health issues due to an infection from this virus .

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Human papillomavirus (HPV), sexually transmitted infection, United States, genital warts, cervical cancer, Pap test, DNA test, MRI scan, colposcopy, cryotherapy, topical creams, safe sex, condoms, sexual partners, Gardasil 9 vaccines, smoking, excessive alcohol use, sun exposure, healthy foods,

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