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Why should you get tested?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection is very common. It usually infects the anogenital area but can infect other areas including the mouth and throat. Most sexually active people get HPV at some time in their lives, although most never know it. HPV transmits very easily and often presents no symptoms. Therefore, it’s incredibly common for people to pass it on. The only sure way to tell if you have HPV is by testing yourself. If you are interested in testing in a safe and confidential way then SelfCollect at home HPV test can be helpful for you.

High-Risk HPV is the cause of cervical cancer. It can also lead to cancer of the vagina, anus and oropharynx (back of the throat). Genital wart viruses (HPV-6 & HPV-11) cause unsightly and painful genital warts.

Not all HPV viruses behave in the same way, so it is extremely important to realize that HPV-16 in women and HPV-16 in men is particularly aggressive, even in the very young. Other high risk HPV viruses can also be aggressive.

Consider Vaginal HPV home test kit if you:

Are over the age of 25

Are under the age of 25 and sexually active.

Have a family history of cervical cancer.

Have had an “abnormal” PAP test result.

Use tobacco

Have ever been told you are HPV positive, but are not sure which virus was detected. An HPV High Risk test with the optional full genotyping add-on will test for all High and Low Risk HPV viruses (Please note: there is an additional $40 charge if full genotyping is added) .

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Authoritative professional bodies that offer cervical cancer screening guidelines differ regarding the recommended earliest age for HPV testing. The FDA has, to date, approved one method for HPV Primary Screening beginning at age 25, while others (USPSTF, ACOG, ASCCP) recommend testing beginning at age 30.

Consider Penile HPV test for men if you:

See warts, lesions or other new growths on the shaft of the penis, perineum or scrotum.

Want to be certain of your status as a carrier.

Read More (Anal & Oral)

Consider Anal HPV home test kit if you:

Have had unprotected anal intercourse.

Have a history of anal warts.

Are HIV positive.

Have experienced pre-cancerous or cancerous changes in your cervix, vulva or vagina. You may be at greater risk for an anal HPV infection because of the anatomical proximity of the anus and vagina.

Consider Oral HPV home test kit if you:

Have had intimate oral-to-genital contact with someone who may have HPV.

Are HIV positive.

Are positive for HPV in the cervix or anus.

To learn more about High Risk HPV, visit our Resource page.

What happens if your positive in HPV home test?

It means you have been exposed to this high prevalence virus, possibly a high risk type. A positive test does not mean that you have cancer, nor does it indicate that you will ever get cancer. If persistent (detected twice within one year), visit a healthcare provider for a thorough exam to ensure the abnormalities that HPV can cause have not already occurred. There is no current cure for HPV, but there are ways to manage and treat the negative effects of the virus. You can also restest at a future time to see if the virus is still present. If you smoke and are positive for HPV: The cancer-causing effects of an HPV infection at any body site may be enhanced.

Read More (Testing Negative)

What should a person know about testing negative for HPV?

Although you are negative for HPV today, your status may change with new sexual partners or other physical experiences. If you are sexually active, you may greatly benefit from regular HPV testing.

What are the signs and symptoms of HPV?

Vaginal infection:

With the High Risk types of HPV, there are no outward signs or symptoms of infection. The effects may present as abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, vulva or vagina that can lead to cancer. If these changes progress, symptoms can include:

Bleeding between periods

Pain or bleeding during intercourse

For women, genital warts appear as skin-colored or pink growths most commonly seen on the opening of the vagina, the cervix or around the anus. Genital Warts are more common in women than in men. Most women with warts do not have any symptoms at all, but in some cases, there may be itching, burning or tenderness in the genital area. If you suspect that you have genital warts then a genital warts home test can identify the cause.

Penile infection:

New skin-color or pink growths on the surface of the penis

For men, genital warts appear as skin-colored or pink growths most commonly seen on the shaft of a circumcised penis, under the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis or on the scrotum. Most men with warts do not have any symptoms at all, but in some cases, there may be itching, burning or tenderness.

Read More (Anal & Oral)

Anal infection:

Rectal bleeding

Anal discomfort

Abnormal changes of the cells in the anus

Anal warts caused by HPV are often referred to as “condylomas.” While found predominantly in people who have had receptive anal intercourse, they can also occur in men and women who do not have a history of anal sexual contact. Many patients with anal warts have no symptoms. Some may notice small growths in the anal area or may experience itching, occasional bleeding or moisture in the anal canal.

Oral infection:

Mass (lump) in the side of the neck

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Chronic acid reflux

Numbness or difficulty moving the jaw

Pain in the throat

Concerned about having genital warts caused by the low risk types of HPV? Add the optional Full Genotyping to your HPV test. Read more about genital warts and low risk HPV in the Resource section. You can also read more about the High Risk types of HPV in our Resource Section.