HPV Test - Healthnile.com

Overview

Individuals Living with HIV

HPV infection occurs more frequently and can be more serious in people who have HIV. Their weakened immune systems make it harder to clear the virus. Early and regular checks are important because HIV increases the risk of HPV-linked anal pre-cancer or cancer.

For transgender women and men who have sex with men and also have HIV, healthcare providers often begin screening for human papillomavirus in anal cells as early as age 35. For other individuals living with HIV, screening might start at age 45.

Key Points:

Higher risk of HPV infections.
Earlier and more frequent screening.
Focus on preventing pre-cancer and cancer.

Transplant Recipients

Solid organ transplant recipients face an increased risk for HPV infections. Immune system medicines taken after a transplant lower the body’s ability to fight the human papillomavirus.

Healthcare teams may begin screening for HPV in anal cells about 10 years after a transplant. For female patients, screening may even start as soon as 5 to 9 years after receiving a new organ.

Group	Start Screening After (Years Post-Transplant)
Most solid organ recipients	10
Female solid organ recipients	5–9

Individuals with Abnormal Vulvar Cells or Vulvar Cancer

People diagnosed with major changes to vulvar cells or vulvar cancer benefit from human papillomavirus testing. Healthcare providers may begin HPV screening using anal cells within one year after these diagnoses. Detecting HPV infections early in these cases can help with treatment decisions and may lower the chances of cancer spreading or becoming worse.

List of Considerations:

Recent diagnosis of vulvar pre-cancer or cancer.
Early HPV testing aids in close monitoring.
Timely testing can improve outcomes.

Reasons for HPV Testing

HPV tests help find certain types of human papillomavirus that can raise the risk for several cancers, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancer. Detecting high-risk HPV types allows healthcare teams to take steps early, sometimes stopping cancer before it starts.

These steps may include extra screening or treatment for abnormal cells. HPV tests do not show cancer directly. Instead, they detect the virus responsible for changes in cells that might become cancer. This makes the test a central part of cervical cancer screening.

Guidelines from places like Healthnile.com recommend following specific schedules for testing. Most experts do not advise testing for HPV in women younger than 30. However, personal health circumstances may affect the timing of the first test, so a discussion with a healthcare provider is helpful.

Key Purposes of HPV Testing:

Identifies people who may need repeat HPV or Pap tests
Helps decide if a biopsy or other procedures are needed
Guides decisions about treatment for precancerous changes
Alerts providers if ongoing or more frequent screening is necessary

Condition	Screening Tool	Role of HPV Test
Cervical cancer	HPV & Pap test	Detects high-risk virus
Anal cancer	Anal Pap/HPV test	Can help with early detection
Oropharyngeal cancer	Oral HPV test (rarely)	Sometimes used in risk analysis

Not everyone with a positive test will develop cancer. In many cases, HPV goes away on its own without treatment. Some infections may become dormant and show no signs for years. Providers may suggest watchful waiting if abnormal changes are minor, monitoring for any further developments rather than immediate treatment.

Possible Risks

HPV tests help find certain types of the virus, but there are some risks to consider. Sometimes, results may not be accurate. There can be:

False-positives: The test suggests a person has high-risk HPV even when they do not. This may lead to extra tests, such as cervical biopsies, which might not be needed.
False-negatives: The test misses an existing infection, which can delay care.

Type of HPV	Risk Level	Possible Outcome
High-risk	Higher risk	CIN or increased cancer risk
Low-risk	Lower risk	Minor changes, less serious

The main risk factors include having sexual contact, a weak immune system, and being exposed to certain strains. Even when results are negative, HPV can still be present in the body, with the immune system controlling it. Later tests may still find the virus without new exposures.

Getting Ready for the Test

Before an HPV test, follow some simple steps to help ensure accurate results.

Avoid vaginal sex, douching, or using any creams or medicines inside the vagina for two days before the test.
If possible, do not schedule the test during your menstrual period, as this helps get a better sample.
A gynecologist may perform the test during a pelvic exam with a speculum, or you may use self-collection if offered.
Getting the HPV vaccine does not change preparation for the test.

These measures help your health provider collect a proper sample.

What You Can Expect

What Happens While the Test Is Being Done

During a cervical cancer screening, patients usually have an HPV test and a Pap smear at the same visit. The test takes place in a healthcare setting and lasts just a few minutes.

First, the person changes out of their clothing from the waist down or uses a gown provided by the clinic. They then lie back on an exam table, placing their feet in stirrups to keep their legs steady. A healthcare provider gently places a speculum into the vagina.

This instrument helps the provider see the cervix clearly. Some people feel pressure or mild discomfort, and the speculum may feel cold. Using a small brush and a spatula, the provider collects cells from the cervix. Some people may notice slight cramping, but the process is quick and most do not feel pain.

What Happens After the Test

Once the samples are taken, patients can immediately return to their regular routine. There is no required recovery time or activity restrictions. Ask how and when you will receive results from the HPV screening, Pap test, or any co-testing. These results help guide next steps in cervical cancer screening or if further testing, such as colposcopy, is needed.

Test Outcomes

When the HPV Test Finds High-Risk Types

A test result showing high-risk HPV means the virus detected can increase the chance of developing cervical cancer. This does not mean the person has cancer, but it highlights a higher risk. Many people clear the virus naturally, but follow-up remains important. Next steps may include:

Follow-Up Option	Purpose
Colposcopy	Examine the cervix in more detail.
Repeat testing	Check if infection clears or changes occur.
Biopsy	Analyze abnormal cervical cells.
Treatment	Remove abnormal or high-risk cells.

Colposcopy: A close examination of the cervix using a special magnifying device.
Follow-up Testing: Healthcare providers may advise another HPV test or a Pap test after one year to check if the virus is still present or if there are changes in cervical cells.
Additional Procedures: If abnormal cells are seen, a biopsy might be done to collect and examine cervical tissue.
Treatment Options: If severe abnormal cells are found, removing them can help stop cancer from developing.

Testing positive means the person should keep regular follow-ups and talk to their provider about the best treatment steps.

When the HPV Test Does Not Find High-Risk Types

A result that does not find high-risk HPV types is considered negative. This means cervical cancer risk is low, and the body may be controlling or has cleared any previous infection. In cases where other test results are normal, no further immediate action is usually needed. Depending on medical history and age, next steps may include:

Routine Follow-up: If both HPV and Pap tests are normal and there is no history of problems, another test may be recommended every five years.
Closer Monitoring: If there is a history of positive results, the provider might suggest repeating the test in one or three years.
Biopsy or Colposcopy: Only if there are unusual findings on the Pap test, further checks like a biopsy may be advised.
Referral: If any abnormal results come up or cancer is suspected, a specialist in treatment—such as a gynecologic oncologist—may be involved.

Most people with a negative HPV test can wait longer between screenings. Regular Pap and HPV tests remain important for long-term health.