HPV Test For Women: Why You Need One

Did you know? Nearly 80% of women will contract HPV at some point in their lives!¹ HPV or Human Papillomavirus is a silent threat that often lurks unnoticed among sexually active women. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer. This highlights the importance of an HPV Test for women which can pave the way to a timely treatment.

In this blog, we’ll explain all about an HPV Test, why you need one & how to interpret its results. So stay with us until the end.

What Is An HPV Test?

HPV or Human Papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer. HPV is also the most common cause for an STI that spreads via skin-to-skin contact during sex. The purpose of an HPV test for women is to screen for this virus so that you can undergo timely treatment.²

HPV virus has over 100 strains. Some of them can cause warts on hands, feet & face. While others can cause genital warts. But only a handful of strains, also called the high-risk strains, have the capacity to cause cancer. The common ones include HPV 16 and HPV 18. The main aim of an HPV test is to screen for these high-risk strains that cause cancer.2 For an HPV DNA test, a sample is collected from your cervix—the lower part of your uterus—& screened for the high-risk HPV strains.³

Generally, the human body has the ability to fight off & clear the HPV infection within a couple of years without causing any ill effects on the body. But in a few cases, the infection lingers & goes on to result in the development of cervical cancer.³

*Alarming Fact: HPV can affect both males & females!*

Next, let’s understand the signs & symptoms of an HPV infection.

Symptoms Of HPV Infection In Women (& Men)

While most HPV infections in women are silent, its common sign is genital warts—cauliflower-shaped growth on your genitals. The symptoms might appear weeks, months or even years after you’ve contracted the infection.⁴

Men infected with the HPV, generally don’t experience any symptoms or even health issues. But rarely, some HPV types might cause genital warts & others might lead to the development of certain cancers (penis, anus, or oropharynx cancer).⁵

How To Prepare For HPV Test?

Schedule your test date when you’re not having your periods. Additionally, for a couple of days before your test, do not:³

• Use tampons, birth control foam, jelly, or cream or medicines in the vagina
• Douche
• Have sex

But, do you feel awkward about visiting a clinic for HPV testing? You can always opt for an at-home HPV test for women that’s discreet, confidential & convenient. Consider LifeCell’s HPV Test For Women which detects high-risk cancer-causing strains & gives expert-reviewed results in just 2 days.³

How Much Will An HPV Test Cost?

The HPV test price might vary across different brands. Just make sure you choose one with good accuracy, validity & reliability. If you’re looking for an at-home self-collection HPV test, you might want to consider LifeCell’s HPV Test. Not only are our labs NABL & CAP Certified, but we also offer full confidentiality & >99% accurate results.

How To Interpret Your Test Results?

Your test results could either be positive or negative. A positive result means that a high-risk cancer-causing HPV strain was detected in your sample (don’t panic as there’s no cancer yet!). On getting a positive result, your doctor might suggest additional tests for cervical cancer like a colposcopy or cervical biopsy.²

A negative result means that you don’t carry any high-risk HPV strains & won’t need another test for the next 5 years. And it would also be wise to get vaccinated for HPV if you haven’t got one yet, for continued protection.²

*Pro Tip: Your HPV results might change over time from positive to negative or vice versa. Hence it’s a good idea to have regular HPV tests.*²

Summing Up

Understanding your HPV status is crucial in the fight against cervical cancer. An HPV Test for women is a powerful toolkit that can help you identify this silent threat & prevent further complications. So, go ahead & book that HPV test which you’ve been putting off for a while now. And if you’re still hesitant about visiting a clinic, order LifeCell’s at-home HPV test kit today! 

FAQs

1. What If Your HPV Test Is Positive?

A positive result indicates the presence of a high-risk cancer-causing HPV strain. A prompt intervention by your doctor can help mitigate the chances of developing cervical cancer.²

2. What Are The Symptoms Of HPV?

HPV infections usually don’t cause any symptoms. But the most common signs include genital warts.²

3. What Test Is Done For HPV?

An HPV DNA test can accurately detect the presence of the virus.²

4. What Causes HPV In Females?

HPV in females can be caused by a cut, abrasion or skin tear. It can also be caused by sex, close sexual contact or even touching the warts. Sometimes a mom can transfer the infection to her baby.⁶