HPV Testing (Genital Warts): The Complete Guide to Diagnosis and Prevention

Human papilloma virus (**HPV**) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections that can lead to **genital warts** or even cervical, anal, and throat cancers. Timely diagnosis of this virus is possible by doing an **HPV test**. In this article, we will examine the types of HPV tests, how to perform them, interpretation of the results, and ways of prevention. **What is HPV and why is testing important?** HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that has more than **100 types**. Some types (**such as HPV-16 and HPV-18**) are dangerous and can cause cancer, while others (**such as HPV-6 and HPV-11**) cause genital warts. ### **Why is HPV testing necessary?** - Early detection of high-risk infections before they turn into cancer - Prevention of transmission of the virus to sexual partners - Timely control and treatment of genital warts - Regular screening for women (especially to prevent cervical cancer) **Types of HPV Tests** ### **1. Pap smear test** - **Aim**: Cervical cancer screening and detection of abnormal cells - **Procedure**: Sampling of cervical cells - **Recommendation**: Women 21 to 65 years old should do this test once every 3 years. ### **2. HPV DNA/RNA test** - **Aim**: Identify high-risk types of HPV (such as type 16 and 18) - **Procedure**: Sampling from the cervix or urine sample - **Recommendation**: It is usually used together with pap smear for women over 30 years old. ### **3. Colposcopy** - **Objective**: more detailed examination of the cervix in case of abnormal pap smear results - **Procedure**: Using a special microscope to observe tissues ### **4. Genital wart test (clinical examination)** - **Aim**: to detect genital warts caused by low-risk HPV **Method of performance**: Physical examination by a doctor **Who should be tested for HPV?** ✅ **Women aged 30 to 65** (recommendation for a combined Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years) **Persons with a weak immune system** (HIV sufferers or organ transplant recipients) **Those who have a sexual partner with HPV** ✅ **Persons with a history of genital warts** **Interpretation of HPV test results** - **Negative**: No high-risk HPV has been identified. - **Positive (low-risk types)**: There is a possibility of genital warts. - **Positive (high-risk types)**: needs further investigation (colposcopy or biopsy). **How to prevent HPV** - **Vaccination (Gardasil)**: the best method of prevention for people aged 9 to 45 **Using a condom**: reducing the risk of transmission, but not 100% protection - **Regular examinations**: Pap smear and HPV test as recommended by the doctor - **avoidance of high-risk sex**: reducing the number of sexual partners **