HPV or the Human papillomavirus causes almost 100% of cervical cancer in women. It is transmitted through sexual contact, and it is estimated that 1 in 2 will contract the virus in their lifetime. Like most STDs, HPV is often symptomless and requires a test to detect the virus.
You can discover whether you have the HPV virus through a simple and quick Cervical Cancer (HPV) Health Test. A small amount of blood will be taken and will be able to tell you whether you have HPV in your bloodstream or not.
What are the symptoms of having HPV?
HPV is often symptomless, but it can sometimes cause genital warts
How do I get tested for HPV (human papillomavirus)?
Your health test will detect strains of HPV which are considered high-risk for developing cervical cancer. This health test will not be able to tell you whether you have cervical cancer, but it will be able to tell you whether you have HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, in your bloodstream.
The blood test will check for the following biomarkers:
- HPV 16
- HPV 18
- Other high-risk types (HPV 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68 – specific type will not be provided in results)
Please note, that this test is not a replacement for regular cervical (pap) smear tests.
“HPV is a different virus to HIV and HSV (herpes), and many people do not know that they have the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as it’s often symptomless. The best way to know is to get a tested by a health test, for complete peace of mind.”
Key points:
- HPV or the Human papillomavirus causes almost 100% of cervical cancer in women. It is transmitted through sexual contact and like most STDs, it’s often symptomless and requires a test to detect the virus.
- It is estimated that 1 in 2 will contract the virus in their lifetime.
- You can discover whether you have the HPV virus through a simple and quick Cervical Cancer (HPV) Health Test.
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How a Sample is Taken
With most health tests, there are two options for taking a sample of blood, which is used to test for certain biomarkers. The two most common options are a finger-prick or venous draw:
Finger prick Draw:
Health Tests that take blood via the ‘finger-prick’ method are usually done within the comfort of your own home, enabling you to take a small amount of blood discreetly and conveniently when you want to.
Venous Draw:
Once you have booked your health test, you’ll be sent the blood kit which includes all the equipment needed for a professional blood draw by an experienced healthcare professional, with clinics available across the UK to take your sample.
Details about which option is available for this health test, are available when you compare the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most HPV Infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by your body within 2 years, however, if the HPV virus causes problems like genital warts or changes to cells in your cervix, then treatment is needed.
There is no cure for the HPV virus, however many HPV viruses go away on their own, with the virus being cleared by the body’s immune system.
HPV is often symptomless, but it can sometimes cause genital warts.
Can you get HPV if you don’t have sex?
HPV is spread by any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and the sharing of sex toys. Many types of HPV can affect the mouth, throat, or genital area.
Do only women have the HPV virus?
Both men and women can contract the HPV virus. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems, but in some people, it can cause certain kinds of cancer, including cervical, anal, penis, vulval and vaginal cancer.
Search for HPV Cervical Cancer tests