Why is this procedure done?
The human papillomavirus test is also known as an HPV test. This test is done to look for HPV in your genital area. You can get HPV from oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a sex partner who has HPV. This virus may cause genital warts and cancer of the cervix in women. Both men and women may be infected with HPV. This test is most often done in women. ‚
Some doctors test men at high risk for HPV infection. Men who are at a higher risk for HPV include those with HIV or men who have sex with men. HPV is often linked to anal and penile cancer in men. HPV is also linked to some mouth and throat cancers in both men and women. ‚
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are negative or normal, it means you likely are not infected with the virus.
- If the results are positive or not normal, you may have been infected with the virus.
- Your doctor may order other tests if your test is positive.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Schedule this test before or after your menstrual period.
- Your doctor will take your history.
- Empty your bladder before the procedure. This may help you be more comfortable during the test.
Avoid these activities at least 24 hours before the procedure: ‚
- Using vaginal products such as creams
- Washing your vagina (douching)
- Using a tampon
- Having sex
What happens during the procedure?
- For women:
- You will lie down on the exam table and put your feet in the foot rests.
- The doctor will put a tool into your vagina to keep it slightly open during the procedure.
- The doctor will put a swab inside your vagina and wipe it along the walls of your cervix.
- For men, the doctor will use a swab to wipe along the walls of your rectum.
- This swab will be sent to the lab for testing.
- This procedure is fast and painless. This test takes about 5 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may return to your normal activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. If you have not heard the results of your test in a week, call your doctor. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Practice safe sex. Always use a condom when having sex.
- Avoid having multiple sex partners.
- Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine.
- If your partner has genital warts, dont have sex until the warts are gone or removed.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Very bad belly pain
- Vaginal discharge with foul smell
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hpv/tab/test ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv.printerview.all.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚