HPV Testing in Women

Your results will be sent to you by secure email or SMS, depending on your preference. For confidentiality, result files are password-protected. If you'd like to discuss your result further, we’re happy to arrange a follow-up appointment.

A negative HPV result is generally reassuring. It means no HPV DNA was detected or there is no current risk of precancerous or cancerous changes at the tested site.. Depending on why you were tested, this may mean:

– If you were concerned about HPV without symptoms, the result suggests you are not currently infected.
– If you had non-specific lesions, they are unlikely to be HPV-related.
– If you had an abnormal smear, HPV is unlikely to be the cause.
– If you have or had suspected genital warts, a negative test could reflect a false negative, residual lesions, or a different diagnosis.
– If your partner is HPV positive, your negative result is still reassuring.

A positive result confirms an HPV infection. The meaning depends on the type:

Low-Risk HPV (e.g. 6, 11, 42, 43, 44):
– Not linked to cancer but may cause genital warts.
– If you have no symptoms, it may reflect a latent infection or viral shedding.
– If lesions are present, they can be treated as warts or, if unclear, assessed with a biopsy.
– Vaccination may still help protect against other HPV types.

High-Risk HPV (e.g. 16, 18, 31, etc.):
– Linked to cervical changes, though most infections resolve naturally.
– If asymptomatic, the infection may still clear on its own.
– Next steps may include: repeat HPV testing in 6–12 months, annual smear tests, or colposcopy if your smear is abnormal.
– If lesions are unclear or persistent, a biopsy may be advised.
– Vaccination may still be worthwhile for protection against other strains.

The next steps depend on whether you have low- or high-risk HPV, your symptoms, and your smear history. Options may include:

– Monitoring only (no treatment)
– Treatment of warts (creams, cryotherapy, or hyfrecation)
– Repeat testing in 6–12 months
– Referral for colposcopy (if smear abnormal with high-risk HPV)
– Vaccination
– Immune support (if recommended by your clinician)

No. HPV is very common and not a reportable infection. Partners do not need testing or treatment just because you test positive.

That said, open communication can be helpful. For female partners, routine cervical screening is important for their own health.

Yes. If needed, we can issue an official certificate, including ID confirmation (e.g. passport or driving licence number) for formal purposes.

Yes, supporting your immune system can help your body clear the virus more effectively. We recommend:

– Stopping smoking or vaping
– Eating a balanced diet
– Managing stress and getting good sleep
– Staying up to date with cervical screening

There’s no specific medication that cures HPV itself, but in most cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus naturally — often within 1 to 2 years, especially in younger or healthy individuals. However, any lesions caused by HPV (e.g. genital warts or abnormal cells) can be treated. Treatment options for visible lesions include:
– Hyfrecation (heat-based removal of warts)
– Topical treatments (e.g. imiquimod or podophyllotoxin creams)

If abnormal smear results are caused by HPV-related changes, further steps such as colposcopy, monitoring, or minor procedures may be recommended.

Your Specialist will guide you through the best approach based on your individual symptoms, test results, and medical history

It's difficult to say exactly how long an HPV infection lasts, as it varies from person to person. Many people clear the virus naturally without ever knowing they had it.

In most women, HPV clears naturally within 1 to 2 years. Some high-risk types may persist longer. If you're worried about persistent infection, your clinician can advise on monitoring intervals and whether any further steps are needed.

Yes. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) may be beneficial even after a positive test, as it can protect against types you have not yet encountered. Gardasil 9 covers:

High-risk types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 (linked to ~90% of cervical cancers)
Low-risk types: 6 and 11 (cause about 90% of genital warts)

While the vaccine cannot treat an existing infection, it can reduce future risk of HPV-related disease. If you're concerned about HPV or considering vaccination later in life, speak to a Specialist Healthcare Professional. They can help determine whether Gardasil 9 would still offer meaningful protection based on your history, age, and test results.

Imunovir (inosine pranobex) is an off-licence immune-supportive medication sometimes used to help the body clear persistent HPV infections, especially when lesions are recurring or resistant to treatment.

At Clarewell Clinics, we may consider it as adjunct therapy alongside lesion removal or when other strategies have been unsuccessful.

The standard dose is 500 mg twice daily for 50 days, but this may be tailored based on your needs. Your clinician will explain the benefits and limitations and advise whether it's right for you.

HPV testing in women usually involves a vaginal or cervical swab, depending on the clinical reason for testing. In some cases, anal or throat swabs may also be taken if there are relevant risk factors or symptoms.

We test for both:
– Low-risk HPV types (e.g. 6, 11, 42, 43, 44) associated with genital warts
– High-risk HPV types (e.g. 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, etc.) linked to cervical changes and, in some cases, cancer

In a private setting, HPV testing may be done in women who are not eligible for NHS cervical screening or who have other concerns.

To prepare for your test:
– Avoid vaginal creams, douching, or intercourse for 24 hours beforehand
– Wear comfortable clothing; the test may involve a pelvic examination
– Wait at least 4 weeks after a suspected HPV exposure for more reliable results

Depending on your symptoms or history, your clinician may also recommend anal or throat swabs. These are done with your consent and comfort in mind.

Yes — if the test involves a cervical swab, a pelvic examination using a speculum is required to access the cervix.

A physical exam may also be helpful if you're concerned about genital warts or other visible lesions. Your clinician will explain everything beforehand and ensure you are comfortable and informed.

There is no precise “window period” for HPV, but we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after a potential exposure before testing. This helps ensure there is enough viral material to detect.

We test for a wide range of both low-risk and high-risk HPV types:
– Low-risk types: 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70 – often linked to genital warts
– High-risk types: 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, 82 – associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers

Your result will specify which HPV type(s), if any, were detected.

No — unlike some infections, HPV testing does not rely on antibody detection.

Instead, we use swab-based testing to detect the presence of the virus itself (its DNA). This tells us whether you currently have HPV, but not whether you’ve had it in the past or are immune.

The NHS offers HPV testing as part of cervical screening, usually starting at age 25. It focuses on high-risk HPV types and may also involve follow-up with cervical cytology or colposcopy if needed.

At our clinic, HPV testing is:
– Available outside NHS screening ages or eligibility
– Offered for low- and high-risk types, including for genital warts, partners of HPV-positive individuals, or those with non-specific lesions
– Sometimes includes throat or anal swabs based on clinical history

If your result shows high-risk HPV and you’ve had an abnormal smear, we will refer you to the NHS Colposcopy Service.

HPV testing involves collecting a vaginal or cervical swab, and sometimes anal or throat swabs. The sample is sent to the lab for PCR testing, which looks for the presence of HPV DNA.

We test for both low-risk (e.g. types 6 and 11) and high-risk types (e.g. types 16 and 18).
– A negative test means no HPV was detected — this is reassuring, but not a guarantee of lifelong clearance.
– A positive test will be reviewed in the context of your symptoms, risk factors, and any smear results.

It’s always best to discuss your results with a Specialist Healthcare Professional, who can advise you on next steps, including monitoring, vaccination, or treatment if needed.

Routine HPV testing is usually part of cervical screening, which in the UK begins at age 25. However, if you have symptoms, a history of HPV-related conditions, or specific concerns before that age, testing may still be appropriate.

At our clinic, we follow international best practices (including WHO and ECDC guidance) and can consider individual risk factors. Please speak to a Specialist if you’d like personalised advice.

Your HPV test will usually involve a vaginal or cervical swab, and in some cases, vulval, throat, or anal swabs may also be taken depending on your symptoms or risk factors. To prepare:
– Avoid vaginal creams, douching, washing or intercourse 24 hours before the test
– Consider what will make you comfortable if you're having swabs in sensitive areas — we’ll guide you through the process
– There’s no need to hold urine for this test

If you've had a recent HPV exposure, it’s ideal to wait at least 4 weeks before testing. If you're concerned about visible changes (like warts), a physical examination may be recommended.

Yes — a physical (pelvic) examination is required if your HPV test involves collecting a cervical sample, as this cannot be obtained without using a speculum to visualise the cervix. A physical examination may also be offered if:
– You have visible lesions (e.g. warts or unexplained skin changes)
– Further assessment or biopsy is indicated

If you’re uncomfortable or unsure, please let us know — we’ll always explain the process and obtain your informed consent beforehand. Your comfort and autonomy are a top priority.