Are you aware of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its connection to cancers such as cervical cancer? HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus, but it’s capable of causing more harm than many people realize.

Thankfully, HPV DNA tests are available and recommended for both men and women to help detect HPV early on. Here, we’ll go into more detail on what HPV is, how the test works, and why you should consider getting it.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that affects both females and males. It’s spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, and can cause genital warts, as well as some cancers.

HPV is so common that almost everyone who’s sexually active contracts it at some point in their life. For the most part, the body is able to fight off the virus without any issues. But sometimes, certain strains can lead to serious health complications.

How Does the HPV DNA Test Work?

The HPV DNA test is a quick and simple test that can be done in a doctor’s office. During the test, a sample of cells is taken from the cervical area (for women) or penile area (for men) to test for the presence of HPV DNA.

The test can detect HPV infections that are present in the cells and can even identify the specific strain of HPV present. Knowing what strain of HPV you have is helpful, as certain strains are more likely to cause cancer than others.

Who Should Get the HPV DNA Test?

The HPV DNA test is recommended for both men and women, but the guidelines for when to get tested may vary depending on your age and other factors.

For women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) currently recommends starting HPV testing at age 25, in conjunction with a Pap test. After that, it’s recommended that women get tested every five years if test results are normal. If a woman’s HPV DNA test results are abnormal or she has a positive Pap test, further testing and treatment may be needed.

Men aren’t usually screened for HPV as routinely as women, but the HPV DNA test is still an important tool for detecting the virus.

Men who have sex with men, as well as men with weakened immune systems, may be at a higher risk of complications from HPV and may need more frequent testing. Men aged 45 and over may also benefit from HPV testing, as they can still be at risk for HPV-related cancers.

Why You Should Get the HPV DNA Test

There are several reasons why you should consider getting the HPV DNA test. Firstly, the test is an effective way to detect HPV early on, which can help prevent the development of cervical and other cancers.

Getting regular HPV tests, along with Pap tests, can help detect any abnormal cells early on, allowing for prompt medical intervention. In addition, the test can also help identify the specific strain of HPV you have, which can help both you and your doctor take appropriate steps to monitor and treat the virus.

HPV can have serious consequences. It’s responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, as well as a significant number of other types of genital, head, and neck cancers. Getting tested for HPV DNA is an important step in protecting your health.

Conclusion

If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk for HPV. While the virus is common, certain strains can cause serious health complications. the HPV DNA test is a quick and simple way to detect HPV early on, which can help prevent cancers from developing.

By getting tested, you’ll be taking an important step in protecting your health and wellbeing.