Private Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) usually doesn't cause any symptoms. In some cases, it can cause painless growths or lumps around the vagina or anus, known as genital warts.

Most people with HPV don't realise they have it and don't experience any problems. That's why HPV testing is so vital – it detects the virus early, so our experts can provide treatment to stop it from developing into cervical cancer.

The difference between a pap smear and an HPV test is that a pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix, while an HPV test screens for the human papillomavirus infection itself, which can lead to cancer.

We recommend that you schedule your appointment at least five days after the end of your period to allow for a better sample of cells to be collected. If you have spotting, it’s usually fine to go ahead with the test.

Preparing for HPV testing is simple and like the preparation for cervical screening. To ensure the most accurate results, it's helpful if you follow these recommendations:

• Don’t have the test during your period - ideally, the test should take place at least five days after the end of your period
• Avoid sex in the 24 hours before your test
• Refrain from using tampons, vaginal creams or medicines, birth control foams or jellies, lubricants or douches for at least 48 hours before your test

You can simply call us to rearrange your test at a time that works for you.

If your HPV test results are positive, it means you have one of the strains that may increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. However, it's important to understand that it doesn't mean you already have, or definitely will get, cervical cancer.

A positive test result is simply an indication that next steps are needed to prevent HPV from causing healthy cells to develop into cancer. These could include:

• Scheduling a follow-up test within a year to see if your body has cleared the infection naturally
• Arranging additional tests, such as a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, to check for precancerous changes
• Removing any precancerous cell changes to prevent them from developing into cervical cancer.

Your healthcare team will be here to support you every step of the way, explaining what your test results mean and guiding you through any treatment process.

A speculum is a medical tool used to slightly widen your vaginal walls, allowing your health professional the clear view of your vagina and cervix they’ll need during an HPV test. It’s typically made of plastic and shaped like a duckbill, with two arms joined by a hinge that opens.

Your consultant will use a new, sterile speculum for your test. It’s normal to feel some pressure and mild discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. Afterwards, your vaginal walls will return to their normal position.

Like any screening test, HPV testing carries the risk of inaccurate results, though these are rare.

• False positive: In some cases, test results can indicate you have HPV when you don't, which could lead to follow-up tests you don't need
• False negative: On the other hand, test results may show that you don't have HPV when you do, slightly delaying follow-up testing or care

Our experts will carefully review your test results. In the unlikely event of an inaccurate result, they’ll be there to support you and ensure that your needs are met as promptly as possible and that you're receiving the most appropriate care.

No, it doesn’t. This is because pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone which is only present during pregnancy. HPV does not produce or interfere with hCG, so it cannot change the result of a pregnancy test.