HPV: Human Papillomavirus
How is HPV diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made primarily by examination. Warts are often harder to see in women than they are in men. Often the health care provider will soak suspicious areas with a dilute acetic acid solution to look for the whitening typical of wart tissue. To find very small warts the health care provider may perform an examination of the genital area with a magnifying instrument. In some cases, it is necessary to take a small sample of tissue and examine it under the microscope.
If you think you may have genital warts, call 681-WELL to make an appointment with a Student Health provider.
Cell change–subclinical HPV infection(HPV infection without warts)
HPV in the absence of apparent genital warts is usually first detected in women on the Pap smear. If there is evidence of HPV infection, a colposcopy will be done to examine and confirm HPV infection by taking tissue samples from abnormal-looking areas. A gentle scraping from inside the cervix (endocervical canal curettage) may be done to obtain a sample of cells. These procedures help make a definite diagnosis, which is essential in deciding if further treatment is necessary.
For anyone with a history of receptive anal sex, an anal Pap test can be done to detect cellular changes in or around the anus, which may be precursors to anal cancer.
In heterosexual relationships, infection in men is most often suspected when it is detected in a female partner. However, the Pap test cannot be performed on cells from the penis or scrotum. There is no FDA-approved screening test for detecting HPV in men.
Why aren’t men routinely screened for HPV?Men are typically screened clinically with a visual inspection to look for any lesions (such as warts). However, there is no specific way to test directly for HPV in men that is approved for clinical use. Researchers are looking into ways to better screen men, but the current lack of testing options for males can be frustrating.
Anal Pap testing is still not routine, but men who have have receptive anal sex may wish to speak to speak to their providers about having an anal Pap test. HPV is common among men who have sex with other men, and men who have anal papilloma are at an increased risk of getting anal cancer. Therefore, anal Pap screening can be an important precaution.
When should I go to a clinic or health care provider?- You notice any unusual growths, sores, or skin changes on or near your penis, vagina or anus.
- Your sex partner(s) tells you he or she has been diagnosed with HPV.
- You are experiencing any itching, burning or pain on or around the genital areas.
Read about:
HPV transmission
HPV treatment
HPV prevention
HPV resources
Reviewed by the Office of Health Promotion, August 2007.