Private HPV test

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a common group of viruses that infect the skin, the genitals and the throat. Some types of human papillomavirus cause genital warts that are spread during sexual contact.

Genital warts are firm, fleshy growths that develop on the genitals and around the anus. They can also grow inside the back passage, on the cervix, and inside the vagina, so you may not know you have an infection.

Some people with HPV may know they're infected. However, you may develop genital warts, which can appear several days, weeks, or even years after the initial infection. You may notice:

• Firm, skin-coloured fleshy lumps on the penis, anus, vulva and tops of the thighs.
• Several warts may develop together so that the growths can be large and look like cauliflowers.
• Warts are usually painless, but they can itch, bleed, catch on clothing and be uncomfortable during sex.
• Warts around the end of the penis or on the vulva can interrupt or change the flow when you pass water.
• Large warts can be unsightly and affect your self-esteem and sexual confidence.

The wart virus is very contagious and spreads easily through touching, sexual contact and penetrative sex. HPV passes through:

• Vaginal, anal and oral sex.
• Skin contact in the genital area.
• Sharing sex toys.
• Rarely warts can spread from the hands to genitals.

If you think you have genital warts or your partner has developed warts, it's a good idea to have an HPV test. Many health experts recommend that sexually active women have yearly HPV tests to protect against cervical cancer.

HPV can also be diagnosed during a smear test because the nurse or doctor takes a swab for HPV analysis at the same time.

The Harley Street Sexual Health consultants can often diagnose genital warts in men and women by examining the skin in the genital area. The clinic also provides swab testing for women, to check for evidence of HPV on the neck of the womb.

The specialist will collect the sample in the same way as in a smear test. They will use a soft sterile brush to collect the sample from the cervix. The samples are analysed by a professional laboratory, providing fast and reliable results.

There are more than a hundred strains of HPV. Infection with two types HPV-16 and HPV-18 is thought to have the highest risk for cervical cancer, fortunately these are not the most common strains.

Harley Street Sexual Health’s experienced consultants will email you the results as soon as they are received and reviewed. This takes between three and five days.

If your result shows HPV infection, a consultant will contact you to discuss treatment and arrange follow-up.

HPV only needs treatment of it causes genital warts, or it has infected the cervix in women. Otherwise, the body's immune system can usually clear the infection over 1-2 years.

Unlike warts on the hands, it is not safe to treat the delicate genital area using over-the-counter remedies. Harley Street Sexual Health provides specialist treatment for HPV in a supportive, professional and sensitive environment. A programme of treatment is usually necessary. Treatment options include:

• Applying medicated cream or acid. The consultants can apply it in the clinic, and you may be able to continue treatment at home with regular review.
• Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen.
• Removing large warts that are resistant to treatment with laser or surgery.

If there is wart infection on the cervix, the specialists will recommend regular check-ups by smear test or colposcopy examination to make sure the cervix stays healthy.

You can safeguard against HPV infection by using a condom during any oral, anal or vaginal sex. The condom will only protect any warts that it covers. Cleaning or using a condom on any shared sex toys can also help.

The HPV vaccination Gardisil can protect against many types of HPV infection. It’s given to girls and boys aged 12-13 in the UK. Gay and bisexual men can also access the vaccine at Harley Street Sexual Health and other sexual health clinics, up to the age of 45.