What is HPV?

HPV is the Human Papilloma virus. It is a contagious virus which can be passed on by bodily contact or sexual intercourse. There are over a hundred types of the HPV virus. Around 40 of them are sexually transmitted. Of these, 14 are considered to be a High Risk and others are Low Risk. A High Risk virus type means that there is a higher risk of someone with the virus going on to develop cancer. Having an HPV infection does not mean that you will develop cancer, however you will be at higher risk if you have a High Risk HPV type and you may want to be screened more often. This will ensure that any cancer can be caught and diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is key to increasing the success of any cancer treatment.

HPV types 6 and 9 are Low Risk types of HPV and are the most common cause of genital warts. These Low Risk types of HPV are not likely to lead to cancer. The Better2Know home sample test is for High Risk types only. Our clinics can offer a more comprehensive test.

Why you should get tested

A vaginal swab for HPV can give you further peace of mind than a Smear Test alone. This HPV test will detect the presence of the viruses which are the most common cause of cervical cancer. A Smear Test looks to see if any of the cells of the cervix are pre-cancerous. A Smear Test does not look for the HPV virus. The presence of HPV can be an earlier marker of cancer risk. If your HPV test is negative, there is a lower chance of you developing cervical cancer in the next two to five years than with a normal Smear Test.

Other cancers have also been linked to HPV infections. These include cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, anus, penis, vagina and ovaries. This test is only accredited for a vaginal swab for women.

How can I get HPV?

HPV can be passed on through skin to skin contact (including genital contact), which includes unprotected sexual intercourse.

How do I know if I have it?

Most HPV infections do not have any symptoms in the early stages. The only way to know whether you have HPV is to get tested.

HPV Home Testing Kit

Testing for HPV at home with Better2Know is easy, fast and painless. Everything you need for your test is included in your pack. We will also send you a copy of the sample collection instruction leaflet. This home test will check for fourteen High Risk types of HPV. This test kit is approved for women only to take a vaginal swab.

HPV testing at a Better2Know clinic

The Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are many different types of the HPV virus and some can be more serious than others. There are “High risk” types of this virus and “Low risk” types. The High Risk virus types are most commonly associated with various kinds of cancers. Cervical cancers are almost always caused by an infection with HPV in women. Men can also develop penile, rectal and other cancers from a persistent HPV infection. The low risk types of HPV are a main cause of Genital Warts.

Better2Know can test you for all the high and low risk HPV types at our clinics. Please contact our friendly team to make a confidential appointment.

Treating HPV

Better2Know will email you directly with your laboratory report so that you can see if you have a HPV infection and, if so, which type(s) you have. You can then discuss the next steps with one of our doctors (there is a small charge for this), or you can take the report to your own doctor.