Three reasons to have an HPV test with Better2Know:

  • HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer
  • HPV has been identified as a cause of many other cancers amongst both sexes
  • Better2Know provides fast, accurate HPV testing for both men and women

What is HPV?

HPV, or the Human Papilloma Virus, is one of Australia’s most common viral STIs. There are over 100 strains of the virus and around 40 of them can be sexually transmitted. Some are particularly high risk for developing cancer, while others are low risk but can be responsible for Genital Warts.

HPV can cause changes to the cells in a woman's cervix and is the single biggest cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV is also linked to throat, vulval, anal, and other forms of cancer, affecting both men and women.

Transmission

HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through skin to skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids. This includes oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. It is possible, to contract the infection even when your partner is wearing protection, as the genital area can still be exposed and therefore contact your skin.

Symptoms

Most people with HPV will not have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have HPV is to get tested.  The low risk HPVs can cause Genital Warts. Warts are often small red or pink growths which measure a few millimetres across though, in extreme circumstances, they can grow up to 10cm wide. They can be flat or bumpy, resembling small raspberries or cauliflowers in appearance. Many HPV growths can be hidden or invisible, so regular HPV testing is the best way to keep track of your health. Though the more high risk types of HPV can cause cancer, they are not typically visible, so it is extremely important that women receive regular HPV tests and cervical smears. For MSM, regular anal swab testing is also important.

Did You Know

HPV is responsible for 90% of anal cancers and 65% of vaginal cancers. Read more.

Testing

An HPV test requires a swab sample. This can be a swab of the suspected wart in both men and women, or a vaginal or cervical swab for a woman.   

Treatment

Genital warts can be treated with cryotherapy, creams and other medictions. Some warts may require more than one treatment session. Women with a high risk HPV will usually be advised to have a PAP Smear, to find out if there have been any cellular changes which may be a pre-cursor to cancer. You can also have a PAP Smear as part of our combined screen, along with your HPV test.

Potential Consequences

Persistent HPV infections are now recognised as the major cause of cervical cancer. If you have a high risk HPV and/or abnormal smear test you may be referred for colposcopy with a specialist, who will advise you on the next steps.

Genital warts may go away without treatment, but can reoccur. Women who are pregnant and have an HPV infection are advised to inform their midwife.

Booking your HPV test

To make a booking in your nearest clinic, call our Patient Services team today on the phone number above. You can also book your HPV test online by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.