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Can genital HPV infection be tested for?

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There is no blood test for genital HPV, but it can be tested for by taking a sample of cells.

HPV testing in women

Genital HPV testing is part of cervical screening, which is offered to all women aged 25 to 64.

Read more about cervical screening.

HPV testing in men

In men, there’s currently no reliable test for HPV infection and it's often very difficult to diagnose, as there are no symptoms for high-risk HPV.

Some people who are known to be at a high risk of having anal HPV and of developing anal cancer may be offered an anal smear.

Genital warts

Genital warts are a sign of infection with low-risk types of HPV and can be diagnosed in men as well as women.

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Next review:
21 March 2022

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