HPV tests

[Hockey Girl]

Just curious why you guys don't test for HPV.

Thanks.

[Victoria]

That's a great question. HPV tests are only approved for use along with a Pap test as part of cervical cancer screening. They aren't approved for general "hmm, do I have this?" use for a couple of reasons, mainly that virtually everyone has HPV at some point, but the infection is usually not harmful and tends to be cleared by the body over time. Also, there's no treatment for HPV unless some related skin growth is found (usually there are no symptoms).

Also, HPV tests are only routinely used with women over age 30, as in this age group HPV is more likely to be an infection that's kind of hanging around, so a closer eye needs to be kept on things.

Hope this helps!

[getSTDtested Administrator]

Thanks, Victoria for helping out with the great information. You pretty much covered it, but here's an additional resource on the guidelines for HPV testing. Hope it's helpful
Professional Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening - theHPVtest.com

[Hockey Girl]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the answers and info!