An HPV test is taken as a swab from the cervical canal in women (usually together with a cytology smear) and as a urethral scraping in men. The method is PCR or the Digene test; what matters is not so much “present/absent” as the type of virus: high-risk types (16, 18 and others) require monitoring, low-risk types only cause warts. Preparation: 2 days without intercourse, not during menstruation, no suppositories or douching for 2 days.
What HPV is and why it is tested
Human papillomavirus is the most common genital tract infection: most people carry it at least once in their life. Of more than 200 types, about 14 high-risk types are dangerous: their long-term persistence in the cervix is the main cause of cervical cancer, with types 16 and 18 responsible for about 70% of cases. Low-risk types (6 and 11) cause genital warts — unpleasant but not dangerous. The key idea of screening: cervical cancer develops over years through precancerous stages, and regular “HPV test + cytology” catches the problem long before that.
Who should be tested and when
Women are advised to have HPV testing from age 25–30 as part of cervical screening: every 3–5 years together with a cytology smear (Pap test), more often after a positive high-risk result. The test is a must when cytology shows changes, before planning a pregnancy if a doctor orders it, and after treatment of dysplasia — to confirm cure. Men do not need routine screening: a scraping is taken for warts, on a urologist's referral, or when a high-risk type has been found in a female partner. HPV vaccination does not replace screening: the vaccine does not cover all types.
How the sample is taken and how to prepare
In women, the gynaecologist takes the sample in the examination chair: a swab from the cervical canal with a special brush; the procedure takes seconds and is almost painless. Cytology is often done from the same sample — ask so you do not have to come twice. In men, a scraping from the urethra is taken with a thin probe; it is unpleasant but brief. The preparation rules are the same: 48 hours without intercourse; for women — not during menstruation (ideally in the first half of the cycle), no vaginal suppositories, creams or douching for 2 days; for men — no urinating for 1.5–2 hours before the scraping. A referral is not required; the test is available privately at any major laboratory.
PCR or Digene: what is the difference
PCR detects the virus's DNA and its type: the answer “HPV 16 detected” or “not detected” is qualitative, and some laboratories offer a semi-quantitative format. The Digene test (hybrid capture method) does not identify the specific type number but measures the viral load as a number — which makes it convenient for monitoring: a falling load over time means the immune system is coping. For initial screening, PCR with typing is enough; for monitoring persistence, doctors often order Digene. There is no point in taking both at once.
A positive result: calm next steps
Step one is to look at the type. Low-risk without warts: no monitoring is needed. High-risk: the cytology is assessed. Normal cytology — repeat the HPV test after 12 months: in that time the immune system clears the virus in most people. Cytology with changes or persistence of types 16/18 — colposcopy with biopsy: this is what shows whether there are precancerous changes. Step two is the partner: there is no special treatment “for two”, but condoms until the virus is cleared reduce ping-pong transmission. And step three — do not buy “antivirals for HPV”: there is no convincing evidence that such regimens work; only the manifestations are treated and the course is monitored.
HPV and pregnancy
Papillomavirus does not interfere with conception and almost never threatens the baby: screening when planning a pregnancy is needed to treat marked cervical changes before pregnancy rather than during it. Warts can grow during pregnancy — they are removed with gentle methods. The only rare danger for the baby is warts in the birth canal, in which case a caesarean section is discussed. If the HPV test is positive at pregnancy registration but cytology is clean, the pregnancy proceeds as usual, and follow-up is moved to the postpartum period.
HPV vaccination: who and why after 20
The vaccine (in Russia — Gardasil) works best before the start of sexual activity, but it still makes sense in adulthood: it protects against the types you have not yet encountered. In Russia's national immunisation schedule, vaccination is provided for girls aged 12–13; adults are vaccinated privately after consulting a doctor. Keep the other side of the topic in mind: the vaccine does not treat a virus you already have and does not replace screening — vaccinated women have the HPV test and cytology on the usual schedule.
- Swab + cytology from one sample — ask your gynaecologist
- 2 days without intercourse, suppositories or douching
- The virus type matters, not just its presence
- High-risk type + normal cytology = check again after 12 months
- Type 16/18 or cytology changes — colposcopy
- Vaccination does not replace screening
Have your HPV result?
Upload your PDF report to MedProtect: the app will explain what your virus type and viral load mean and suggest questions for the gynaecologist.
Frequently asked questions
Is HPV transmitted only sexually?
Mostly yes, including all kinds of intimate contact. A condom reduces but does not rule out transmission — the virus lives on the skin. Household transmission (sauna, towels) is theoretically possible but extremely rare.
If HPV is positive, does that mean cancer?
No. Most sexually active people have HPV, and in 90% of cases the immune system clears the virus within 1–2 years. Risk comes only from long-term (years of) persistence of high-risk types — which is why regular monitoring matters, not panic.
Should men get an HPV test?
There is no routine screening for men: the test is taken when there are genital warts, when a doctor orders it, or when a high-risk type has been found in a female partner — to assess the couple's status.
Which HPV test is better — PCR or Digene?
The Digene test (hybrid capture) is quantitative and shows the viral load — it is convenient for monitoring over time. PCR is qualitative/semi-quantitative and cheaper. Both are suitable for screening; the choice is up to the gynaecologist.
Does HPV need to be treated?
The virus itself cannot be removed with medicines — there is no drug against HPV with proven effectiveness. The manifestations are treated (warts, changes in the cervix) and the course is monitored. In most cases the immune system copes on its own.
Sources
- WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions, 2nd edition — 2021 (checked 15.09.2026)
- Clinical guidelines “Cervical cancer” — Russian Ministry of Health, 2024 (in Russian; checked 15.09.2026)