7 Ways to Check if You Have HPV

HPV or human papillomavirus refers to a group of viruses known to cause non-cancerous tumors like warts. Infection by HPV can affect both men and women and increase their risk of cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and mouth. Here are 7 ways to check if you have HPV.

7. Warts on the genitals

One of the ways to check if you have HPV is to assess the health of your vagina, cervix, or penis. The presence of warts on genitals could be a sign of HPV. [1]

6. History of sexual contact

You can suspect having HPV if there is a history of sexual contact with an infected person. Since HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, the risk of this condition is higher in men and women having a history of unprotected sex. [2]

5. Plantar warts

Checking your heels for the presence of warts can help in the diagnosis of this condition. Plantar warts that look like hard and grainy growths usually appearing on the heels and balls of the feet could be a sign of HPV. [3]

4. Painful bleeding warts

One of the easiest ways to check if you have HPV is to look for warts on your palms. The appearance of warts on the palms and fingers that look like rough and raised bumps is a common sign of this condition. In some cases, these warts can cause severe pain or bleed on touch. [4]

3. Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the inner parts of the anus and rectum using a magnifying tool called a colposcope. Colposcopy can help to detect the presence of warts in the anus and rectum that could point to the diagnosis of HPV. [5]

2. Cervical Biopsy

A cervical biopsy can help to check if you have HPV or cervical cancer. This procedure involves taking a small sample of tissue from your cervix to be examined under a microscope. [6]

1. Pap smear

Women who have genital warts or had sexual contact with a person diagnosed with HPV can undergo Pap smear. During this test, a swab is taken from the cervical region and tested for the infective pathogen as well as cancerous cells. [7]