To find out if there is an infection with the HPV virus, the doctor must analyze the person's genital region in order to identify any lesions, in addition to the need for tests that can identify the presence of the virus. The HPV virus, depending on its subtype, can lead to the appearance of warts or small lesions on the genital region, which can be perceived through close observation of the region in a private and very clear place.
If changes in the penis or vagina are seen, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist or urologist so that the lesions are recognized as being characteristic of the HPV virus, as well as to request and perform other tests that allow the diagnosis, such as colposcopy and pap smear, in the case of women, and peniscopy in the case of men.
What tests do I need to do to find out if it's HPV?
The diagnosis of HPV must be made by the gynecologist or urologist according to the observation of the genital region and the result of more specific tests.
In the case of women, the most requested test is the Pap smear, which allows the identification of lesions caused by the virus, but it is not effective with regard to the detection of HPV, and other tests should be requested. Another test that allows the assessment of HPV injuries is colposcopy, which in the case of men is called peniscopy, which is done by the urologist.
In addition, the molecular hybridization test or hybrid capture are more specific techniques for detecting the human papilloma virus because there is analysis of the virus genes, being able to identify which subtype of the virus and, thus, allow the doctor to make the prognosis and determine treatment if necessary. To perform these tests, it is necessary to collect a small portion of the lesion, which must be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Learn more about the tests that identify HPV.
What does it mean to have HPV positive?
The positive HPV result does not necessarily mean cancer, because only a few subtypes of the virus are capable of promoting cancerous changes. Usually, it is only recommended to perform more specific tests to confirm cancer if the HPV test and the Pap smear or Peniscopy are changed.
If you have positive HPV and there are no changes in the Pap smear, it means that the person has the virus but that there are no cellular changes. In such cases, the doctor usually recommends a new examination 12 months later to confirm the presence of the virus, which in most cases disappears within 2 years. Find out if HPV is curable.
See in a simple way in the video below what are the symptoms and how to treat this disease.
