A home HPV test checks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause genital warts and abnormal changes in cervical cells. The test allows you to take a small sample using a vaginal swab to check for high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer.

The HPV test kit supplied by us checks for the 2 most common high-risk strains, which are types 16 and 18. It also tests for other high-risk strains which an NHS test may not check for.

What’s the difference between a HPV test and a smear test?

An HPV test detects the presence of the virus itself, which can cause cervical cancer if it is not identified early. A smear test, also known as cervical screening or a Pap test, collects cervical cells for analysis to identify any cellular changes that may indicate precancer or cancer.

An HPV test and a smear test can be performed together to identify both the virus that may cause cancer, and any cell changes which may indicate cervical cancer is present.

Please note: We use a different test from that used by the NHS. This means you may need more tests by the NHS, depending on your results, before they can investigate further. Or, your GP may not recommend additional investigations through the NHS based on your results.

Human papillomavirus is the name given to a common group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes, especially around the genitals, mouth, and throat. It is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Most people infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms or major health effects. However, some HPV strains can cause genital warts or increase the chance of developing cancers, including:

• cervical
• mouth
• anal
• penile
• vulval
• vaginal

It is estimated that 80% of people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. The chances of getting HPV increase with the more sexual partners you have. In 2019, HPV was responsible for causing around 620,000 cases of cancer in women and 70,000 cases in men.

HPV vaccines are given to children aged 12 to 13, and those who may have a higher chance of getting HPV to prevent infection. Vaccines do not contain live viruses or viral DNA, so they cannot cause cancer or HPV-related conditions. Instead, it is given to protect against HPV and the complications it can cause.

What are the symptoms of HPV infection?

HPV does not usually cause any symptoms, and most people do not know they have it. Sometimes it can cause genital warts, which can:

• appear on their own or in groups that may resemble a cauliflower
• feel soft or firm
• be red, white, skin-coloured, or darker than the surrounding skin

Genital warts can appear:

• around the vagina and on the penis
• around the anus
• on the skin between the genitals and anus

HPV testing is important for:

• anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 – regular cervical screening includes HPV testing, but if your test is overdue or you’d like to test yourself at home between screenings, an at-home HPV test can provide peace of mind
• people with abnormal cervical screening results – if you’ve had abnormal results in the past, you may want to proactively test yourself to check for high-risk HPV strains
• anyone who has a new sexual partner – testing yourself when you have a new sexual partner can help identify an HPV infection early
• anyone with genital wart symptoms or concerns about exposure – although not all HPV types cause genital warts, testing can identify high-risk strains
• people with weakened immune systems – including anyone who has HIV or is taking immunosuppressive medications, who may have a higher chance of persistent HPV infections

Most people will come into contact with HPV at some point in their lives. In many cases, the infection will clear up on its own without causing any issues. However, some types of HPV can cause more serious health conditions, so it is important to get tested regularly.

Why should I get tested for HPV?

For early detection and prevention. HPV doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, and some high-risk strains can also increase your chances of developing some types of cancer.

You should consider an at-home HPV test if you:

• are aged 25 to 64, or your routine cervical screening is due or overdue
• have a new sexual partner
• have had unprotected sex, or you are not sure of a sexual partner’s HPV status
• have had abnormal smear test results in the past
• have never had an HPV test, or are concerned you have been exposed to the virus

In the UK, HPV testing is part of routine NHS cervical screening programmes, which are usually every 3 years for women aged 25 to 49. However, new NHS guidelines from July 2025 mean that women between the ages of 25 and 49 who test negative for HPV and are therefore at a low risk of cervical cancer will be invited for screenings every 5 years rather than 3. Anyone who has tested positive for HPV or who has a recent history of HPV will continue to be invited more frequently. This is already the case for women between 50 and 64 years.

Once you have been infected with HPV, it can take weeks or months for the virus to be detected. So, regular testing can identify the infection and catch any potential health issues early.

The HPV test is an easy-to-use at-home kit that requires you to collect a sample of cells from your cervix using a vaginal swab. Each kit comes with everything you need to collect your sample and post it back to our partner lab.

To use the HPV test kit, you need to:

1. Fill out the sample collection tube label accurately with a ballpoint pen. Leave this to one side as you will need it later.
2. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
3. Open the package where indicated and remove the sample tube, leaving the self-sampling wand inside the package.
4. Remove the cap from the tube and put the tube and cap to one side.
5. Now, remove the sampling wand by holding the blue handle – do not let anything touch the white tip.
6. Keeping the wand straight, insert it into your vagina as far as it feels comfortable. You can do this in a standing or lying position.
7. Rotate (spin) the self-sampling wand 5 times.
8. Keeping the wand straight, remove it from your vagina.
9. Place the white tip of the sampler into the tube, stop when the blue part is in line with the rim.
10. Bend the sampler until the blue part touches the rim of the tube.
11. Slowly pull the blue handle away from the tube so that the white tip breaks off and falls into the tube.
12. Screw the lid back onto the sample tube and throw away the blue portion of the wand.
13. Stick the label you filled out earlier by placing the sample tube in the middle of the label and wrapping the label around the shaft of the tube.
14. Place the labelled tube into the transport pouch and post your sample back to our partner lab.

Do not collect a sample during your period. You can take a sample during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

The at-home HPV test provided by Superdrug Online Doctor is highly effective at detecting high-risk HPV types.

One study has demonstrated that self-collected urine or vaginal samples for detecting high-risk HPV in women with abnormal cervical cells are as effective as clinician-collected samples.

The HPValidate study also reported that 75% of people who used an at-home HPV test rated their experience as excellent, while 85% would like a choice between self-sampling and clinician-based screening.

Usually, you can expect to receive your results within 7 working days after your sample has reached our lab. Our doctors will contact you through your patient account, using a discreet, encrypted channel.

Our doctors will never contact you by email or text message with your results.

When you receive your results, you will either get a positive or a negative result.

What does a negative HPV test result mean?

A negative HPV test result means that at the time you collected your sample, you were not infected with HPV. You do not need a further follow-up appointment with a doctor, but you should attend your regular cervical screening appointments when invited.

To reduce your chances of getting infected with HPV in the future, you should consider using a condom during sexual activity. You can also protect yourself further by getting an HPV vaccine from your local Superdrug Health Clinic.

What does a positive HPV test result mean?

A positive HPV test result means you are currently infected with HPV and may require treatment. When you receive your results, one of our doctors will advise you on what to do next, but generally, you will need to make a follow-up appointment with your GP, who may need to carry out further tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Can men use this HPV test?

No, there is currently no reliable HPV test for men, but specialist clinics may provide them. Men who have sex with men can get an anal Pap test, which checks for pre-cancerous cells in the anus.

What strains does this HPV test check for?

This HPV test checks for types 16 and 18 – the 2 most common causes of HPV-related cancers. It also checks for the following other high-risk types of HPV: 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, and 82.

Can HPV be cured?

No, there is currently no medication or treatment that can eliminate HPV from the body once it is present. However, most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 2 years. If HPV causes complications, then genital wart treatment and cervical cell changes can be treated.

Do I need to contact my partners if I test positive for HPV?

It is up to you. Although it is not compulsory to tell your sexual partners about a positive HPV test, making them aware can encourage them to practice safer sex and limit the spread of the infection.

What are the symptoms of HPV infection?

HPV infections often have no symptoms. If people do get symptoms, they can include:

• lumps, legions, or warts around the infected area
• itching or pain around the infected area
• unusual bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Most people who are infected do not realise they are, and often do not experience any issues. This is why it is important to get tested for HPV regularly.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity like vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed on during prolonged intimate skin-to-skin contact that does not include penetrative sex. It may also be passed on from mother to baby during childbirth.