HPV Testing: What You Really Need to Know

By: Tina Krajacic

You’ve probably heard of HPV, or Human Papillomavirus. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world—and in most cases, it goes away on its own without causing harm. But here’s the real concern: some types of HPV are considered high-risk because they can lead to cervical cancer and other serious health problems.

So, how do you get tested for HPV? Is there only one test? And what about the low-risk types like HPV 6 and 11?

Let’s break it down.

Is There Just One HPV Test?

Yes and no. Here's the truth:

There is only one FDA-approved test for HPV screening—and it looks for high-risk types, especially HPV 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases.

This test is called the HPV DNA test. It doesn’t detect all HPV strains—just the high-risk ones most likely to lead to cancer.

So yes, if you’re asking, “Is there just one main test for HPV?” — it’s the high-risk HPV test.

Who Should Be Tested?

• Women age 30 and up: May receive the HPV test alone or along with a Pap smear (called co-testing).

• Women under 30: Typically screened with a Pap smear only, unless abnormal results prompt HPV testing.

• Men: There is no approved routine HPV test for men at this time.

Pap Smear vs. HPV Test: What’s the Difference?

• Pap Smear: Looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

• HPV Test: Looks for high-risk HPV DNA, especially types 16 and 18.

When done together, these tests offer powerful protection—detecting both existing cell changes and the virus that causes them.

What About HPV Types 6 and 11?

"HPV 6 and 11 don’t cause cancer, but they do cause about 90% of genital warts. So, is there a test for them? Yes—just not a routine one."

There are lab tests that can detect HPV 6 and 11, but they are:

• Not approved for general screening

• Rarely used unless someone has symptoms (like genital warts)

Most often, these strains are diagnosed visually by a doctor, and occasionally confirmed through biopsy or molecular lab testing if necessary. So, unless you're dealing with visible symptoms, you won't be tested for 6 or 11 during a Pap or HPV screening.

The Role of the HPV Vaccine

The best protection? Vaccination. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, including:

• High-risk types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58

• Low-risk types: 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts)

If you’re vaccinated, you’re already protected against the most dangerous and most common strains.

The Bottom Line

• There is only one FDA-approved HPV test—and it’s for high-risk strains, especially HPV 16 and 18.

• HPV 6 and 11, which cause genital warts, are not part of routine screening and are usually diagnosed by symptoms.

• Routine testing is currently recommended only for women, starting at age 21 (with a Pap) and age 30+ (with or without HPV testing).

• Men can carry and transmit HPV, but aren’t tested unless symptoms appear.

• HPV vaccination and regular screenings are still the strongest defense.

If you’re unsure about your screening history or vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider. When it comes to HPV, education and prevention can be life-saving.