Is it worth having an HPV test?

[LadlesandJellyspoons]

I've just had a normal smear but keep seeing that many who get their results are also told their HPV status. I haven't had this so I'm wondering if I should pay privately to have the test? I've seen Superdrug do the test for less than £50 which seems reasonable.

My question is, is it worth having it done?

Anyone?

You could ask (phone?) your practice nurse or GP and ask if it's included.

Have recently had a smear which was clear and I understand that they only test for hpv virus if there are abnormal cells. If there are then abnormal cells AND hpv they would then call you to colposcopy for a closer look

I agree with PP I think they only test if you have abnormal cells.

I don't think it is worth having it done. As long as you go for all your scheduled smears it shouldn't make a difference IMO. What would you do differently if you knew you had it?

I just had a smear and it was my understanding that they test for HPV and only look further if you're positive for that? Maybe I'm incorrect

If you’re over 20 and have had sex, you almost certainly have it, it’s that’s common. There’s little benefit to knowing because you can’t do anything about it, it’s not like other STDs that can be treated.

I had an abnormal smear last year, they then tested the sample they had for HPV which was, unsurprisingly, positive. There are some cell changes now being monitored so they’ll zap them if they get any worse, at the moment it’s fine.

They said they automatically test any abnormal samples for HPV by the way

I only found out I had it because I had abnormal cells and needed a colposcopy.

I had a smear today and I was advised they test for HPV. But I gather that may not be true If all areas in UK. The following is from NHS website:
"If a sample taken during the cervical screening test shows low-grade or borderline cell abnormalities, the sample should automatically be tested for HPV.

If HPV is found in your sample, you should be referred for a colposcopy for further investigation and, if necessary, treatment.

If no HPV is found, you'll carry on being routinely screened as normal. If your sample shows more significant cell changes, you'll be referred for colposcopy without HPV testing.

In some areas, a test for HPV is the first test on the screening sample. In these cases, the sample is only checked for abnormal cells if HPV is found.

If HPV isn't found, you'll be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (depending on your age)."

If you’re over 20 and have had sex, you almost certainly have it, it’s that’s common.

Nope, the more people you sleep with the more likely you have HPV but it’s not a certainty. It’s not good to fear monger on medical issues.

@UndergroundSun That's what I was led to believe, they test for hpv and if negative no more further tests are needed.

My understanding was that if you are test positive for high risk HPV then you're given more regular smear tests. Is that not the case?

Rubbish about everyone having it, I am 48 and i saw one of my smear results that stated no HPV found. I never had any abnormal cells.

But i have never slept around, been married 31 years

I had a borderline smear and tested positive for hpv. All that happened was that I had smears every 6 months for a few years and as nothing else was detected during that period they reverted to the normal frequency.

Ok, so not absolutely everyone has hpv, but a very high percentage of sexually active people will have it. My doctor told me years ago, if you're having sex, you've probably got it.