HPV High Risk with Genotyping Test Kit- Genital

What is HPV?

The human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection affecting the lives of more than 80 million Americans. This virus has 100 types: some are low-risk while others are high risk. Out of the 100 types, 40 can be passed on through sexual contact and infect the genitals and throat. The CDC explains that HPV is the most common STD in the USA.

While some genital HPV infections may not show signs and symptoms, others can lead to the appearance of warts and cancer. HPV is a silent infection and can be underdiagnosed by most. An infected person may carry many types of HPV at once. It all depends on the types he/she was exposed to. Vaginal HPV puts a pregnant mother at risk for passing on the infection to the newborn. As a result, the infected baby may end up with HPV warts that could develop inside his throat and airways. 

HPV seldomly shows symptoms. Once infected, it may take months and years for symptoms to appear: the virus can be dormant in the body for a long time. Some types of HPV cause warts on the penis and scrotum. These are small bumps that can grow in size and number. Some other types may lead to penile cancer. Penile warts are small flesh-colored swellings that appear on the penile area. They are numerous and appear close to each other in a form of a cauliflower. These warts can bleed with intercourse, making the experience uncomfortable. They can also cause itching and uneasiness in the male genital area.

HPV can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact, as well as through sex. Men who wear condoms are not fully protected. HPV cannot be transmitted in swimming pools, or by sharing a toilet seat with an infected persion. Also, an infected person's blood does not carry the virus. 

Why take the at-home High Risk HPV with Genotyping-Genital?

Regular HPV screening can prevent the progression of the viral infection into a chronic condition: cancer. It can also improve the survival rate of the infected person since HPV-related cancers do not show signs not until they are advanced. This vaginal swab test can help identify and diagnose HPV infections in the vagina. It can also overview the types of HPV that were found. This will help identify low-risk and high-risk types.

This is a standard, noninvasive method that can determine whether the person is infected with HPV. It is highly sensitive and reduces the need of unnecessary colonoscopy. It constitutes an appropriate follow up testing, especially for women who are at high risk of ending up with HPV-related cervical cancer.

What your at-home High Risk HPV with Genotyping - Genital test results mean?

If the test showed positive results; then, you have an active HPV infection. The test will also be able to determine the different types of HPV. Your results will show high-risk types of HPV. 

If your test results showed "detected" for the following types 16, 18, or HPV High Risk Other (( 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) then, you have the high-risk HPV types and are at high risk of developing  cancer. 

For women, if your test returned positive or detected and you have the high-risk types of HPV; then, you have to have a pap smear, routinely. This will allow you to follow up on changes in the vaginal squamous cells. There is no special treatment for HPV. Genital warts are usually removed by chemicals or freezing. Warts that keep surfacing up will need an injection of the drug interferon; however, warts can disappear on their own. HPV risks lie in the cancer risks it poses on infected people.

In men, according to the Cancer Research Center in the UK, the most virulent types of HPV that may lead to penile cancer are HPV-16 and HPV-18.

The best way to prevent any HPV is through abstaining from any oral, vaginal and anal sex. Sexually active individuals can take a few precautions to lower their risks. For example, being in a monogamous relationship not only lowers the risks of contracting HPV but any other STD. Using condoms regularly and correctly can be helpful, as well. Finally, being vaccinated against HPV can be very effective. There are three kinds of HPV vaccines: Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil-9.

Vaccination is recommended between the ages of 11 and 12 years, with a second does administered at the age of 21. Those who were not vaccinated when they were should consider getting vaccinated if they fall into these categories, according to the CDC:

• Men who have sex with men and are 26 years or younger;
• Men who are transgenders and younger than 26 years of age;
• Men and women who are immunocompromised and younger than 26 years of age

Where can I get an at-home High Risk HPV with Genotyping - Genital test?

This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive a specimen collection device, either a vaginal swab for women or a urine collection device for men, as well as other test kit materials. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Specimens should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory. Results take 2-3 days upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.

TEST KIT REFUND POLICY- Kits can be cancelled anytime prior to sending the specimen to the lab.  There is a $25 fee to cover the kit costs and shipping. So a full refund is minus $25.

TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF