At-home HPV test and HPV treatment online

Skip the uncomfortable pelvic exam in the doctor’s office with our at-home HPV test. Our testing provides a discreet and effective method for detecting high-risk strains, crucial for cervical cancer screening. The test is an easy-to-use vaginal self-swab shipped to your home.

Studies indicate that self-collected HPV samples can efficiently detect high-risk HPV strains, potentially even more than clinician-collected samples.² At-home cervical cancer screening is available for women between the ages of 30 and 65.

If you are a woman and test positive for high-risk HPV, our doctors can refer you to a local specialist for a follow-up Pap test, which is done through a pelvic exam at your gynecologist’s office.

HPV can also cause genital warts, which your doctor can diagnose. If you are diagnosed with genital warts, you have some treatment options available to you.

• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as Condylox (podofilox), medications with imiquimod, or trichloroacetic acid to help you eliminate them.

• Procedures: If needed, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can perform surgical procedures such as cryotherapy, laser surgery, or electrocautery to remove the genital wart tissue.

The HPV vaccine is a vital tool in preventing the spread of this common infection. The HPV vaccine halts the virus's replication within your body, offering a shield against potential health risks. The CDC recommends the vaccine for:

• Everyone aged 11-12 years old

• Anyone 26 years old who hasn’t yet been vaccinated

The vaccine isn't typically recommended for those aged 26 or older. Always consult with our PlushCare physicians for personalized advice.

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Herpes

HIV

Yes, high-risk HPV can cause cancer in the cervix and other parts of the body (e.g. penis, anus). If detected early, treatments can begin for those with high-risk HPV.

• Cervix: Only a Pap test done at the time of a pelvic exam can detect early cervical cancer, but testing for high-risk HPV with a simple swab sent to your home is an important step in assessing your risk for cervical cancer and getting early treatment.

• Other areas: If detected early, treatment options include prescription medicines, surgical excision, cryotherapy, laser surgery.

Getting tested regularly is the most important thing you can do to protect your health. The CDC also recommends the HPV vaccination at ages 11-12 to protect against these cancers.

The following are not considered good candidates for at-home HPV testing:

• Women younger than 30 years of age

• Women older than 65 years of age who are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer

• Women who have had a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus and cervix)

It is important to note that some women may require more frequent or ongoing screening beyond the age of 65 if they have certain risk factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, having HIV or being immunocompromised, as well as having a history of being treated for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions.

There is no treatment for the human papillomavirus itself. According to the CDC, HPV often goes away on its own within a few years. The rate of recovery depends on the individual's immune system. If you have HPV, it is important to:

• Get tested regularly, to find out if you still have an active infection

• Refrain from sex

• If you are still sexually active, have protected sex

• For women, get routine Pap smears along with at-home high-risk HPV screenings. 

If you feel you’ve contracted HPV, you should make an appointment with a PlushCare doctor. We’ll be able to prescribe genital warts treatment, send you at-home HPV testing and high-risk HPV screening, and send referrals to a specialist for further care if needed.