At-home HPV test and HPV treatment online
For comprehensive HPV testing and cervical cancer screening from the comfort of your home, connect with our board-certified doctors online. Whether you're seeking an initial diagnosis or a prescription to manage genital warts, we're here to support every step of your journey.*
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Take control of your sexual health with preventive measures
Prescription medications for effective genital warts treatment
Early detection through high-risk HPV screening
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save 80% with our prescription discount card.
HPV testing and treatment
According to the CDC, there is no treatment for human papillomavirus itself.1 However, there are treatments for the health conditions and symptoms that can arise due to HPV.
Understanding HPV is your first line of defense against cervical cancer. While there are 100+ HPV strains, it's the 12 high-risk strains that are often the culprits behind cervical cancer. This includes HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.3
Regular cervical cancer screening serves as your protective safety measure. This is recommended every three years for women aged 21-65 and every five years for women aged 30-65.8 It is important to note that our at-home cervical cancer screening does not detect cervical cancer itself, but the high-risk HPV strains that cause it. If you test positive for a high-risk strain of HPV, our doctors can refer you to an in-person specialist for a Pap smear.
At-home HPV test kits
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.
What is HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, and it stands as the most common STI in the United States. There are more than 100 different kinds of HPV. Some types cause genital warts.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Sexual activity, including vaginal or anal intercourse, is a common route of transmission. To minimize your risk, consider these precautions:
Use condoms with your partner during sexual activity
Be cautious with behaviors that can facilitate HPV transmission, such as oral sex, both giving and receiving and the use of sex toys
Avoid sharing sex toys
Before casual sexual encounters, engage in open discussions about medical history with your partner
Almost 85% of all unvaccinated sexually active people will get the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives.7 Even though HPV is the most common STI, those who have acquired HPV may not develop any symptoms.
Common symptoms often involve the development of genital warts, which typically appear as small bumps in the genital area. If you're sexually active, don't hesitate to get regularly tested through PlushCare.
Our doctors can send HPV testing right to the comfort of your home, ensuring a discreet and hassle-free experience. This may involve a swab for a culture to see if you have HPV or another STI.
HPV treatment FAQs
Can HPV go away on its own?
Most HPV infections disappear within a few years and do not express symptoms. However, during this time, the virus is still active in the body, causing the spread of the infection. If HPV does not go away on its own, it can cause HPV-related health problems.
Can HPV cause cancer?
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.Do women who have been vaccinated against HPV still need to be screened for cervical cancer?
Yes. Current HPV vaccines do not protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancer, so it is still important for vaccinated people to continue routine cervical cancer screening by getting regular PAP exams from your gynecologist.
Who is not considered a good candidate for HPV at-home testing?
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.How can I get rid of HPV fast?
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.
How to get tested and treated for HPV today
Step 1
Book an HPV treatment appointment.
Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your clinician regarding your HPV symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Test for HPV and pick up your prescription, if needed.
To confirm your diagnosis, your doctor can order an HPV testing kit to your home. We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
HPV treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request HPV treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
HPV treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - CDC Fact Sheet." CDC, Accessed 10 Oct. 2023. www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "Self-Sampling for Human Papillomavirus Testing: Increased Cervical Cancer Screening Participation and Incorporation in International Screening Programs" Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5900042/.
National Cancer Institute. "HPV and Cancer." Cancer.gov, Accessed 10 Oct. 2023. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
Mayo Clinic. "HPV infection - Symptoms and causes." Mayo Clinic, Accessed 10 Oct. 2023. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
Planned Parenthood. "HPV." Planned Parenthood, Accessed 10 Oct. 2023. www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv
American Cancer Society. "HPV and Cancer." Cancer.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2023. www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). "Reasons to Get HPV Vaccine." Accessed on December 1, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "Cervical Cancer Screening." CDC. Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/pdfs/factsheets/CervicalCancerScreening_web_FINAL_05152015-P.pdf.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.