HPV

Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancer, and other types of HPV can cause genital warts. Many people who have sex get HPV at some time in their lives but don't have symptoms. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own.

For people assigned female at birth, HPV screening involves:

• Cervical Pap test. This test uses a swab to check the cervix for changed cells. Experts suggest that people assigned female at birth ages 21 to 65 have a Pap test every three years.
• HPV test. Experts suggest that people assigned female at birth ages 21 to 65 have an HPV test alone or an HPV test with a Pap test every five years if earlier test results have been within the standard range. People who are at high risk of cervical cancer or those who have Pap or HPV test results that cause concern may need testing more often.

People assigned male at birth may get HPV testing if they have symptoms, such as genital warts. A healthcare professional removes a sample of the wart and sends it to a lab.

An anal test that's like the Pap test also may be suggested for people at high risk of developing anal cancer. Sometimes called an anal Pap test or anal cytology test, it may be suggested for:

• People who've been diagnosed with precancerous conditions of the vulva or vulvar cancer.
• People who've had a solid organ transplant and are HIV positive, starting 10 years after the transplant.
• People assigned female at birth, starting at age 45 if they are HIV positive.
• People assigned male at birth who have sex with people assigned female at birth, starting at age 45 for those who are HIV positive.
• People assigned male at birth who have sex with people assigned male at birth, starting at age 35 for those who are HIV positive and age 45 for those who are HIV negative.
• Transgender women, starting at age 35 if they are HIV positive and age 45 if they are HIV negative.