Dear candygrl42,

There are many different kinds of human papilloma viruses, which are referred to as HPV. Different kinds of HPV are detected in different ways.

Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Warts are typically diagnosed by a clinician during a physical exam.

Other types of HPV cause microscopic changes to cells. For women, this type of HPV typically affects the cells of the cervix. A Pap test, which is a routine part of a gynecological exam, tests for the changes to the cells of the cervix that can be caused by HPV. So, yes, in that sense, a woman who is getting a regular Pap test is being tested for symptoms of certain types of HPV infection.

Otherwise, there is no routine test for HPV.

Pap tests can detect symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. With the exception of trichomoniasis, they cannot detect the specific infection.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.