References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
HPV testing in the UK is mainly done as part of cervical screening, where samples are checked for high-risk HPV types before being examined for cell changes. There’s no routine HPV test for men, and home HPV tests are not standard. Understanding how and why HPV testing happens helps you make sense of screening letters and appointments.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Who Gets HPV Tested?
| Group | HPV Testing Approach |
|---|---|
| Women 25-64 | Part of routine NHS cervical screening |
| Women with HIV | Annual cervical screening including HPV |
| Men | No routine HPV testing |
| Men with HIV | Some clinics offer anal HPV screening |
| MSM at higher risk | Anal HPV screening available at some centres |
How Cervical Screening Works
Since 2019, NHS cervical screening in England uses HPV as the primary test:
- A cell sample is collected from the cervix
- The sample is tested for high-risk HPV types
- If HPV is found, the same sample is then checked for abnormal cells
- Results are sent by letter
What Results Mean
HPV negative
No high-risk HPV detected. No need for further tests. Return to routine screening in 3-5 years (depending on age).
HPV positive, no cell changes
HPV found but no abnormal cells. Usually means re-testing in 12 months.
HPV positive, with cell changes
HPV found and abnormal cells detected. Colposcopy referral for closer examination and possible treatment.
HPV Testing in Men
There is no routine HPV test for men in the UK. Genital warts are diagnosed visually. For MSM at higher risk, some clinics offer anal cytology (anal smear) and HPV screening, particularly for those with HIV.
Home HPV Testing
Home HPV tests exist but aren’t routinely recommended in the UK. The NHS cervical screening programme is the primary pathway for most women. If you have concerns, speak to your GP or sexual health clinic.
HPV Vaccination
Even if HPV testing finds you have the virus, vaccination can still protect against types you haven’t yet encountered. The HPV vaccine is routine for adolescents in UK schools and available free for MSM up to age 45.
Treatment
There’s no drug that cures HPV itself — the immune system usually clears it. Treatment targets the effects:
- Genital warts — topical creams, cryotherapy, surgery
- Cell changes — LLETZ procedure or cone biopsy
- Cancers — standard cancer treatment
Read more: What is HPV? | Cervical screening and HIV | Can HPV clear?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can men be tested for HPV?
Not routinely. Visual diagnosis of warts is standard. Anal screening is available for some at-risk groups.
Do I need HPV testing between smears?
Not usually. Follow your NHS screening schedule unless your clinician advises otherwise.
What if my HPV test is positive?
Most HPV infections clear on their own. Your clinic will advise on follow-up based on whether cell changes are present.
Related reading
- Cervical Screening When You Have HIV
- How Accurate Are Rapid HIV Tests?
- Anonymous STI Testing: What It Means
- Are Genital Warts Clearable?
- Are HIV Tests Accurate If You're on PrEP, PEP or ART?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
