Affiliate disclaimer: Our recommendations include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Are you looking to buy an at home HPV test kit? In this article, we’ll explore the best options available to help you make an informed decision.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease (STD) worldwide. It is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin that typically causes genital warts, itching, irritation, or a burning sensation in the genital area, and vaginal discharge and unexplained vaginal bleeding. However, it is primarily asymptomatic.
Additionally, according to the CDC, HPV can lead to serious health issues, such as cancers, if left undetected and untreated. But worry not! With these at-home test kits, you can conveniently check for HPV from the comfort of your own home.
We’ll provide you with the facts, data, and expertise you need to make the right choice. Let’s dive in!
Can You Test For HPV At Home?
Yes, you can test for HPV in the privacy of your own home using at home HPV test kits.
These kits are designed to provide you with accurate results, giving you peace of mind without the need for a doctor’s visit.
By utilizing advanced technology, these tests allow you to take control of your sexual health and detect the presence of an HPV infection early on so you can seek proper professional medical advice.
With the convenience and reliability offered by at home HPV tests, you can proactively manage your health. Don’t let the fear of visiting a clinic hold you back – take the test in the comfort of your own home.
What Is The Difference Between A “Pap Smear” And An HPV Test?
A Pap Smear involves visiting your healthcare provider and undergoing an exam using a speculum. During this exam, cells from your cervix are collected and examined under a microscope to check for any abnormality that could indicate a risk of cervical cancer.
On the other hand, an HPV test only requires a swab sample from inside the vagina, near the cervix but not directly from it. The sample is then screened specifically for high-risk strains of HPV known to be linked to cervical cancer.
How Can I Do An At Home HPV Test?
Performing an at home HPV test is typically a simple and straightforward process. Although the specific instructions for each brand may vary, they tend to follow a general pattern.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how they are usually done:
Select A Reputable At Home HPV Test Kit
When it comes to at home HPV testing, selecting a reputable test kit is paramount. There are several reliable brands available in the market, each offering its own unique features.
Therefore, when choosing a kit, prioritize those that provide high accuracy rates and clear instructions.
Look for test kits that have undergone rigorous testing and have received regulatory approvals or certifications to ensure their reliability.
Additionally, look for those that are CLIA-approved, achieving the US government’s quality and safety standards under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.
Collect Your Sample
The kit will typically include a swab or collection device. Follow the instructions carefully to collect your sample from the appropriate area (e.g., genital area, mouth, throat). Also, some HPV tests may use a urine sample instead of a cervical swab.
When collecting your sample, read the instructions at least twice before attempting the collection. This ensures that you understand the steps and are less likely to make an error that could compromise the accuracy of your lab test results.
Follow the guidelines as outlined.
Prepare And Send Your Sample
Once you’ve collected the sample, carefully package it according to the provided instructions. Most kits include a prepaid shipping label, making it easy to send your sample to their partner lab.
Receive Your Results
The laboratory will analyze your sample and provide you with the results securely and confidentially.
The test results are often delivered via a secure online portal or through a phone call from a healthcare professional.
Remember, it’s essential to seek follow-up care from a healthcare provider if you received a positive test result.
Why Do I Need An HPV Test?
HPV testing is of crucial importance for all genders. While it is often associated with cervical cancer in women, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be present in each gender and lead to various health issues for those with a cervix.
Here are the key reasons why HPV testing is vital for all genders:
Early Detection And Treatment
HPV testing plays a pivotal role in the early detection of an HPV infection. Detecting HPV early allows for medical intervention, such as cervical cancer screening and appropriate treatment.
For women, regular Pap smears or cervical screenings can identify abnormal cell changes in the cervix caused by a genital HPV infection, which may indicate the presence of high-risk HPV strains that could lead to cervical cancer.
Timely detection of these changes increases the chances of successful treatment and prevents the progression to more severe stages of cervical cancer.
Informing Vaccination Decisions
The HPV vaccine is available for everyone. HPV vaccination can effectively protect against the most common high-risk HPV infections, reducing the risk of developing HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
HPV testing can help inform vaccination decisions by identifying individuals who have not yet been exposed to the virus and are likely to benefit the most from the vaccine. It is also recommended for those who are not sexually active.
Protecting Sexual Partners
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and individuals can transmit the virus to their partners unknowingly.
By getting tested for the HPV infection and virus, individuals can ensure that they are aware of their HPV status and take necessary precautions to protect their sexual partners from potential transmission.
Monitoring and Managing HPV-related Health Issues
HPV infections can lead to various health issues beyond cervical cancer, such as anal, penile, and throat cancers in men, as well as genital warts in both men and women.
Doing regular HPV tests enables the monitoring and management of these conditions. Early detection reduces the risk of complications associated with these HPV-related health issues.
Peace of Mind
Who doesn’t love peace of mind?
HPV tests can provide you with peace of mind about your sexual health. Knowing your HPV status can alleviate anxiety, especially if the test results are negative.
It also empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and take appropriate actions if an HPV infection is detected, which can also promote peace of mind.
Quick Look
Everlywell– screens for high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus, including HPV 16 and HPV 18/45.
MyLab Box– uses the amplification of target DNA for the detection of 14 high-risk HPV types.
Verisana– Tests for HPV types 16 or 18 using a vaginal swab sample taken by you from the comfort of your home.
Nurx– screens for 14 high-risk strains of the virus: HPV16 and HPV18, which cause the vast majority of cervical cancer cases.
iDNA– is performed using a urine sample (for males) or a vaginal swab (for females).
Overview
The Everlywell HPV Test for females screens for high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus.
It confirms high-risk genotypes HPV 16 and HPV 18/45, which are associated with up to 94% of cervical cancer cases.
Highlights
The Everlywell HPV at-home test for females is a popular and reliable at-home testing option specifically designed to detect high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in women.
The test kit provides convenience and privacy, allowing you to collect your sample from the comfort of your own home.
With clear instructions and a simple vaginal self-swab collection method, the Everlywell HPV Test ensures ease of use in order to promote accurate test results.
Your sample is analyzed by a certified laboratory. Each lab the company works with is CLIA-certified.
If you test positive, you’ll be able to connect with a physician to discuss treatment options and or follow-up testing.
You can view a personalized report of each marker tested as well as detailed information about what your results mean for you.
Within days you’ll receive physician-reviewed digital results and useful insights on Everlywell’s secure platform.
Everlywell tests are reviewed by an independent board-certified physician within your state.
Everlywell is HIPAA compliant and takes your privacy very seriously. They use state-of-the-art, bank-grade encryption to ensure your data is stored securely and never sold.
The company uses discreet packaging, so your package will have a plain shipping label.
Pricing
You can purchase this HPV test for $49.00 via Everlywell’s official website and get free shipping with your order of pay with FSA / HSA financing. Also, you can sign up for a subscription discount, making regular testing affordable, easy, and convenient.
My Take
This Everlywell at home HPV test kit is ideal for you if you’re someone with a cervix who is at least 25 years old. It is particularly beneficial for those who may have limited access to healthcare services, face time constraints, or prefer the convenience of at-home testing.
Overview
The MyLab Box At Home HPV Test Kit is a trusted and convenient option for individuals seeking to screen for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
This test kit is designed to detect high-risk HPV strains that are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related health issues.
Highlights
The MyLab Box test provides an easy-to-use self-sampling method, typically using a 100% pain-free vaginal swab, that allows you to collect your sample with clear instructions provided in the kit.
Results are typically delivered within a few days through a secure online portal, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
This test kit is designed to detect high-risk HPV strains that are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related health issues.
The test specifically identifies two of the most common high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types: HPV16 and HPV18. Test results also include a third category “other high-risk HPV” identifying one or more of the 12 other high-risk types: 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68.
Your discreet packaging will include 1 (one) HPV test kit and a pre-addressed return envelope (postage paid).
myLAB Box works only with the best laboratories that are certified CAP and CLIAcertified for high-complexity testing and health experts to ensure your test results meet national standards and are as accurate as tests done in a clinic or a doctor’s office.
This company also implements guidelines for HIPAA compliance in web security protocols to protect your data.
Additionally, myLAB Box is CDC-listed.
myLAB Box offers diagnostic and treatment consultations via telemedicine, so you can schedule a free consultation with a physician to discuss your results.
Pricing
You can order the MyLab Box At Home HPV Test Kit for $89.00 via the company’s official website. Furthermore, you get free shipping with each order and they accept Pay with FSA / HSA cards.
My Take
This HPV testing kit from myLAB Box is best suited for women 30 years of age or older because the presence of hrHPV infections takes on special significance and requires further evaluation during this age period.
It’s important to note that you should get tested for HPV even if you received the HPV vaccination.
Overview
The Verisana HPV Test for Women allows you to examine your HPV type 16 and 18 status using a vaginal swab sample taken by you from the comfort of your home.
Using this home-to-lab testing process, Verisana hopes to give you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy.
Highlights
After the analysis was conducted, you will receive a lab report with explanations about the analyzed markers as well as information about possible symptoms that can occur.
Your samples will be examined by a CLIA-certified laboratory contacted by Verisana.
Although Verisana does not offer medical advice, the company will gladly assist you in finding a suitable therapist in your area.
Verisana and its partner laboratories take customer privacy very seriously. Only you will have access to your information and they will not share your information with anyone who is not an authorized third party. Also, all samples are disposed of following analysis.
The test kit includes everything you need: a sample instruction, sample collection components, and a bag for free return shipment.
The scientific analysis by a CLIA-certified lab and laboratory report via a secure web portal is included in the price.
To promote privacy, Verisana uses discreet packaging. Therefore, the package you receive will have no identifiable information or images that could indicate its contents.
Pricing
This home test kit for HPV is available for $79.00 with free shipping from Verisana’s official website.
My Take
The Verisana HPV home testing kit is ideal for people who are sexually active even if they are not having symptoms. It is also highly recommended for those who are experiencing symptoms such as a feeling of wetness, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and genital warts.
Overview
The Nurx HPV test screens for the strains of HPV that potentially lead to cervical cancer. It’s quick, easy, and can be done by you in the privacy of your own home. With no need for an appointment, all it takes is a quick, painless swirl of the swab.
Nurx is empowering people to make positive choices about their sexual health, by giving them convenient, affordable access to the medications and services they need.
Highlights
Nurx’s HPV test kit screens for 14 high-risk strains of the virus: HPV16 and HPV18, which cause the vast majority of cervical cancer cases – and 12 additional high-risk types that potentially lead to cervical cancer.
Their test kit includes lab tests and results, free delivery, and prepaid return.
Nurx also facilitates medical consultation, which includes unlimited access to their medical team for only $15 more.
Your results will be followed by a medical consultation. As such, once your sample is tested, Nurx’s medical team will get in touch to discuss the results and your next steps.
Your Nurx home test will be analyzed at their partner laboratory, Molecular Testing Labs™ (MTL). MTL is a state-of-the-art lab that specializes in complex molecular testing and is CAP-accredited.
Nurx will ensure that your personal information is always anonymized and your personal health information is protected according to HIPAA law.
The Nurx medical team consists of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants who are passionate about providing patient care.
Pricing
My Take
Because most women do not experience symptoms, this Nurx HPV test is suggested for women having sex who are 25 to 29 years old and recommended for women 30 to 65 years old. Testing is advised even if you are no longer sexually active.
Overview
The iBOX® HPV at-home test is a simple way to take control of your sexual wellness, without the need for a doctor’s appointment or lab visit. This kit from iBOX is suitable for males and females.
Highlights
Lab testing is performed using a urine sample (for males) or a vaginal swab (for females).
The kit will arrive in a plain, unbranded package and comes complete with easy-to-follow directions for taking your own samples.
iBOX guaranteed that the test results will show with 99.9% accuracy whether an infection has been detected for the STD in the at-home test kit.
Your results are provided in an easy-to-understand report via a private, secure online portal. You may download or delete your results anytime. In the case of any positive result, you may share your report with a primary care doctor or your physician for treatment and care recommendations.
iBOX uses HIPAA-compliant testing and reporting measures to ensure your privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
This test uses DNA detection in vaginal swabs and male urine samples of 14 high-risk HPV types in a single lab analysis using NAAT methods.
The test identifies types HPV16 & HPV18 and other high-risk HPV types: 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68.
Pricing
You can purchase this iDNA HPV Test for $88.00 on their official website.
My Take
This iDNA HPV test is suitable for any sexually active male or female engaging in unprotected sex, as it increases your risk of sexually transmitted infections. Adults who have had more than one partner in the past year should consider using this test regularly as well since they are more at risk.
Are At Home HPV Tests Accurate?
Yes, at home HPV tests can be accurate.
Many reputable at home HPV test kits have obtained certifications such as CAP accreditation, which ensures adherence to scientifically rigorous standards set by the College of American Pathologists.
Additionally, these companies used labs with CLIA approval, which signifies that these test kits meet the quality and safety standards established by the US government’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.
These accreditations provide reassurance regarding the accuracy and reliability of at home HPV tests.
However, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the test kit to ensure accurate sample collection and reliable results.
Before You Go...
Many individuals hesitate to get tested for STDs due to embarrassment, the hassle of visiting a doctor, or simply a lack of time. We understand these concerns, which is why we have made STD tests, commonly used by doctors, available for you to perform in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Our articles on the Best at Home STD Test Kits, Best At-Home HIV Test Kits, and How to Do an At-Home STD Test provide valuable information and guidance on accessing reliable and convenient testing options.
Don’t let barriers prevent you from prioritizing your sexual health. Take charge today by reading these articles and discovering the options available to you.