Is there any way to test for HPV if there is no active genital warts? So is it inevitable that a woman or man gets it if sexually active, even with genital touching?

I don’t know of any test that is currently available in clinics to test for a current Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

HPV is really common, 70% or more of the adult population will have at least one genital HPV infection in their lifetime but may not have any noticeable symptoms, but most people will clear the virus within 2 years.

Have a look at our “Know your chances” web page, it provides information on what types of sex will easily pass HPV. Using condoms will reduce the risk but since HPV is passed by skin to skin contact there can still be a chance of it passing when using condoms.
http://smartsexresource.com/about-stis/know-your-chances-0

The HPV vaccine offers good protection against HPV. We also recommend that woman go for regular PAP tests as well.
http://immunizebc.ca/diseases-vaccinations/hpv

Have a look at our web page on HPV for more information.
http://smartsexresource.com/topics/genital-warts-and-hpv

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

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This answer was posted on October 15, 2014.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

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Is there any way to test for HPV if there is no active genital warts? So is it inevitable that a woman or man gets it if sexually active, even with genital touching?