A Pap-test can’t confirm presence of an HPV-infection. A Pap-test can only assume the presence of an HPV-infection according to the cell changes (dysplasia) that can be caused by HPV. To prove an HPV-infection a DNA-HPV-test is usually required. Not all HPV-types can cause dysplasia and cervical cancer. Certain types of HPV (16, 18, 31 and 45) are associated with great risk for developing cervical cancer.


Genital types of HPV are usually spread through sexual contact. Since the HPV can stand alive in an outer environment, it is possible to get an HPV-infection by indirect contact with contaminated objects like clothes, sex-tools, other body parts (fingers) etc.





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