If you or your partner do not have warts, it is virtually impossible for you to determine whether you have low-risk types of HPV. Women are tested for high-risk HPV as a cancer prevention strategy. The purpose of HPV testing is to find women who are at risk due to persistent HPV and identifying those who should be followed carefully as long as the virus persists. According to the CDC, an estimated 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, but many are unaware they have it.Occasionally, people may notice itching or skin changes, but more often HPV is a silent infection. For this reason, women are strongly encouraged to see their health care professional for regular Pap and HPV tests according to age-related guidelines. Men should also see their health care professional to learn as much as possible about this disease.Because HPV is a predictor of the presence or future development of cervical precancer or cancer, it is preferred that all women 30 and older have an HPV test along with their Pap. There is also FDA approval for testing for HPV alone on all women 25 and older as a different screening option, however, most medical organization guidelines call for its use alone in women 30 and older. Research continues on the most effective testing methods.