HPV is a non-curable but treatable sexually transmitted infection. HPV has many different strands, which means it can have different effects on your body - some people may develop genital warts, others may develop cervical cancer, other people may not develop anything from it at all.
Most clinics do not test for HPV, but rather test for cells exposed to cervical cancer with a pap smear. For more information on getting a pap test, check out our last Hookup Tip on the subject.
The best way to avoid HPV is to prevent the infection in the first place! You can practice abstinence, use condoms, and talk to your partner about potential risks.
For more information, talk to your health care provider or check out the HPV page on TeenSource.