HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus that infects nearly 80 million Americans. There are over 100 strains of HPV, with about 40 strains that can infect the genital areas. Most people who become infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms and clear the infection on their own within 1 to 2 years. However, some HPV strains can lead to genital warts or cancer. As a result, many people wonder if HPV can be cured once contracted.
Can HPV be fully cured?
There is currently no cure for HPV once infected. The human body’s immune system clears most HPV infections on its own, but the virus remains dormant in cells and can become active again later in life. Even with the most aggressive treatments, it is not possible to completely eliminate HPV from the body once infected. However, the symptoms and effects of HPV can be effectively managed in most cases.
How is HPV treated?
While there is no cure, several treatments options exist for managing HPV symptoms:
1. Imiquimod cream
Imiquimod is a topical cream that helps stimulate the body’s immune response against HPV infected cells. It is commonly prescribed for external genital warts. The cream works by activating immune cells in the skin, causing them to destroy infected cells. It is applied directly to warts at bedtime, 3 times a week for up to 16 weeks.
2. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing off genital warts using liquid nitrogen. A healthcare provider swabs or sprays liquid nitrogen directly onto visible warts to destroy them. The dead wart tissue sloughs off within 1-2 weeks. This can be repeated as necessary until all warts are gone.
3. Laser therapy
Laser treatment uses a highly concentrated beam of light to burn and destroy genital warts. An advanced carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is commonly used. Local anesthesia may be applied, and petroleum jelly used to protect surrounding healthy skin. Laser therapy effectively eliminates warts with 1-3 treatments.
4. Surgical excision
Surgical removal is done by cutting away external genital warts. The warts are excised using a scalpel, scissors, curette or electrocautery. A local anesthetic is administered. Excision completely eliminates existing warts and may offer long-term clearance.
5. Medications
Prescription antiviral or immune-modulating medications may be prescribed to treat precancerous cervical lesions. These include imiquimod, interferon, trichloroacetic acid and fluorouracil. The medications are applied directly to affected areas of the cervix. They stimulate the immune system to clear HPV infection and allow healthy cells to grow back.
How is HPV prevented?
There are several ways to help prevent getting infected with HPV or spreading it:
Get vaccinated
Safe and effective vaccines exist that protect against HPV infection. The CDC recommends routine vaccination for girls and boys starting at ages 11-12. The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV. Vaccination can prevent over 90% of HPV cancers.
Use condoms
Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, condoms do not fully protect against HPV because the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom.
Limit sexual partners
Reducing your number of sexual partners lowers your risk of exposure to HPV. However, even long-term monogamous relationships do not guarantee HPV prevention. This is because the virus can remain dormant for years before resurfacing.
Don’t smoke
Smoking makes HPV infection worse and more difficult to treat. Chemicals in cigarettes can weaken the immune system and make HPV more likely to progress into cancer. If you have HPV, quitting smoking is strongly advised.
Get regular Pap tests
Women should have regular Pap tests, which screen for precancerous cervical changes. Early intervention for abnormal cell changes is important for preventing progression to cervical cancer. HPV testing may also be recommended along with Pap tests.
What is the prognosis for HPV?
The prognosis for most cases of HPV is very good when managed properly. Here’s an overview of the expected course for common outcomes:
Genital warts
With treatment, visible genital warts can be eliminated in 4 to 6 weeks. However, the underlying HPV infection may persist. There is a 10-30% recurrence rate after initial treatment. Regular follow up is important.
Cervical dysplasia
Precancerous cervical lesions often regress back to normal on their own. For higher grade lesions, treatment helps prevent progression to cervical cancer. Effective treatment can eradicate dysplasia, allowing for normal cervical cell regrowth.
HPV cancers
HPV-related cancers like cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers are highly treatable in early stages. When diagnosed and managed early, more than 90% of people survive 5 years or more. However, recurrence risk remains, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Can HPV come back after treatment?
Yes, HPV can return after initially successful treatment. Since there is no cure for HPV itself, the virus stays present in cells at low levels. Certain factors can reactivate HPV, causing warts to recur or precancerous lesions to return after therapy.
HPV is more likely to come back when:
- The immune system is weakened by illness or medications
- Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to clear HPV
- The original HPV viral load was high
- HPV is still present in sexual partners
- Follow up care is inadequate after treatment
To minimize recurrence risk, it is essential to get regular follow up exams after treatment for HPV is completed. Using condoms, stopping smoking, and ensuring partners get tested can also help prevent recurrence.
Is it possible to clear an HPV infection naturally?
In most cases, the immune system can eliminate an HPV infection over time without treatment. About 90% of infections clear within 2 years as immune cells recognize the virus and mount a response to destroy infected cells.
Certain lifestyle measures may help boost the body’s ability to clear HPV naturally:
- Eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise regularly to support a strong immune system
- Quit smoking, which impairs immune function
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques
- Get enough quality sleep to allow the body to rejuvenate
However, there are no guarantees with natural HPV clearance. Monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary even with a healthy lifestyle. If visible warts persist or precancerous lesions develop, medical treatment may be required.
Can partners continue a sexual relationship with HPV?
Yes, it is possible for couples to safely maintain a sexual relationship when one partner has HPV. Some key considerations include:
- Using condoms every time to lower transmission risk
- Consider limiting skin-to-skin genital contact when warts are visible
- Ensuring any warts or lesions get treated appropriately
- Disclosing HPV status to partner prior to intimacy
- Understanding the partner may eventually become infected despite precautions
- Getting regular exams and Pap tests if female to monitor for abnormalities
- Stopping smoking to avoid exacerbating HPV
- Working together to support each other emotionally
Open communication between partners is vital for a healthy sexual relationship when HPV is present. Concerns about transmission, recurrence or abnormal Pap results can be addressed jointly.
Conclusion
Currently, there is no way to completely cure an HPV infection. However, the immune system clears the virus in most cases, and effective treatments exist for managing warts and precancerous lesions. Getting vaccinated, using condoms, and having regular medical check-ups and Pap tests are crucial for reducing the impact of HPV on health and relationships. With proper care and monitoring, most people with HPV can avoid serious complications and resume normal sexual activity.