Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that infects skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of HPV, with around 40 types that can infect the genital area. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives, though many never know they have it.
HPV infections often cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years in most people. However, sometimes HPV infections persist and can cause health problems like genital warts or cancer. Having a positive HPV test result may cause fear or anxiety about the risk of cancer or other complications. This article provides an overview of key points regarding what an HPV positive result means and whether you should be worried.
What does an HPV positive test result mean?
HPV testing is done by checking a sample of cells from the cervix for the presence of HPV DNA. There are two main kinds of HPV tests:
- HPV screening test: Looks for the presence of high-risk HPV types most likely to cause cancer (like HPV 16 and 18). This is part of routine cervical cancer screening.
- HPV genotype test: Identifies the specific high-risk HPV type present. This may be done as follow-up to an abnormal Pap smear.
A positive HPV test means HPV has been detected, but not which specific type. About 40 HPV types can infect the genital area. High-risk types are more likely to cause health problems compared to low-risk types. A positive test does not necessarily mean you will develop cancer or other complications. Many HPV infections clear up on their own.
Should I be worried about cervical cancer risk?
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent high-risk HPV infection. However, most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer. Additional risk factors like smoking and HIV infection can increase cervical cancer risk. Guidelines recommend repeat testing at regular intervals for women who test HPV positive:
- Women 21-29 years old should be re-tested in 3 years.
- Women 30-65 years old should get both HPV testing and a Pap smear in 3 years.
More than 90% of new HPV infections clear up within 2 years. Only infections that persist longer increase cancer risk. Regular follow up allows early detection and treatment of any precancerous cell changes before they become cancer. Treatments like cryotherapy and LEEP are very effective. Proper follow up prevents about 75% of cervical cancers in the U.S.
What about genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types like HPV 6 and 11. They rarely cause cancer. Warts may appear within weeks or months of infection, or not at all. About 90% of genital warts clear up within 2 years without treatment. Visible warts can be removed by medications or procedures. Having genital warts may cause distress, but they are not a serious health threat.
Does a positive HPV test mean my partner cheated?
No, a positive HPV result does not necessarily imply infidelity. Many people are exposed to HPV early in their sexual lives before marriage. However, HPV can remain dormant and undetectable for years before reactivating. Or you or your partner could have gotten HPV from a past partner a long time ago. There is no way to know for sure when or from whom HPV was transmitted.
How can I reduce my cancer risk after an HPV diagnosis?
These steps may help clear HPV infection faster and reduce your cancer risk:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
- Improve diet and exercise more.
- Practice safe sex and limit partners.
- Consider over-the-counter immune supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and green tea extract.
- Get regular Pap smears and HPV testing as recommended.
- Follow up promptly on any abnormal results.
Early detection and removal of any precancerous cells is key. About 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented with proper screening and follow up.
When to see a doctor
You should visit your doctor or gynecologist if you have any of the following:
- Visible warts, lesions, or other symptoms in the genital area
- An abnormal Pap smear result
- A positive HPV test result
- Any other concerns about your HPV status
Your doctor can:
- Perform examination and testing to check for signs of HPV infection
- Determine your cancer risk based on HPV strain and other factors
- Decide if treatment is needed for genital warts
- Provide counseling and develop an appropriate follow up plan
- Offer screening and early treatment for any precancerous changes
Do not delay seeing a doctor if you have a positive HPV test or any symptoms that worry you.
FAQs about HPV testing
Why get tested for HPV?
HPV testing is an important part of routine cervical cancer screening, along with Pap smears. HPV testing detects infection by high-risk strains most likely to cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer. Knowing your HPV status allows developing an appropriate follow up plan.
How is HPV testing done?
HPV testing is done on a sample of cells collected from the cervix during a Pap smear pelvic exam. The sample is sent to a lab to look for the presence of HPV DNA using tests like PCR. You may feel brief discomfort during the Pap smear portion.
Can HPV be cured once you have it?
There is currently no treatment that can eradicate HPV completely from the body once infected. However, many HPV infections are cleared from the body by its natural immune responses within 1-2 years. Early cell changes that might lead to cancer can be removed by procedures like LEEP.
Does HPV affect fertility or pregnancy?
HPV alone should not affect fertility or ability to get pregnant. Being pregnant does not seem to increase risk of HPV infection either. However, cell changes on the cervix due to HPV can increase the risk of complications like miscarriage or premature birth if left untreated.
Should I abstain from sex if HPV positive?
Current HPV infection can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin genital contact even without intercourse. Using condoms may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV, but does not offer full protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. Limiting partners and avoiding sexual contact during active HPV infection may reduce the risk of spreading HPV.
How accurate are HPV tests?
HPV tests identify whether the virus is present and can determine the strain. HPV tests are highly accurate at detecting high-risk HPV strains in cervical cell samples. However, HPV testing alone is not sufficient to identify cervical precancers or cancer. Pap smear cytology is still necessary to assess cell morphology.
How often should I get tested for HPV?
Guidelines recommend routine HPV testing every 5 years for women ages 30-65 in conjunction with Pap smears. Women 21-29 should get an HPV test every 3 years after an abnormal cytology result. Testing frequency may be adjusted based on your specific HPV risk factors and results.
Conclusion
Having HPV does not mean you will definitely develop cancer or other health issues. With proper follow up and management, most HPV infections are cleared naturally by the body and do not lead to cancer. See your doctor promptly for evaluation and continued surveillance if you have a positive HPV test. Be sure to follow recommendations for repeat testing. Safe sex practices, not smoking, and getting vaccinated are also recommended to prevent spreading HPV infection and reduce your cancer risk. While testing positive for HPV may cause worry, the key is appropriate monitoring and early intervention for precancerous changes, which can lead to excellent outcomes.
Summary
| Key Points | Summary |
| What does an HPV positive test mean? | HPV infection detected, but not which type. Does not confirm cancer. |
| Should I worry about cervical cancer? | Most HPV clears within 2 years. Regular screening allows early treatment of any cell changes before cancer develops. |
| Can HPV cause genital warts? | Yes, but low-risk HPV types that rarely cause cancer. Most genital warts resolve without treatment. |
| Does HPV mean my partner cheated? | No, HPV can lie dormant for years before detection. Hard to trace origin. |
| How to reduce cancer risk? | Quit smoking, improve diet, exercise, safe sex, immune supplements, regular screening. |
| See a doctor if… | Visible warts, abnormal Pap, positive HPV test, other symptoms. |
| HPV FAQs | Testing methods, accuracy, frequency, effects on fertility and pregnancy. |
| Conclusion | Proper follow up allows early treatment of cell changes. Most HPV clears without cancer. |