Discovering you’ve tested positive for HPV can be unsettling after the routine of Pap and HPV tests. It’s natural to wonder, “What happens now?” Rest assured, you’re not navigating this alone. HPV is incredibly common.
“Over 80% of individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives,” explains gynecologic oncologist Lois Ramondetta, M.D.
The encouraging news is that in the majority of cases, the body’s immune system effectively combats the virus, preventing any health complications. However, if the immune system doesn’t clear the virus, and it persists, the risk of cancer increases.
Dr. Ramondetta provides further insights into HPV and essential information for those who have tested positive.
What Exactly is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, encompasses a group of over 100 related viruses.
Dr. Ramondetta clarifies that HPV resides on the skin and is primarily transmitted through intimate contact, including:
- Intercourse
- Oral sex
- Genital skin-to-skin contact
Most HPV strains are benign, causing no cancer or even noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they can manifest as:
Genital Warts
Certain HPV types are responsible for genital warts, also known as genital papillomas, in both men and women. These warts typically emerge within a few months of HPV exposure. While they can be treated with prescription medications or removed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that genital warts may also resolve spontaneously, remain unchanged, or grow in size or number.
Cancer Risks Associated with HPV
Specific HPV strains are classified as high-risk due to their potential to cause cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are prominent high-risk strains, along with several other subtypes, according to Dr. Ramondetta.
In women, these high-risk HPV strains can lead to:
In men, high-risk HPV strains can cause:
Other HPV-Related Health Concerns
Dr. Ramondetta points out that HPV can also contribute to other health issues, such as:
- Pre-cancers of the vulva and vagina
- Respiratory papillomatosis, characterized by papillomas on the vocal cords
- Papillomas in young children. In rare instances, HPV can be transmitted from mother to child during vaginal childbirth.
How is HPV Detected? Do I Need to See a Doctor for HPV Testing?
Since HPV often presents without symptoms, it can be challenging to know if you have it, says Dr. Ramondetta. Therefore, it’s wise to assume potential HPV exposure during your lifetime, with most exposures occurring in the 20s.
HPV diagnosis is achieved through an HPV test. Currently, HPV screening is standard practice for women. This screening is typically conducted by a doctor during a routine Pap test. A doctor or healthcare provider uses a soft brush to collect cells from the cervix, which are then sent to a lab for analysis.
MD Anderson provides these guidelines for women at average cervical cancer risk regarding HPV testing frequency.
HPV Testing for Women Ages 21 to 29
For women in this age group, a Pap test every three years is recommended. Women who opt out of Pap tests should begin HPV tests every five years, starting at age 25.
HPV Testing for Women Ages 30 to 64
MD Anderson advises women aged 30 and older to undergo both a Pap and HPV test every five years.
HPV Testing for Women Over 65
Some women over 65 may be able to discontinue screening, depending on their medical history. Consulting with a gynecologist is crucial to determine the appropriate course of action. It is important to speak with your doctor to understand your individual risk and screening needs.
Positive HPV Test: What is My Cancer Risk? Should I See a Doctor?
A positive HPV test result indicates the detection of one or more high-risk HPV strains.
Experts emphasize that while the cancer risk associated with HPV is low, it should be taken seriously. This is when consulting a Doctor For Hpv becomes crucial.
“Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it,” Dr. Ramondetta advises. “Follow up with your doctor to discuss the next steps and maintain perspective. Most HPV infections will not become a long-term health issue.”
The immune system usually clears the virus within two years. Out of millions of HPV diagnoses annually, only a small fraction progress to cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer, with almost all cases linked to HPV.
The HPV vaccine assists the immune system in recognizing and eliminating the virus more effectively, according to Dr. Ramondetta.
“The vaccine essentially provides your immune system with a ‘cheat sheet’ to identify the virus,” she explains.
Other cancers linked to HPV are less common, and routine screening isn’t currently recommended or available.
While dentists are increasingly screening for oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, HPV testing isn’t part of this screening. Furthermore, oropharyngeal cancer, developing deep in the throat, is often detected later, typically after a lump forms.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits strengthens the body’s ability to clear HPV.
“Eating antioxidant-rich foods, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use are all ways to bolster your immune system,” Dr. Ramondetta recommends. Your doctor can provide personalized advice on lifestyle modifications to support your health.
Alt text: Doctor explaining HPV test results to a concerned patient, emphasizing the importance of understanding next steps after a positive HPV diagnosis.
Do I Need Further HPV Testing or to See a Specialist Doctor for HPV?
Pap and HPV test results guide the need for further investigation. Your doctor will determine the appropriate follow-up based on your specific results.
Positive HPV Test, Normal Pap Test
If you test positive for HPV but your Pap test is normal, your doctor will likely recommend repeat Pap and HPV screening in one year.
If the subsequent HPV test is negative, routine Pap and HPV testing can continue.
However, if the second HPV test remains positive, your doctor might recommend a colposcopy. This is a situation where you may be referred to a specialist doctor for HPV, such as a gynecologic oncologist or a specialist in colposcopy.
During a colposcopy, a doctor uses a colposcope, a specialized microscope, to closely examine the cervix, vagina, or vulva for abnormal cells or blood vessels that may require treatment.
Positive HPV Test, Abnormal Pap Test
If both your HPV and Pap tests are positive, a colposcopy is typically recommended. Seeking a physician specializing in colposcopy is advisable in this scenario to ensure expert evaluation and management.
Talking to Your Partner About HPV: Guidance from Your Doctor
It’s natural to wonder about the source of an HPV infection. However, pinpointing the exact timing of exposure is often impossible. HPV can remain in the body undetected for years. Many individuals are unaware of having contracted or transmitted the virus. Discussing these complexities with your doctor can provide clarity and support for communicating with your partner.
“HPV can be present for years before detection, if it ever shows up,” Dr. Ramondetta explains.
When discussing an HPV diagnosis with a partner, remember its prevalence – 80% of people will have HPV in their lifetime.
While transmission to a partner is possible, they may have already been exposed previously.
If your partner is a woman, she should adhere to recommended screening guidelines for Pap and HPV tests to ensure early detection and management of any potential issues. Encourage your partner to consult with her doctor about HPV screening and vaccination.
Protecting Yourself and Your Partner from HPV: Ask Your Doctor About Vaccination
Condoms offer limited protection against HPV as the virus resides on the skin.
The HPV vaccine is the most effective way to protect against HPV-related cancers. Talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination for yourself and your children.
Dr. Ramondetta clarifies that the HPV vaccine won’t eliminate an existing HPV infection. However, vaccination before HPV exposure can prevent infection from 7 high-risk and 2 low-risk HPV subtypes.
HPV vaccination is recommended for all males and females. Ideally, vaccination should occur between ages 9 and 14 for optimal protection with only two doses needed. Unvaccinated adults aged 27–45 should discuss the benefits of vaccination with their doctor.
For those starting vaccination between ages 9 and 14, two doses are sufficient. Initiating vaccination after age 15 requires three doses for full immunity.
The HPV vaccine is safe, with no serious side effects, and does not cause HPV infection.
“The vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and long-lasting protection are well-established,” Dr. Ramondetta emphasizes. “I strongly encourage parents to get their 9- or 10-year-olds vaccinated to receive decades of protection with just two shots.” Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate HPV vaccination schedule for you or your children.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789 to consult with a doctor about HPV.
Alt text: A doctor discussing the HPV vaccine with a patient, highlighting the importance of vaccination as a primary prevention method against HPV-related diseases.
