Common Questions about HPV
What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus. There are about 40 types of HPV that affect the genitals or sex organs of men and women. Some HPV types can cause genital warts. Other types can infect a woman’s Cervix and lead to cervical Cancer over many years. But most of the time, HPV causes no symptoms or health problems and goes away by itself within two years. Experts do not know why HPV goes away in so many, but not all women.
How did I get HPV? Who gave it to me?
HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. Most people never even know they have HPV or that they are passing it to their partner. For this reason, it may not be possible to know who gave you HPV or when you got it. HPV is so common that most people get it soon after they start having sex. In cases when HPV does not go away on its own, it may only be found years later.
Are there other ways I could have gotten HPV?
There are many myths about how people get HPV. You cannot get HPV from being unclean, from toilet seats, or from having an Abortion. Also, you are not more likely to get HPV from having rough sex or sex during your period.
How does HPV cause cervical cancer?
HPV can cause normal cells on your cervix to turn abnormal. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own. When HPV goes away, your cervical cells go back to normal. But if HPV lingers for many years, these abnormal cells can turn into cancer.
Can I prevent cervical cancer?
Yes. You can get screening tests that can find early signs of cervical cancer before you ever get sick. That way, problems can be found and removed before they ever become cancer. The Pap test and HPV test are cervical cancer screening tests.
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How is the Pap test different from the HPV test?
Both of these tests help screen for cervical cancer, but they look for different things. The Pap test looks for cell changes on your cervix that could develop into cervical cancer. The HPV test looks for HPV, the virus that can cause these cell changes.
How likely am I to get cancer if I have HPV?
Few women who have HPV get cervical cancer—as long as they follow their doctor’s advice for needed testing or treatment. If you have HPV, your doctor may check up on you more often and do more tests to look for changes on your cervix. That way, your doctor can find and treat any changes early, so you don’t get cervical cancer. Be sure to follow up with your doctor!
Is there a treatment for HPV?
There is no treatment for HPV, but most people’s bodies do eventually fight the virus off. There are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause—like genital warts, cervical cell changes, and cervical cancer. Once abnormal cells are treated (removed), you may need to get Pap tests more often to make sure they do not come back.
Will I have HPV forever?
In most women, HPV goes away within two years. We do not know why it lasts longer in some women than others.
