Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually-transmitted infections in the world. It is estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active people will get infected with HPV at some point in their lives. While most people with HPV have no symptoms and the virus goes away on its own, a positive HPV test result can be confusing and scary. So, what does a positive HPV test really mean? Let’s unpack the truth.
Understanding HPV and how it is tested
Before we dive into what a positive HPV test means, let’s first understand what HPV is and how it is tested.
HPV is a family of viruses that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. There are over 100 types of HPV, and about 40 types can infect the genital area. HPV can lead to genital warts, cervical and other types of cancer, and other health problems.
To test for HPV, healthcare providers take a sample of cells from the cervix (for women) or the penis (for men) and send it to a lab for testing. The lab either looks for signs of the virus itself (known as an HPV DNA test) or looks for changes in cervical cells that could indicate the presence of HPV (known as a pap test).
What a positive HPV test means
A positive HPV test means that the sample of cells taken from the cervix or penis contains HPV DNA.
It is important to note that not all types of HPV cause cancer. In fact, most types of HPV do not cause any health problems at all. However, certain types of HPV are classified as high-risk because they have been linked to the development of cancer. If a person tests positive for one of these high-risk types of HPV, it means that they are at higher risk for developing cancer in the future.
It is also important to know that not all positive HPV tests indicate the presence of cancer. In fact, most women who test positive for HPV do not get cervical cancer. Instead, a positive HPV test result means that there are changes happening to the cells in the cervix that could someday lead to cancer if left untreated. This is why it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you receive a positive HPV test result.
What to do if you receive a positive HPV test result
If you receive a positive HPV test result, the first thing to do is not to panic. Remember that most HPV infections go away on their own, and that most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with proper screening and treatment.
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend additional tests, such as a colposcopy, to get a better look at the cells in your cervix and determine if any treatment is needed. Treatment options for abnormal cells in the cervix include watchful waiting, LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), and other surgical procedures.
Preventing HPV
The best way to prevent HPV is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter. However, condoms do not provide 100% protection against HPV, as the virus can be present in the skin surrounding the genital area. The HPV vaccine is another effective way to prevent HPV. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls beginning at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9 or as late as age 26 for both sexes.
The bottom line
In summary, a positive HPV test means that there is evidence of the virus in your body. However, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop cancer, and most cases of HPV will go away on their own. The best way to protect yourself against HPV and the health problems it can cause is to practice safe sex and get vaccinated. If you receive a positive HPV test result, follow up with your healthcare provider to determine what steps, if any, need to be taken.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 11). HPV and cancer. Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/cancer.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 13). HPV infection – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
- Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). HPV. Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv
Common questions and answers
- What does a positive HPV test result mean?
- A positive HPV test result means that the sample of cells taken from the cervix or penis contains HPV DNA.
- Does a positive HPV test mean I have cancer?
- A positive HPV test does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. However, it does mean that you are at higher risk for developing cancer in the future.
- What should I do if I receive a positive HPV test result?
- If you receive a positive HPV test result, follow up with your healthcare provider to determine what steps, if any, need to be taken. Your provider may recommend additional testing or procedures to monitor the health of the cells in your cervix or penis.
- Can HPV be cured?
- There is no cure for HPV, but most infections go away on their own without causing any health problems. Treatment options for abnormal cells in the cervix or penis may include watchful waiting or various surgical procedures.