Finding out you may have HPV can feel overwhelming and scary. But here is the truth: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and most people who have it never even know. What matters most is what you do next. Early detection and the right care can protect your health completely.
What Is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which approximately 40 strains are transmitted through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and about 14 million new infections occur every year. In fact, the CDC estimates that nearly every sexually active person will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime.
Most HPV infections clear on their own within 1 to 2 years without causing any health problems. However, certain high-risk strains, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18 can persist and lead to cervical cancer and other serious conditions if left undetected.
Signs You May Have HPV
Here is what makes HPV unique: it often has no symptoms at all. Many women carry HPV for years without knowing it. However, some signs to watch for include:
- Genital warts — soft, flesh-colored growths in or around the vaginal area, cervix, or anus. These are caused by low-risk HPV strains (types 6 and 11) and do not cause cancer, but they do require treatment.
- Abnormal Pap smear results — often the first indicator of a high-risk HPV infection, detected during routine gynecological screening
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding — bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause can sometimes signal HPV-related cervical changes
- Unexplained pelvic discomfort — though less common, persistent pelvic pain warrants evaluation
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or simply have concerns do not wait. See your OB-GYN.
What to Do First: Get Tested
The most important step you can take is scheduling a cervical cancer screening with your OB-GYN. There are two key tests:
Pap Smear (Pap Test) A Pap smear collects cells from your cervix to check for abnormal changes that could develop into cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends Pap smears beginning at age 21, repeated every 3 years for women ages 21–65.
HPV DNA Test (Co-Testing) The HPV test detects the presence of high-risk HPV strains directly. For women 30 and older, co-testing, a Pap smear combined with an HPV DNA test is the gold standard for cervical cancer screening. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that HPV-based screening was significantly more effective at detecting precancerous cervical lesions than cytology alone.
What Happens If Your Results Are Abnormal?
An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer. It means your OB-GYN needs to look more closely. Next steps may include:
- Colposcopy — a detailed examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument to identify abnormal areas
- Cervical biopsy — a small tissue sample taken during colposcopy to determine the grade of any cell changes (called CIN — cervical intraepithelial neoplasia)
- LEEP procedure (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) — removes abnormal cervical tissue if precancerous cells are found. Research shows LEEP is highly effective, with success rates of 90–95% for treating high-grade cervical dysplasia (ASCCP Guidelines, 2019)
HPV Treatment: What You Need to Know
There is currently no cure for the HPV virus itself, but there are highly effective treatments for the conditions it causes:
- Genital warts are treated with topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgical removal
- Precancerous cervical changes are treated with LEEP, cryotherapy, or cone biopsy depending on severity
- Persistent high-risk HPV is managed through close monitoring and follow-up with your OB-GYN
- Cervical cancer, if detected at an early stage, has a 5-year survival rate of over 92%, according to the American Cancer Society, which is why regular screening is life-saving
The HPV Vaccine: Still an Option for Many Women
If you have not been vaccinated, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is FDA-approved for women up to age 45. It protects against nine HPV strains, including the two highest-risk strains (HPV 16 and 18) responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. A major study published in The Lancet confirmed that the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of high-grade cervical lesions by up to 87% in previously uninfected women.
Even if you already have HPV, the vaccine can protect you against strains you have not yet been exposed to. Talk to your OB-GYN about whether vaccination is right for you.
Protecting Your Health Going Forward
A diagnosis of HPV is not the end of the story, it is the beginning of proactive care. Here is what you can do:
- Keep all follow-up appointments — consistent monitoring is the most effective way to catch any changes early
- Do not smoke — smoking significantly weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV and increases the risk of cervical cancer progression
- Practice safe sex — consistent condom use reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of HPV transmission
- Talk to your partner — HPV is extremely common and can be transmitted even without symptoms
- Stay current on screenings — regular Pap smears and HPV co-testing are your most powerful protection
The Bottom Line
Suspecting or being diagnosed with HPV can feel frightening but knowledge is power. Most HPV infections resolve on their own, and with proper screening, monitoring, and care, serious complications are highly preventable. The women who protect their health best are those who stay informed, stay screened, and work closely with a trusted OB-GYN.
Schedule Your Women’s Health Appointment with IVANA MD
If you suspect you have HPV, have received an abnormal Pap result, or are simply overdue for a cervical cancer screening, do not wait. Our experienced women’s health team in Missouri City, TX is here to provide compassionate, confidential, and expert care.
Call: 346-585-4077
4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459
Compassionate. Evidence-based. Personalized. That is IVANA MD.
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified women’s health provider for HPV screening, evaluation, and treatment.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). HPV Fact Sheet. www.cdc.gov/std/hpv
- Ronco G, et al. (2014). Efficacy of HPV-based screening for prevention of invasive cervical cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 371, 819–827.
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Cervical Cancer Survival Rates. www.cancer.org
- ASCCP. (2019). Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 24(2), 102–131.
- Kjaer SK, et al. (2020). Final analysis of a 14-year long-term follow-up study of the HPV vaccine. The Lancet, 395, 1908–1916.
