Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Women: What It Is

A "HPV detected" result on a lab report is scarier than it needs to be. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is present in most people, and in most it causes no problems. Let's break down what this virus is, how it is transmitted, and what its types mean.

What human papillomavirus is

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the name of a very common group of viruses; more than 100 types are known. The virus affects the skin as well as areas such as the inner surface of the mouth, throat, vagina, and anus. In most people it causes no problems, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. There is no treatment for the HPV infection itself: usually the body clears the virus within two years, sometimes it persists longer. What is treated are the consequences — warts or cell changes.

How HPV is transmitted and who is at risk

It is transmitted easily; penetrative sex is not required for this. The routes are any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and shared sex toys. Many partners are not required: the virus can be transmitted on the very first sexual contact. HPV is resistant to antiseptics, so transmission through objects and self-infection, for example when shaving, is possible.

Almost all sexually active people encounter HPV soon after becoming sexually active; about 85% of sexually active women — over their lifetime. Condoms reduce the risk but do not cover all the skin around the genitals, so they do not provide complete protection.

How HPV manifests in women

Most often it does not. Most people with the virus do not know they have it. Sometimes low-risk types cause painless growths or bumps around the vagina and anus — genital warts. High-oncogenic-risk types cause no symptoms: manifestations appear only if long-standing cell changes progress to cancer.

HPV types and the link to cervical diseases

HPV is divided into two categories — low and high risk. Low risk — warts on the genitals, in the anus, in the mouth or throat. High risk is linked to cancer of the cervix, anal canal, penis, vulva, vagina, and to some head and neck cancers, including the oropharynx; types 16 and 18 are named more often than others.

A high-oncogenic-risk virus can remain in the cervix for years and change cells. Without screening and treatment, these changes can over time progress to cancer, and almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-term high-risk infection. At the same time, the virus can live in the body for many years, even if you have not been sexually active for a long time or have not changed partners.

How the virus is detected: tests and screening

There is no blood test for HPV. Testing is part of cervical screening: a small sample of cervical cells is taken and checked for the virus. Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. A doctor recognizes warts on examination.

• Pap test (smear) — looks for changes in cervical cells.
• HPV test — checks a cervical cell sample for the virus.
• Pap test and HPV test together — as is done in some screening programs.
• Colposcopy — examination of the cervix if abnormal cells need to be checked.

Detecting the virus by itself does not mean disease: in most people the infection has no consequences. What is discussed with a doctor is not a "bad test" in isolation, but the combination of the HPV test result, the smear, and your age.

When to see a doctor

See a gynecologist if you notice growths or bumps around the vagina and anus, or if you have received a positive HPV test result or cell changes on a smear. Vaccination is a separate conversation: it protects against the types that cause most genital warts and cervical cancers, but not against all of them. If you are over 26 and not vaccinated, discuss the possible benefits of vaccination with your doctor.

HPV by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance: it is not an emergency. 103 or 112 — if you or someone near you is developing a life-threatening condition, such as signs of a stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: decisions about testing and follow-up are best made together with a gynecologist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer