If you have been sexually active, it is important to be aware that certain sexually transmitted infections like HPV can have “high risk” strains. These strains can put someone at an increased risk of developing health problems such as cervical cancer.
To know if you have a high risk strain of HPV, you should consult a healthcare provider who can do a physical exam, Pap smear, and/or HPV test. The results of these tests will give you the information you need to determine whether or not you have a high risk strain of HPV.
It is important to remember that HPV is a very common virus that can lead to serious health issues. Taking the proper steps to diagnose whether or not you have a high risk strain is an important part of taking care of your sexual health.
If you think you may have been exposed to a high risk strain, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to determine the risk. With proper screening and treatments, high risk strains of HPV can often be managed and the risk of developing health issues can be reduced.
Table of Contents
What is considered high risk HPV?
High risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is any of the 40 or more strains of HPV that are linked with cervical cancer and other forms of genital cancer. Being infected with high risk HPV types puts a person at a higher risk of developing cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV types 16 and 18 are the two most common forms, and are responsible for around 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. Other high risk HPV types include 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68.
While these types of HPV can cause genital and throat cancers, most times high risk HPV will cause no symptoms and often infections will go away on their own. Those at risk should still contact a doctor if they have any concerning symptoms, or if they are experiencing difficulty urinating or abnormal bleeding.
How do you get rid of high-risk HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that affects both men and women, with several different strains. Many infections are harmless and go away on their own, but two high-risk strains, HPV 16 and 18, can cause serious problems including genital warts and cancer.
At present, there is no cure for HPV infections, and typically, the body’s immune system will clear the virus over time. However, there are some treatments that can help to get rid of the high-risk HPV viruses.
If an individual has already had an HPV infection, the HPV vaccine can be effective in getting rid of the high-risk strains. The vaccine is most effective when given before any HPV infection has occurred, but it can still help to eliminate the high-risk strains from the body if it is given after the initial infection.
In addition, doctors may prescribe certain anti-viral drugs to reduce the HPV infection and get rid of the high-risk strains. However, these drugs can have serious side effects and are only recommended for individuals at high risk for HPV-related problems.
Finally, it is important to note that it is not always possible to get rid of high-risk HPV viruses. In some cases, the virus may remain in the body and cause recurring infections or serious complications such as genital warts and cancer.
In these cases, regular monitoring and close follow-up care is important to help manage the infection and reduce the risk of these serious problems.
Is high-risk HPV a big deal?
Yes, high-risk HPV is a big deal because it can cause certain types of cancer when left undetected or untreated, most notably cervical cancer. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection.
It is estimated that up to 80% of individuals who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their life. There are different types of HPV, including high-risk and low-risk strains. High-risk HPV strains have been linked to several types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, anal cancer, and genital cancers.
Although high-risk HPV may cause cancer in some individuals, it is important to note that not everyone who contracts the virus will develop cancer. However, in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer from HPV, it is important to get regularly screened for the virus and to receive any necessary treatments as recommended by your doctor.
How long does it take HPV to become high-risk?
It is difficult to give a definitive answer to this question, as the length of time it takes for HPV to become high-risk can vary from person to person. Generally, it is estimated that it can take anywhere from three to six months after contact with HPV before it becomes high-risk.
However, in some cases, it may take up to one year or more for an HPV infection to develop into a high-risk HPV infection. Additionally, the type of HPV involved can also play a role in how quickly it develops into high-risk HPV.
For example, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are associated with a higher risk for developing certain cancers and can progress to high-risk HPV more quickly than other strains.
In order to reduce the chances of HPV becoming high-risk, it is important to get regular screenings and to practice safe sex. Additionally, it is also important to avoid contact with anyone who has HPV.
Furthermore, if you have been infected with HPV, it is essential to be aware of any changes in your body, such as the development of abnormal lesions or growths, as these may be signs of high-risk HPV.
How worried should be if I got a positive HPV high-risk result?
A positive HPV high-risk result can be concerning and cause anxiety. It is important to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an active infection or will develop a health problem. It’s also important to know that many HPV infections will clear on their own.
If you received a positive HPV high-risk result, it is important to discuss your results with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your results, the overall impact of HPV, and the importance of continuing follow-up and monitoring.
Depending on the results and your risk factors, they may suggest a treatment plan or additional screenings.
It is important to practice safe sex and consider getting the HPV vaccine if you haven’t already. Vaccination is recommended for everyone age 9 to 26 and can help to prevent some forms of HPV.
It’s also important to remember to make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any changes that you experience. With proper treatment and follow-up, the chance of developing a health condition from HPV is very low.
Why is my body not clearing HPV?
It is possible that your body is not clearing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) because the virus has been present in your body for a long time and has taken hold. The body’s natural defense mechanisms, such as the immune system, may not be able to fight the virus off if its been present for a long time.
Additionally, some HPV types are considered “high risk” and have greater potential to cause cell changes which can lead to cancer. These types of HPV may be harder for the body to clear. Additionally, factors like smoking, drinking, and suppressed immune systems can weaken the body’s ability to fight off HPV.
Lastly, other infections, such as an HIV infection, can weaken the body’s ability to fight off HPV and prevent it from being cleared. If you are worried that you may not clear HPV, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and to rule out the possibility of any serious health issues.
Can high risk HPV cells be removed?
Yes, high-risk HPV cells can be removed in a couple of ways. One way is through cryotherapy, which is where liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area to freeze and destroy the cells. It is typically most effective when used to remove genital warts, but is sometimes used to remove cell changes from high-risk HPV.
Another way to remove high-risk HPV cells is through a procedure known as Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), where a thin wire loop sends a low-level electrical current to the affected area to remove the cells.
This method is most effective when used to remove cell changes from high-risk HPV, as it is more targeted and precise than other methods. In some cases, high-risk HPV cells may be too extensive to be removed and will require ongoing monitoring through regular Pap smears or other tests.
Can persistent high risk HPV go away?
Yes, it is possible for persistent high risk HPV to go away. In most cases, the immune system will naturally clear the infection on its own within two years, meaning the virus will no longer be present in the body.
In some cases, HPV can become a persistent infection, and it is possible that the virus can remain in the body for many years. In this case, it is recommended to seek medical advice as there may be treatments available that can help to reduce the impact of the virus.
Additionally, taking steps to boost the immune system, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising and reducing stress levels, can also be beneficial in helping the body clear the infection on its own.
What are the chances of surviving HPV?
The chances of surviving HPV depend on the type of virus and the individual’s health. Generally speaking, most people exposed to the virus do not experience any health problems and remain completely healthy.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and the virus is so common that at least 50 percent of sexually active people will have it at some point in their life.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. However, HPV can sometimes cause serious health problems such as genital warts, cervical cancer, and other cancers of the throat and genitals.
These health problems can lead to long-term complications and can even be deadly.
When it comes to surviving HPV, the best approach is to get regular checkups, pay attention to any changes in your body, and ensure you get the HPV vaccine if it is available. The HPV vaccine works very effectively in preventing HPV and can greatly reduce a person’s chance of developing serious health complications.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food, exercising, and managing stress can also help your body fight off the virus.
Overall, the chances of surviving HPV vary from person to person, but having regular check-ups, getting the vaccine if available, and taking care of yourself can help reduce the risk of developing HPV-related health complications.
How do you know what type of HPV you have?
The type of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) you have can be determined by undergoing a Pap test or an HPV test. A Pap test is a gynecological exam that is used to check for abnormal cell changes on the cervix, and an HPV test is a type of DNA test that can be used to detect HPV infection.
Both tests can be performed at a doctor’s office, and the results of the tests will let you know which type of HPV virus you have.
It is important to note that HPV is very common, and many people have it and never know, since most cases of HPV infection do not show any symptoms. The only reliable way to know you have it is to get tested.
It is also important to note that many types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, so it is important to get tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active.
What are the different types of HPV?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are more than 150 different types of HPV, of which approximately 40 infect the genital area. These types are divided into two main categories—low-risk and high-risk HPV.
Low-risk HPV types can cause warts on genitals or other parts of the body, but do not cause changes to cells that can lead to cancer. These types include HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 42, HPV 43, and HPV 44.
High-risk HPV types can cause changes to cells that can lead to cancer. High-risk types include HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58, HPV 59, and HPV 68.
High-risk HPV can cause cervical cancer as well as other cancers in males and females, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. The good news is that most of these HPV-related cancers can be prevented with regular cervical cancer screenings, even if someone has been exposed to HPV.
Will I always test positive for HPV?
No, you will not always test positive for HPV. HPV is a very common virus that can cause cervical cancer and other health problems. However, if you have been infected with HPV in the past, you may never test positive for it again.
In most cases, a person’s body can naturally clear the HPV infection on its own. If the HPV virus has been cleared from the body, subsequent tests may show negative results, even if the person has been exposed to HPV in the past.
However, if the HPV infection is persistent, a person may continue to test positive for it in the future. Additionally, it is also possible for a person to contract HPV more than once. Therefore, the timing of the tests and the completeness of the test results are important factors in determining if an individual may test positive for HPV again.
Is HPV tested with STD test?
No, HPV is not typically tested with an STD test. HPV is a virus that is most often spread through vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex. Most people who are infected with HPV do not show any symptoms, so it usually does not get detected in standard STD testing.
The only way to test for HPV is through a specialized HPV test. However, most doctors do not advise testing for HPV unless there is an abnormal Pap smear result.
Can you detect HPV with a blood test?
No, it is not possible to detect HPV with a blood test. HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a virus that is typically spread through sexual contact, and the presence of the virus cannot be detected through lab tests such as a blood test.
Instead, the virus is typically detected through physical exams, such as pap smears for women, or through DNA testing of tissue samples. HPV is preventable, however, through vaccination. It is recommended for both males and females aged 11-12 to get the HPV vaccine in order to reduce their risk of developing HPV-related health issues.
