In most cases, the HPV infection clears up by itself. But sometimes, the infection lasts longer.
Low-risk HPVs mostly cause no disease. However, a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat.
High-risk: HPVs types linked to cancer are called high-risk types. There are about 14 high-risk HPV types including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Two of these, HPV16 and HPV18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.
Cancers linked to high-risk HPV include:
- Cervical Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Penile Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
- Some types of head and neck cancer
HPV infection is common: Nearly all sexually active people are infected with HPV within months to a few years of becoming sexually active. Around half of these infections are with a high-risk HPV type. High-risk HPV infections that persist can cause cancer: Sometimes HPV infections are not successfully controlled by your immune system. When a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, it can lead to cell changes that, if untreated, may get worse over time and become cancer.
Testing for HPV
HPV testing is part of cervical screening. There’s no blood test for HPV. During cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and tested for HPV. Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. It helps protect them against cervical cancer. Some sexual health clinics may offer anal screening to men with a higher risk of developing anal cancer, such as men who have sex with men.
Treatment for HPV
There’s no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by your body within 2 years.
Treatment is needed if HPV causes problems like genital warts or changes to cells in the cervix.
