Can HPV Go Away on Its Own?
We get a lot of questions about HPV— short for the human papilloma virus—and our internal medicine physicians are in a unique position to provide the answers and information you need and deserve.
But can HPV go away on its own? We’ll explore the answer to this question, as well as some important facts about HPV.
Can HPV Go Away on Its Own?
The answer: Usually.
There are many cases where HPV does eventually go away without causing any health issues. In fact, in many cases of HPV, your immune system’s natural response enables it to fight the virus. Often, the HPV is gone from your system within 1-2 years.
While HPV can cause certain cancers, this is only from specific strains of HPV.
However, whenever you have an HPV infection, it always presents the possibility of other health problems. These include genital warts and certain types of cancer.
It’s difficult to predict if your HPV is the type that will go away on its own or if it is one of the strains that can cause health problems. Therefore, it’s important to reduce your risk of having HPV.
What About Those with Compromised Immune Systems?
If you have a compromised immune system, it will be more difficult for your body to fight off an HPV infection.
How Is HPV Treated?
Currently, there’s no treatment for the HPV virus. But there are effective treatments for the health problems that can arise as the result of an HPV infection.
For example, HPV can cause genital warts. These are often effectively treated with prescription medication.
HPV can cause certain cancers. In these cases, early detection is necessary for treatment and prevention.
This is why, for example, we recommend that women have routine Pap smears in order to check for precancerous cells on the cervix. If caught early, these cells can be removed.
What Are the Types of HPV-related Cancers?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, HPV is responsible for 90 percent of cervical and anal cancers, 70 percent of cases of vulvar and vaginal cancers and 60 percent of penile cancers. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat.
How Can I Prevent Getting HPV?
If you’re sexually active, you should use condoms every time you have sex. However, realize that HPV infections can also occur in areas that may not be covered by a condom. So, while condoms go a long way toward prevention, they do not provide 100 percent protection.
If you’re in a mutually monogamous relationship, this can reduce your chances of getting HPV.
Can I Get an HPV Vaccination?
This is the best way to prevent HPV. This is a vaccination recommended for girls and boys who are around 11 to 12 years old. Teens and young adults—ages 15 through 26—can also have the series of vaccinations.
If you’re over the age of 26 and haven’t had your HPV vaccination, please speak with us. Typically, the vaccine is less effective in those who are older, because they have already been exposed to HPV.
However, if you are ages 27 through 45, and you are concerned about your risk for new HPV infections, speak with us about the possible benefits of vaccination. We’ll determine if this is an appropriate step on a case-by-case basis.
Should I Be Tested for HPV?
Currently, there’s no test to determine if you have HPV. In addition, there’s no approved test to determine if you have developed HPV in the mouth or throat.
In fact, most people aren’t aware of their HPV status until they get genital warts. Women may discover they’ve been exposed to HPV if they get an abnormal Pap smear.
HPV Statistics
In the U.S., an estimated 80 percent of sexually active adults have been infected with HPV at some point, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
That equates to roughly 79 million Americans.
And many of them don’t realize they have been infected with the virus.
Cary Medical Group: Your Medical Home for Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
Your sexual health is important to us. We are always available to answer any questions you may have, and you should never be embarrassed to talk to us. We want you to live the healthiest life possible, and your sexual health is a part of that.
In addition to HPV immunizations, we also offer STD testing. We also offer Pap smears and other screening tests for women to help detect cervical cancer at its earliest, and most treatable stage.
We also have yearly, comprehensive wellness exams for men, including prostate cancer screenings.
We would consider it a privilege to be your medical home. Contact us for an appointment today.
