HPV Positive: What It Means, Next Steps, And Treatment Options

Your doctor scheduled an HPV test as part of your cervical screening. Now you're left with questions, "What is this test looking for? Do I really need it? What if my results aren't normal?"

Let's clear up the confusion. The HPV test is a simple screening that helps catch potential problems early – long before they become serious. Knowing the test, when you need it, and how to read your results will help you feel prepared and not anxious.

What is the HPV test?

The HPV test is a simple check-up that can detect high-risk HPV types in cervical cells. These are the types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. The test doesn't diagnose cancer, but it identifies women who are at higher risk and who may need closer monitoring or additional tests.

The test is part of the routine screening for cervical cancer, and there are two ways to do it:

• Co-testing:

  • HPV test combined with a Pap smear test

• Primary HPV screening:

  • Only HPV test

When is an HPV test performed?

You may have an HPV test:

• During routine cervical screening:

  • If you're between 25-65 as part of standard preventive care

• After abnormal Pap results:

  • If your Pap test shows atypical cells (ASC-US) that need further evaluation

• As follow-up after treatment:

  • To monitor for HPV after you've been treated for cervical lesions or abnormalities

• In certain high-risk situations:

  • Such as if you have a weakened immune system

HPV testing is not usually done for women under 25, because HPV infections are very common in younger women and usually clear up on their own without treatment.

What do HPV test results mean?

The result of your HPV test will be positive or negative. Here's what each result means for your health and what you should do next.

• Positive HPV test:

  • A positive result of HPV means an abnormal finding that requires follow-up, but it's important to understand what this actually means for your health:

    • High-risk HPV was detected in your cervical cells

    • This does not mean you have cancer

    • It shows that there is a greater chance of getting cervical precancer or cancer at some point in the future.

    • You'll likely need further testing like a colposcopy or biopsy, to check for any abnormal cell changes

• Negative HPV test:

  • A negative result is normal and means your cervical health is good. That means:

    • No high-risk HPV was found

    • You are not at high risk of getting cervical cancer at the moment.

    • You usually won't need another screening for several years, depending on your age and medical history

Concerned about your HPV test results or need cervical screening? Our obstetrician and gynaecology specialists at Thomson Medical can guide you through your next steps and provide the follow-up care you need. Contact us to schedule your consultation.

What to do after testing positive for HPV?

Your next steps will depend on your age, the type of HPV detected, your Pap test results, and your medical history. Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following:

• You should have another HPV or Pap test in 6-12 months to check for any changes.

• A colposcopy, which involves a thorough examination of your cervix under a specialised microscope.

• If the colposcopy reveals abnormal areas, a cervical biopsy may be necessary.

• Treatment if precancerous cells are found.

Follow-up tests and procedures after a positive HPV test

• Colposcopy:

  • This is a simple clinic procedure where your doctor uses a special magnifying device to take a closer look at your cervix.

  • A vinegar-like solution may be applied to help highlight any abnormal areas.

• Cervical biopsy:

  • Your doctor may take a small sample (biopsy) from the cervix if any suspicious tissue is seen during colposcopy. This sample is sent to a lab to check for precancerous or cancerous changes.

• Biopsy results:

  • The biopsy results are often described using the CIN (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) grading system, which shows how much the cervical cells have changed:

    • CIN 1, mild cell changes that usually clear up on their own.

    • CIN 2, moderate cell changes that may need treatment.

    • CIN 3, severe cell changes that have a high risk of turning into cancer if left untreated.

Treatment options

While there’s no cure for the HPV itself, there are treatments for the abnormal cervical cells it can cause, such as:

• Cryotherapy:

  • The process involves freezing and removing abnormal tissue.

• LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure):

  • The LEEP procedure involves using a thin heated wire to remove abnormal cells.

• Laser therapy:

  • Laser therapy uses a strong, concentrated light beam to remove abnormal tissue.

• Cold knife cone biopsy:

  • The cone biopsy procedure involves removing a small cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.

• Topical treatments:

  • In certain cases, the treatment involves directly applying medicine to the affected areas.

The treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the abnormal cells and your overall health.

How should you manage HPV?

If you test positive for HPV, here's how to manage it and protect your health:

• Get regular follow-up testing:

  • Follow your doctor's recommendations for repeat HPV and Pap tests. These monitor whether the infection clears on its own or if abnormal cells develop.

• Treat abnormal cells if needed:

  • If precancerous cells are found, your doctor will recommend treatment to remove them before they can progress to cancer. Early treatment is highly effective.

• Consider HPV vaccination:

  • Even if you have HPV, the vaccine can protect you against other high-risk HPV types you haven't been exposed to yet. Talk to your doctor about whether HPV vaccination is right for you.

• Support your overall health:

  • While there's no proven way to clear HPV faster, maintaining good health supports your immune system:

    • Quit smoking, as smoking weakens your immune response and increases cancer risk

    • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

    • Manage stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques

    • Using condoms or dental dams during sex can lower (but not eliminate) the risk of spreading HPV to partners or getting additional HPV types.

Tested positive for HPV or need cervical screening? Our O&G specialists at Thomson Medical can guide you through your next steps, answer your questions, and provide the follow-up care you need. Schedule your consultation today.

FAQ

What does "HPV positive" mean?

It means high-risk HPV was detected in your cervical cells. This doesn't mean you have cancer, but it does mean you're at higher risk and need monitoring or further testing.

What should I do if I test positive for HPV?

Your doctor will recommend next steps based on your specific situation, which may include a follow-up Pap test in 6-12 months, a colposcopy to examine your cervix more closely, or a biopsy if abnormal areas are found. Most women with positive HPV tests don't need immediate treatment, just monitoring.

Does HPV go away on its own?

Yes, in most cases, the immune system clears the infection within 1-2 years for about 90% of women. However, some infections can persist, which is why regular screening is important.

Can I clear HPV faster?

Is HPV a sexually transmitted infection?

Is HPV serious?

For most women, HPV is not serious. Most HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own without causing any health problems. However, persistent high-risk HPV can lead to cervical cancer, other genital cancers, and in some cases, throat cancer. This is why regular cervical screening and early treatment of abnormal cells are so important – they catch problems before they become serious.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.