HPV Positive But 16 & 18 Negative: What It Means

Your human papillomavirus (HPV) test shows positive, but it's negative for types 16 and 18. You might be wondering what this actually means. Are there other high-risk types to worry about? What happens next? While any positive HPV result requires attention, these specific results reveal an important detail about your HPV status.

Understanding the difference between HPV types can help you make sense of your diagnosis and the follow-up care your doctor recommends.

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) test?

The HPV test checks whether you have high-risk types of human papillomaviruses in your cervical cells – specifically, the strains most likely to cause cervical cancer. Your doctor often performs this test alongside a Pap smear to provide a more complete picture of your cervical health.

The test detects genetic material (DNA or RNA) from the virus in cells collected from your cervix during a pelvic examination. The procedure feels identical to a Pap smear – your doctor uses the same speculum and collection method.

The test identifies high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers. These strains can also lead to vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers. 

What do positive and negative HPV test results mean?

Receiving your HPV test results might bring up some anxiety, but knowing how to interpret them can help you feel more at ease and understand what comes next. Here's what you need to know about what your results mean for your health.

Positive HPV test

A positive result means that high-risk HPV DNA has been found. This doesn’t mean you have cancer – only that there’s a higher chance of developing abnormal cervical cells over time. Your doctor may recommend further tests such as a Pap smear, colposcopy, or a repeat test in about a year to monitor any changes.

Negative HPV test

A negative result means that no high-risk HPV was detected. This puts you at a low risk of developing cervical cancer in the near future. Depending on your age and local screening guidelines, you may not need another test for 3 to 5 years. 

What are HPV strains 16 and 18?

HPV types 16 and 18 are the two high-risk strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer.

• HPV 16 is responsible for about half of all cervical cancer cases.

• HPV 18 accounts for another 10-15%.

When your doctor orders an HPV genotyping test, these two types are usually checked specifically because of their stronger link to cancer risk.

What does "HPV positive, but 16/18 negative" mean?

"HPV positive but 16/18 negative" means you have a high-risk HPV infection, but not the two highest-risk types – HPV 16 or 18. Your overall risk is lower, but it’s still important to monitor your health closely.

What happens next depends on your Pap smear results and age:

• If your Pap test is normal:

  • Your doctor will likely recommend repeating the HPV test in about a year to see if the infection clears on its own.

• If your Pap test is abnormal:

  • You may need a colposcopy, which allows your doctor to take a closer look at your cervix for any changes.

Most mild HPV infections clear naturally, especially with regular follow-up and care.

Concerned about your HPV test results? Our obstetrician and gynaecology (O&G) 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.

Does an HPV strain other than 16/18 go away on its own?

Yes, most high-risk HPV infections, even those not caused by types 16 or 18, usually clear on their own within one to two years, especially if you’re younger and have a strong immune system.

If the infection persists for more than two years, your risk of developing abnormal cell changes or cancer increases. That’s why regular Pap smears and HPV tests are important to monitor your health. 

Available treatments for HPV strains besides 16/18

If you test positive for a high-risk HPV strain other than 16 or 18, it’s important to follow up regularly with your doctor. Many of these infections clear naturally over time, but some can cause cell changes in the cervix that need monitoring or treatment.

If further tests or a biopsy show changes in the cells of your cervix, the next steps depend on how mild or severe those changes are:

• Mild (low-grade) changes:

  • These often go away naturally without treatment. Your doctor may simply suggest regular monitoring.

• Moderate changes:

  • You may need more frequent follow-up, maybe every six months, or a minor procedure to remove abnormal cells.

• Severe (high-grade) changes:

  • These require prompt treatment to remove the affected tissue and prevent it from developing into cancer.

The most common treatment for high-grade changes is conisation (cone biopsy), where a small, cone-shaped area of abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix using a scalpel or a heated wire loop. Other possible treatments include cryotherapy (freezing the tissue) or laser therapy.

While there’s no direct cure for the HPV virus itself, focusing on your immune health can help your body clear the infection naturally. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and managing stress all support your body’s recovery.

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) can also offer protection against multiple high-risk HPV strains – not just 16 and 18 – helping prevent new infections in the future.

Tested positive for HPV? 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 consultationto receive a personalised care.

FAQ

Is HPV 16 an STI?

What should I do if my Pap smear is negative but HPV is positive?

Do I need a colposcopy if I have HPV but not 16/18?

How often should I get a Pap smear if my HPV is negative?

If both your HPV test and Pap smear are normal, most women aged 30 to 65 can safely repeat co-testing every five years. Screening intervals may vary depending on your country’s guidelines or your doctor’s recommendation.

Which is more cancerous, HPV 16 or 18?

Both are considered high-risk types, but HPV 16 is more carcinogenic and responsible for most cervical and other HPV-related cancers. HPV 18 is also high-risk but tends to cause fewer cases overall.

Can you test positive for HPV and not have cancer?

Yes, testing positive for HPV does not mean you have cancer. It only means the virus is present in your body. In most cases, your immune system clears the infection within 1-2 years without causing any harm. However, if the virus persists, it can sometimes lead to abnormal cell changes – which is why regular follow-up testing (Pap or HPV test) is important for early detection and prevention.

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.