Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. HPV affects people of all genders. Nearly 80% of women will develop at least one type during their lifetime. There are over 100 types of HPV.
Although 9 out of 10 HPV infections go away on their own within two years, some strains can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer. These infections can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
Genital warts are a sign of HPV, but only a few types of HPV cause warts. Many types of HPV, including those that cause cancer, are largely asymptomatic, so regular testing is essential for early detection.
Although it may be uncomfortable, it is important to discuss a positive HPV test result with your sexual partner to keep both of you safe. Although there is a stigma against women being infected with HPV (and STIs in general), keep in mind that there is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Talking about your symptoms or diagnosis can help keep you and your sexual partners safe.
This article provides information about HPV in women, including symptoms, screening, treatment, and prevention through vaccination.
Notes on gender and gender terminology
Verywell Health recognizes that sex and gender are related concepts, but are not the same. To accurately reflect the sources, this article uses terms such as “female,” “male,” “feminine,” and “male” as used in the sources.
Brief information about HPV in women
Below is a brief summary of important HPV details for women, including signs to look for, cancer risk, and ways to prevent it.
Symptoms may include genital warts.
Some types of HPV cause warts. This type is not cancer. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a lump, inflammation, or abnormal growth in your genital area, throat, or mouth. Genital warts caused by HPV may appear as small bumps or groups of bumps.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding and irregular cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina), found through a Pap smear, may indicate precancerous and cancerous changes caused by HPV.
Screening helps determine risk
One of the only ways to determine your HPV status is to have regular gynecological exams. A Pap smear, which tests for abnormal cells in the cervix, may indicate HPV infection. Testing for HPV itself can also be done on a cervical swab sample.
If detected early, cervical cancer is treatable. Screening guidelines recommend starting Pap tests around age 21. People ages 25 to 65 can have a cervical sample tested for HPV. This test may be done in addition to a Pap or instead of a Pap, depending on your age.
It takes years for HPV to turn into cancer
HPV can cause cancer of the vulva (external genitalia), vagina, cervix, throat, or anus, but HPV-related cancers often take years or decades to develop. In addition to the HPV vaccine, regular Pap smears and early detection are key to cancer prevention.
As a woman, how do you know if you have HPV?
Many types of HPV infections have no symptoms, so most people don't know they are infected. They may never develop health problems because of it. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer and others can cause genital warts.
Genital warts are one of the only signs of some strains of HPV. These may appear in groups and resemble cauliflower.
Screening tests look for health problems in people who don't have symptoms. To detect and treat cervical cancer early, regular screening through a cervical cytology test or cervical HPV test is essential.
How women get infected with HPV
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected sexual partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. People infected with HPV can spread the infection to others even if they have no signs or symptoms. HPV can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby during vaginal birth.
HPV and its impact on intimate relationships
HPV can be difficult in intimate relationships. Because HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, it is highly stigmatized, especially in women. The stigma stems from the notion that only promiscuous women get HPV. Other incorrect assumptions include denial.
Because there is no HPV testing for men and testing for women occurs approximately every 3 to 5 years, monogamous male-female couples may have undiagnosed HPV. It is nearly impossible to determine which partner it originated from.
Although it may be uncomfortable, you should disclose your STI test results to your sexual partners so that they can receive appropriate testing and treatment if needed.
HPV Treatment: Watchful Waiting and Intervention
If HPV is found, your healthcare provider will tell you whether it is a high-risk or low-risk type. Low-risk HPV may be monitored over time to see if the cells return to normal or the virus is cleared (no longer detectable).
High-risk HPV types can cause several types of cancer. There are about 12 high-risk types of HPV. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among American women. And globally. It is almost always caused by HPV. Early detection and intervention are important.
When will HPV go away?
Most HPV infections clear up within 24 months after exposure. Most people's immune systems fight off low-grade HPV infections. Unfortunately, 10 to 20 percent of high-risk HPV infections do not clear up on their own and can lead to cancer within 3 to 7 years.
HPV vaccination: is there an age limit?
It is estimated that HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection. It is also effective in preventing genital warts.
Because vaccination is preventative rather than curative, health experts recommend that children of all genders be vaccinated around age 11, before they are at increased risk of exposure to HPV through sexual activity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the HPV vaccine for people up to age 45. Most sexually active women ages 27 to 45 have already been exposed to HPV and are therefore unlikely to benefit from the vaccine. However, if you think you may be at risk for a new infection with HPV, talk to your health care provider to determine if the vaccine is right for you.
summary
HPV is a common, usually asymptomatic STI that affects people of all genders. It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, about 80% of people become infected with HPV during their lifetime without causing any signs or health effects. That's because a healthy immune system usually eliminates low-grade HPV on its own, usually within two years of exposure.
HPV is not cancerous, but some high-risk types of HPV can cause cancer in people of all ages. Regular screening with a Pap smear and/or cervical HPV test can help detect high-risk HPV early and determine treatment options. The HPV vaccine can prevent 90% of cancers.