Can you have a normal Pap and be HPV positive?

In fact, many women with HPV will never have an abnormal pap smear. That being said, routine screening with your provider is the only way to follow any changes to the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer.

What does it mean if your Pap is normal but HPV is positive?

The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities. Cellular abnormalities caused by HPV can be quite focal on the cervix, while the HPV infection can be more widespread.

Can a regular Pap smear detect HPV?

A Pap test screens for cancer of the cervix (the passageway between the vagina and the uterus). A Pap test can also be used to screen for non-visible (subclinical) human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The Pap test is not a specific test for HPV, although sometimes the results suggest that HPV might be present.

Can you be HPV positive with no abnormal cells?

HPV positive: no abnormal cells

If none are found, your result will say you have HPV , but no abnormal cells. We will ask you to come for screening again sooner than usual (your result letter will explain when). This is so we can check if your immune system has got rid of the HPV (this happens in most cases).

Does HPV always result in abnormal Pap?

Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

HPV test may be better than Pap smears at detecting early cervical cancer: Study

Should I worry if my HPV test is positive?

A positive HPV test means you do have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. But it could be a warning. The specific HPV type may be identified to determine the next step.

When should I repeat Pap with positive HPV?

If the HPV test is negative, you can return to your regular screening schedule. If the HPV test is positive, you should repeat the Pap test in one year.

How long does it take for HPV to cause abnormal cells?

HPV-related cancers often take years to develop after getting an HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually develops over 10 or more years. There can be a long interval between being infected with HPV, the development of abnormal cells on the cervix and the development of cervical cancer.

Do you have HPV for life?

In most cases (9 out of 10), HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.

What to do after positive HPV test?

If you got a positive HPV test and your Pap test was abnormal, your doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy. Try to see a physician who specializes in this procedure. During a colposcopy, your doctor will look more closely at the cervix, vagina or vulva with a special microscope called a colposcope.

Is HPV test better than Pap smear?

So HPV tests catch problems a little earlier than Pap tests, because they find HPV before it may cause cell changes — Pap tests find cell changes after they've already happened. That's why some doctors recommend HPV tests over Pap tests, and why you may need testing less often when you get HPV tests.

Why HPV test is better than Pap smear?

However, the Pap smear test used to look for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the cervical screening test looks for HPV infection. The new test for HPV can identify women who could be at risk of cervical cancer earlier than the Pap test could.

What does it mean to have HPV but no abnormal cells?

HPV found with no cell changes - means you have high-risk HPV, but you do not have changes to your cervical cells. So you will be invited for cervical screening sooner to check that the HPV has gone. This usually after a year.

Can HPV be misdiagnosed?

Can I have a false positive HPV test? A false-positive HPV test result could mean your test shows you have HPV, but not the type of HPV that causes cancer. Some studies indicate HPV cotests – Pap smears that test the same cells for cervical and HPV – have more false-positive results than primary high-risk HPV tests.

Why is my body not clearing HPV?

Around 90% of HPV infections clear within 2 years. For a small number of women and people with a cervix, their immune system will not be able to get rid of HPV. This is called a persistent infection. A persistent HPV infection causes the cells of the cervix to change.

How do you know if HPV is gone?

Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment. Because of this, it isn't uncommon to contract and clear the virus completely without ever knowing that you had it. HPV doesn't always cause symptoms, so the only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing. HPV screening for men isn't available.

What does it mean when you test positive for HPV?

Positive HPV test.

A positive test result means that you have a type of high-risk HPV that's linked to cervical cancer. It doesn't mean that you have cervical cancer now, but it's a warning sign that cervical cancer could develop in the future.

Should I get a hysterectomy if I have HPV?

Unfortunately, once you have been infected with HPV, there is no treatment that can cure it or eliminate the virus from your system. A hysterectomy removes the cervix, which means that the risk of developing cervical cancer because of persistent HPV infection will essentially be eliminated.

Can a yeast infection cause a positive HPV test?

What causes an abnormal Pap test? Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

Should I get a hysterectomy if I have precancerous cells?

If the precancerous disease is more extensive or involves adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and the woman has completed childbearing, a total hysterectomy may be recommended. During a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus (including the cervix) is removed.

How long will you test positive for HPV?

In most people, their immune system attacks the virus and clears the HPV infection, typically within 2 years. This is true of both high-risk and low-risk HPV types. But sometimes HPV infections are not cleared by the body.

What can cause false positive HPV test?

Pap Results Are Often Inaccurate

Sometimes these false positive Paps can be explained by a recent vaginal infection, or trauma to the cervix due to douching, tampons, or intercourse; sometimes the false positives just represent an inherent limitation of the test.

What are HPV symptoms in females?

How do you become HPV positive?

Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV.

HPV is spread through having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It's most commonly spread through vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.