What does a normal Pap but positive HPV mean?

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.

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

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.

Can you have HPV and have a normal Pap smear?

Some women for whom we test for HPV will have a normal pap smear, but have a positive high risk HPV result. This is particularly confusing because they may have never had an abnormal pap smear, and they may never even develop one.

Should I worry if my HPV test is positive?

A positive test result doesn't mean a cancer diagnosis is inevitable—it simply means you're at a higher risk. We take positive HPV results and cellular abnormalities very seriously and conduct extensive testing and regular monitoring to make sure the virus doesn't result in more serious issues.

What causes positive HPV on Pap?

HPV, Human Papiloma Virus, causes abnormal Pap smear results because HPV is a virus which infects skin cells. When subclinical HPV infects the skin cells in the cervix (skin cells on the cervix are called squamous cells), it causes the cells to change and become abnormal.

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Can you get a false HPV result?

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.

What are the symptoms of HPV in females?

Do I need a colposcopy if I have HPV?

If you test positive for HPV 16/18, you will need to have a colposcopy. If you test positive for HPV (but did not have genotyping performed or had genotyping and tested negative for 16/18), you will likely have a colposcopy.

What should I do if I test positive for HPV?

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.

How long does HPV stay in your system?

Depending on the type of HPV that you have, the virus can linger in your body for years. In most cases, your body can produce antibodies against the virus and clear the virus within one to two years. Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment.

How often should I get a Pap smear if I have HPV?

every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing alone. every 5 years with Pap and high-risk HPV cotesting. every 3 years with a Pap test alone.

How long after contracting HPV will you test positive?

A: Changes consistent with HPV can usually be detected within 3-6 months after exposure to the infection.

Can you have HPV without 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 you test positive for HPV and then negative?

HPV is a very common virus: About one quarter of women going through college will be exposed to HPV during their college years. In most cases, your body will effectively fight the HPV virus; most women with a positive HPV test will eventually have a negative test result.

Can HPV be negative then positive years later?

What does it mean if a woman has a positive HPV test after years of negative tests? Sometimes, after several negative HPV tests, a woman may have a positive HPV test result. If you have a new sexual partner, this is most likely a new infection.

Is HPV a STI or STD?

HPV is a very common STI. Among 15- to 59-year-olds, 2 in 5 (40%) people will have HPV. There are many different types of HPV; most do not cause any health problems. HPV is a different virus than HIV or (HSV) herpes.

What causes HPV in females?

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.

What happens if you have HPV for 3 years?

If you still have HPV after 3 years, you may need to have a colposcopy. You'll be asked to have a colposcopy. Information: HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point.

Can HPV go away after 5 years?

HPV Very Rarely Becomes Cervical Cancer

For 90 percent of women with HPV, the condition will clear up on its own within two years. Only a small number of women who have one of the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer will ever actually develop the disease.

How painful is a colposcopy biopsy?

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free. You might feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash your cervix with the vinegar-like solution. If you get a biopsy, you might have some discomfort.

What color is HPV discharge?

Increased vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, douching or a pelvic exam.

Can a woman give a man HPV?

Can HPV be passed between a man and a woman? Yes, men can catch HPV from women. The virus can be passed on between sexual partners of any gender.

Can HPV cause odor and discharge?

Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor.

Can a yeast infection cause a positive HPV test?

In some cases , a yeast infection may not cause any symptoms, so a person may not know they have it. In this case, the Pap smear result may come back as ASC-US. If this happens, the NCI states that the doctor may perform an HPV test if they did not do this previously to determine if the abnormal result is due to HPV.

How often are HPV tests false positive?

It's up to 30 percent of people [who] are falsely positive." These false positive cases can lead to unnecessary, higher risk follow-up procedures, like biopsies.