Introduction
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, and testing for it has become an essential part of cervical cancer screening for women. While receiving your HPV test results can feel confusing—or even alarming, especially if the result is positive- it’s important to understand what your test means. Whether your result is positive or negative, it doesn’t tell the full story about your health or cancer risk on its own. This article will break down what your HPV test results mean, what steps you might need to take next, and how to manage your health based on the findings.
What Is an HPV Test?
An HPV test is a laboratory test that checks for the presence of high-risk types of HPV in cervical cells. Unlike a Pap smear, which looks for abnormal or precancerous cells, the HPV test detects the presence of the virus that can cause those changes.
- High-risk HPV types (especially types 16 and 18) are known to cause cervical cancer and other cancers.
- Low-risk types may cause genital warts but are not typically tested for during routine screening.
HPV testing may be done:
- As part of routine cervical cancer screening (for women aged 25–65)
- Alongside a Pap test (co-testing)
- As a follow-up if your Pap smear results were abnormal
Understanding a Negative HPV Test Result
If your test result is negative, this means that no high-risk HPV types were found in your cervical sample.
What This Means:
- You do not currently have a high-risk HPV infection.
- Your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low at the moment.
- In most cases, you won’t need another HPV screening for 5 years, depending on your age and previous screening history.
Important Notes:
- A negative result doesn’t guarantee you’ll never get HPV. You can still be infected later if exposed.
- Continue regular screening as recommended by your doctor.
Understanding a Positive HPV Test Result
If your result is positive, it means that high-risk HPV DNA was found in your cervical cells.
What This Means:
- You have an active infection with a high-risk strain of HPV.
- This does not mean you have cancer or that you definitely will develop it.
- Most HPV infections go away on their own within 1–2 years, especially in younger women.
Next Steps Depend on:
- Your age
- Whether it’s a first-time or persistent positive
- Whether you had a Pap test with abnormal cells
- Which type of HPV was detected (especially type 16 or 18)
Types of Positive HPV Results
HPV Positive with Normal Pap
- You have the virus but no cell changes yet.
- Usually, your doctor will recommend watchful waiting: repeat testing in 12 months to see if the virus clears.
HPV Positive with Abnormal Pap
- There are signs that HPV may be affecting your cervical cells.
- You may need a colposcopy, a procedure where the cervix is examined more closely under magnification.
- A biopsy may be taken to assess if there are precancerous changes.
Persistent HPV Infection
- If you test positive for the same HPV type over time (e.g., 12 months apart), you may be at higher risk for cervical abnormalities.
- Follow-up testing, colposcopy, or treatment may be recommended.
What Does HPV 16 or 18 Positive Mean?
HPV types 16 and 18 are the most dangerous strains and account for about 70% of cervical cancers.
If you’re positive for HPV 16 or 18:
- You may be referred immediately for colposcopy, even if your Pap result is normal.
- Early detection and monitoring are essential to prevent progression to cancer.
Managing a Positive HPV Test
Here’s how to approach a positive HPV result:
- Don’t panic – HPV is common, and most cases resolve without causing harm.
- Follow up regularly – Attend all recommended repeat tests and appointments.
- Strengthen your immune system – A healthy immune system can often clear the virus.
- Quit smoking
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage stress
- Discuss treatment if needed – If your HPV causes cell changes, treatment options (like LEEP or cryotherapy) may be considered to remove abnormal tissue.
Can Men Be Tested for HPV?
Currently, there is no approved HPV test for men in routine practice. HPV in men is usually diagnosed only if symptoms like genital warts appear or if cancers develop.
HPV Testing and the Role of Vaccination
If you’re vaccinated against HPV (e.g., with Gardasil 9), your risk of testing positive for certain high-risk types is much lower, but not zero. Vaccinated individuals should still undergo regular cervical cancer screening.
When to See a Doctor Urgently
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You missed a recommended follow-up appointment
- You develop symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain, or unusual discharge
- You have questions about your results or need help interpreting them
Conclusion
Receiving your HPV test results—whether negative or positive—can be an emotional experience, but understanding what they mean is empowering. A negative result is a sign of low current risk, while a positive result signals the need for monitoring, not panic. HPV-related changes often take years to develop, and with routine screening and follow-up, cervical cancer is highly preventable. Stay informed, stay up to date with screenings, and talk openly with your healthcare provider about the best path forward.
FAQs:
What does a positive HPV test mean?
It means high-risk HPV was found, but it doesn’t mean you have cancer—just that follow-up is needed.
Can a positive HPV test go back to negative?
Yes, most HPV infections clear on their own within 1–2 years, especially in younger women.
Do I need treatment if I test positive for HPV?
Not always. If no abnormal cells are found, your doctor may just monitor you with repeat testing.
What if I test positive for HPV types 16 or 18?
These are higher-risk types, so you’ll likely be referred for a closer exam like a colposcopy.
Can I still get HPV if I’ve had the vaccine? The vaccine protects against major HPV types but not all, so regular screening is still important.
