HPV in Women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. HPV impacts people of all sexes. Nearly 80% of women will contract at least one type in their lifetime. There are over 100 types of HPV.

Nine out of 10 HPV infections go away on their own within two years, but some strains can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer. These infections can be prevented by the HPV vaccine.

Genital warts are a sign of HPV, but only a few types of HPV cause warts. Many types of HPV are largely asymptomatic, including those that lead to cancer, making regular screening essential for early detection.

While it may be uncomfortable, it’s important to discuss positive HPV tests with sexual partners to keep you both safe. Keep in mind that although there is a stigma around females with HPV (and STIs in general), there is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Speaking up about symptoms or diagnoses can help keep you and your sexual partners safe.

This article will provide information about HPV in females, including symptoms, screening, treatments, prevention via vaccination, and more.

HPV in Women Quick Facts

Here’s a quick rundown of important HPV details for females, including signs to look for, cancer risk, and prevention methods.

Symptoms May Include Genital Warts

Some types of HPV cause warts. These types are not cancerous. See a healthcare provider if you notice lumps, sores, or unusual growths in the genital area, throat, or mouth. Genital warts from HPV may appear as small bumps or groups of bumps.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and irregular cells on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina), detected via a Pap smear, may indicate precancerous and cancerous changes due to HPV.

Screening Helps Determine Risk

One of the only ways to determine your HPV status is to keep up with routine gynecological exams. Pap smears, which test for abnormal cells on the cervix, can point to an HPV infection. Testing for HPV itself may also be done on the cervical swab sample.

If found early, treatment for cervical cancer is available. Screening guidelines recommend starting Pap tests around age 21. Those 25 to 65 may have their cervical sample screened for HPV. This test may be done in addition to a Pap or, depending on age, instead of a Pap.

HPV Takes Years to Become Cancerous

HPV can cause cancer of the vulva (external genitalia), vagina, cervix, throat, or anus, though HPV-related cancer often takes years or decades to develop. In addition to the HPV vaccine, regular Pap smears and early detection are key to preventing cancer.

As a Woman, How Do I Know If I Have HPV?

Because many types of HPV infection are asymptomatic, most people don’t know they have it. They may never develop health problems from it. However, some types of HPV can produce cancer, and other types can produce genital warts.

Genital warts are one of the only signs of some strains of HPV. These can appear in groups and resemble cauliflower.

Screening tests look for health problems in people who do not have symptoms. Regular screening via Pap smear or a cervical HPV test is essential to detect cervical cancer and treat it early.

How Women Get HPV

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected sexual partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms. HPV can also be spread from the pregnant person to the baby during vaginal childbirth.

HPV and Effect on Intimate Relationships

HPV can be hard on intimate relationships. Because HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, it’s become highly stigmatized, especially for females. Stigma stems from the notion that only females who are promiscuous get HPV. Other false assumptions include infidelity.

Because there are no HPV screenings for males, and screening for females is around every three to five years, there can be undiagnosed HPV in monogamous male-female couples. It’s almost impossible to determine which partner it originated from.

As uncomfortable as it may be, you must also disclose positive STI tests with your sexual partners so they can get proper testing and treatment, if necessary.

HPV Treatment: Watchful Waiting vs. Interventions

If HPV is detected, your provider will tell you if it’s a high- or low-risk type. Low-risk HPV may be monitored over time to see if the cells go back to normal or the virus is cleared (is no longer detected).

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 in women in the United States and worldwide. It is almost always caused by HPV. Early detection and interventions are critical.

When Does HPV Go Away?

The majority of HPV infections clear within 24 months of exposure. Most people’s immune systems fight off low-grade HPV infections. Unfortunately, 10% to 20% of high-risk HPV infections don’t clear up on their own and can produce cancer in three to seven years.

HPV Vaccination: Is There an Age Limit?

HPV vaccination is estimated to prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection. It’s also effective in preventing genital warts.

Because the vaccination is preventive and not a cure, health experts recommend vaccinating children of all sexes around the age of 11 before the risk of HPV exposure increases through sexual activity.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the HPV vaccine up to the age of 45. Most sexually active females between 27 and 45 have been exposed to HPV already, so they are unlikely to benefit from the vaccine. But if you think you are at risk of newly acquiring an HPV infection, talk to a healthcare provider to see if the vaccine is right for you.

Summary

HPV is a common, usually asymptomatic, STI that affects people of all sexes. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, around 80% of people will have HPV in their lifetime and show zero signs or health effects. That’s because a healthy immune system usually clears low-grade HPV on its own within two years of exposure.

HPV is not cancer, though some high-risk types of HPV can produce cancer in both people of all sexes. Routine screenings via Pap smear and/or cervical HPV tests can detect high-risk HPV early and determine treatment. The HPV vaccine can prevent 90% of cancers.