If I am infected with HPV, will I definitely get cervical cancer?

In early summer in Shanghai, the weather was very hot and humid. However, the Zhoupu Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic was crowded and bustling. Among the crowd, there was a patient who stood out. She looked nervous and wrapped herself tightly from head to toe. After walking into Director Liu's expert clinic, Director Liu asked her questions and found out that the woman had a positive HPV test during a physical examination at her company. She checked online and thought she had cervical cancer. She didn't sleep all night and was panicked. After learning about the patient's situation, Director Liu patiently explained and answered the patient's questions.

1. What is HPV? Why do people get infected with HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is contagious and mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. People with weakened immunity are more susceptible to infection and disease.

2. Will infection with HPV definitely lead to cervical cancer?

There are many different types of HPV. Only long-term infection with high-risk HPV, such as types 16 and 18, can lead to cervical cancer. However, it takes decades from infection to cervical cancer. And most people only have a transient infection, which can be cleared by themselves in about a year. 20% may continue to be infected and cause cervical lesions. Low-risk HPV can cause genital warts.

3. What should I do if I am infected with high-risk HPV?

If a high-risk type is confirmed, a colposcopy is required, and the next treatment plan is determined based on the colposcopy results. If the colposcopy is negative, a follow-up examination is generally performed every six months or one year. If the same high-risk HPV infection is found more than one year apart, medication or physical therapy should be used to eliminate the virus immediately.

4. Can I have sex if I’m infected with HPV?

You can have sex, but you must wear a condom throughout the process to avoid direct contact. You should also pay attention to exercise in your daily life to improve your immunity and promote recovery.

5. Can I still have a baby if I am infected with HPV?

Infection with low-risk HPV types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts and can be transmitted from mother to child. If you are infected with HPV, it is best to wait until the test turns negative before considering pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, you can wait until delivery to check the baby. If you are also infected, you must actively seek treatment.

6. Is it still useful to get vaccinated after being infected?

Those who have already been infected cannot be vaccinated for the time being, but they can wait until the test results turn negative before getting vaccinated.

7. How to prevent HPV?

At present, although HPV cannot be eliminated, it can be defeated. The key is to do a good job of prevention. In summary:

Get vaccinated, get antibodies,

Wash intimate clothing separately.

Dry clothes and towels at high temperatures.

Be careful during sex.

After Director Liu's detailed explanation, the lady felt relieved: "Thank you so much, Director Liu. Ever since I found out I was infected with HPV, I couldn't eat or sleep. I was afraid that I had cervical cancer. Now after listening to your explanation, I realize that I am still a long way from cervical cancer. I feel relieved now. I must have regular physical examinations, exercise, and improve my immunity in the future." The lady was no longer anxious when she came, and she was confident and relaxed when she left. She bathed in the early summer sunshine and slowly blended into the crowd.

Note: There is no copyright issue for the pictures in this article

Author: Liu Zhou, Yu Zhen, Wang Ying, Zhao Jiangxia, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health and Medical College