Human papillomavirus – a topic surrounded by many fears and misunderstandings even today. During consultations, I often hear questions such as: is it dangerous, can it be transmitted “through everyday contact,” why does the virus clear on its own in one woman but remain for a long time in another? In reality, everything is much calmer than it seems. HPV is indeed very common, and most of its types do not pose a health threat. Sometimes it may cause small skin growths or affect the cells of the cervix, but with proper monitoring these situations are well controlled.
In this article, I will explain in simple language how HPV manifests in women, which examinations are truly important, and in which situations it is worth consulting a gynecologist. We will also discuss prevention – including vaccination, which from 2026 will be included in Ukraine’s national immunization schedule and become accessible to even more girls and women.
Why Human Papillomavirus Is So Common and How It Spreads
Sometimes during a consultation I hear: “Why did I get HPV? Isn’t it a rare infection?” In reality, it is quite the opposite. Human papillomavirus is so widespread that almost every woman encounters it at least once in her life. This is not related to anything “unusual” in a woman’s behavior – it is simply part of our biology.
HPV is transmitted through close physical contact, most often sexual. Transmission does not require anything “noticeable” on a partner’s skin: the virus can be present on completely normal-looking mucosa. Therefore, even a single sexual partner does not guarantee the absence of HPV contact.
It is also important to understand another point. If a test shows the presence of the virus, this does not mean a partner’s infidelity or recent infection. HPV can remain in the body in a dormant state for many months or even years without showing any signs. Sometimes it becomes active when immunity decreases, during stress, vaginal inflammation, or after childbirth when the body undergoes changes.
This explains the impression of “omnipresence”: the virus spreads easily, often remains silent, and the immune system does not always eliminate it at the same speed. That is why it is important not to look for someone to blame but to focus on monitoring and prevention.
Where HPV Is Localized in Women
When we talk about HPV in gynecology, we usually mean its ability to “prefer” certain areas. The virus thrives where the skin is thin and moist and where cells actively renew. These conditions are found in the anogenital region.
- Cervix. This is the most important zone from a gynecological perspective. Cervical cells are highly sensitive to HPV, which is why we carefully monitor any changes here. Most of these changes are benign and resolve without treatment, but we perform Pap tests and colposcopy specifically to monitor this area.
- Vagina and vulva. Small growths known as genital warts may appear in these areas. They look like soft, flesh-colored or slightly pink protrusions. Sometimes they are very tiny and cause no discomfort.
- Area around the vaginal opening and the perianal zone. These regions also contain cells sensitive to the virus, so warts may occur here as well. It is inconvenient but not dangerous if shown to a doctor in time.
- Very rarely – the oropharynx. This localization is much rarer. We mention it mainly for completeness, but in gynecology the primary focus always remains on the cervix and external genital organs.
It is important to remember that the mere presence of the virus in these areas does not mean that symptoms will necessarily appear. In many women, HPV remains in the body for some time and later completely disappears thanks to the immune system.
How Human Papillomavirus Manifests in Women
The most important thing to know is that HPV very often does not manifest itself at all. A woman may live her usual life without suspecting that the virus once entered her body. This is completely normal. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV within one to two years.
But sometimes the virus does show itself. There are two main types of manifestations.
Visible Changes on the Skin or Mucosa
These are the cases when a woman may notice something on her own.
- Genital warts. These are small, soft growths that are flesh-colored or slightly pink. They may appear on the labia, around the vaginal opening, or on the perineal skin. Sometimes they appear as a single “leaflet,” and sometimes as a cluster of smaller elements. Warts do not turn into cancer, but they may cause psychological discomfort or irritation during friction.
- Mild itching or irritation. This is not a mandatory symptom. But if it occurs, a woman usually notices it during hygiene routines.
Changes Visible Only During Examination
These manifestations are not felt and are not visible in the mirror. That is why regular gynecological check-ups are so important.
- Flat cervical warts. They are located on the mucosa and cannot be seen without special methods. They are detected during colposcopy – an examination of the cervix under magnification.
- Changes in cervical cells. Sometimes HPV can affect the process of cell renewal. This condition is called dysplasia. It does not cause pain and is not felt. It is detected through a Pap test, which examines cells under a microscope. Dysplasia does not mean cancer – in most cases, it is reversible, especially with timely follow-up and treatment if needed.
What Is Considered Dangerous and When to See a Doctor
When a woman first sees HPV in her test results, anxiety often arises: “How serious is this?” I want to reassure you immediately – the viruses themselves are not considered dangerous, but situations in which they remain active for a long time and begin to affect cervical cells are. And even in such cases, everything can be controlled with timely monitoring.
What Really Matters
- Virus type. There are so-called high-risk HPV types – for example, 16 and 18. They do not cause pain or discomfort, but they can affect the process of cervical cell renewal. This does not mean disease, but it requires closer monitoring.
- Persistence of the virus. Persistence – when the virus remains in the body for more than 12–24 months. This situation is not common, but it is the one that can lead to cellular changes. That is why regular Pap tests are needed not to “find the virus,” but to monitor cervical health.
- Appearance of visible warts. Warts themselves are not dangerous, but their appearance means the virus is active. In this case, we select a removal method and discuss prevention to reduce the risk of recurrence.
When to Consult a Gynecologist
- If HPV is detected in test results, especially types 16 or 18. This is not a reason to panic, but it is important to discuss a monitoring plan.
- If warts or unusual growths appear in the genital area. Even if they do not interfere, it is better to show them to a doctor to choose the right tactic.
- If a Pap test shows deviations from normal. This is not a diagnosis, but a clue that further examination is needed.
- If there are chronic vaginal inflammations, frequent yeast infections, or pronounced discomfort. Vaginal microbiota imbalance can affect the body’s ability to control HPV.
- If pregnancy is planned and there were cervical changes in the past. The doctor will assess the current situation and choose a safe monitoring plan.
How HPV Is Diagnosed in Women
HPV diagnostics are needed not to “catch the virus,” but to understand the condition of the cervix and whether additional tests are required. It is very important to remember: the presence of the virus itself does not indicate disease. We always assess the situation comprehensively.
Main Diagnostic Methods
- Pap test (cytology). This is one of the most important screening tests for women. It shows the condition of cervical cells. If the cells appear healthy, even with HPV present, the situation is considered safe. If abnormalities are detected – we clarify their nature and develop a monitoring plan. The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes.
- Colposcopy. This is an examination of the cervix under magnification using a special device. It allows the doctor to see very small changes that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Colposcopy does not treat; it simply helps understand the situation more precisely.
- HPV PCR test. This analysis identifies the presence of the virus and its type. It is useful when it is necessary to determine whether the detected type belongs to a high-risk group. But importantly: PCR does not replace the Pap test because it does not show the condition of the cells.
- Biopsy. Performed rarely – only if colposcopy shows areas requiring diagnostic clarification. It is a small tissue sample taken for histological examination. Biopsy is usually needed when dysplasia is suspected to choose the proper treatment.
How Often You Should Be Examined
A healthy woman without symptoms should undergo a Pap test every three years or more often if recommended by her doctor based on age, medical history, and previous test results. If HPV is present or abnormalities have been detected, the monitoring frequency may differ – the schedule is always individualized.
The main goal of diagnostics is to provide peace of mind. Early detection of any changes allows the situation to be corrected as gently and effectively as possible.
HPV Vaccination and Prevention Methods
Preventing human papillomavirus is one of the rare cases when medicine can truly stop a problem before it appears. The most effective method is vaccination. This is not a “new development” or an experiment: the HPV vaccine has been used worldwide for many years, and its safety and effectiveness are supported by large studies.
HPV Vaccination
- What the vaccine protects against. Modern vaccines help the body build immunity against the most dangerous virus types, including 16 and 18, which are most often associated with cervical cell changes. Some vaccines also protect against types that cause genital warts.
- Optimal age for vaccination. The best time is before the start of sexual activity, when the body has not yet encountered the virus. But this does not mean that vaccination is useless for women over 25 or 30. Adult vaccination also reduces the risk of new infections and may lower the likelihood of recurrences after treatment.
- The vaccine does not treat existing changes. It works as prevention – meaning it does not eliminate the virus already in the body but protects against new types and reduces the overall burden on the immune system.
- Starting in 2026, the vaccine will be included in Ukraine’s national immunization schedule. This is an important step that will make prevention more accessible to girls and young women.
Other Prevention Methods
- Regular Pap tests. This is not prevention of the virus itself, but it is the main way to notice any cervical changes in time.
- Barrier methods of contraception. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission, although they do not provide 100 % protection because HPV may be present on uncovered skin.
- Supporting the immune system. The immune system truly plays a key role in the body’s ability to control HPV. In most cases, the virus disappears thanks to its work.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking weakens the local immunity of the cervical mucosa, so quitting significantly reduces the risk of persistent changes.
- Treating chronic vaginal inflammation. A healthy microbiota supports immunity and reduces the likelihood that the virus will persist for a long time.
Checklist: What To Do If HPV Is Found in Your Test
1. First, Read the Result Calmly
- The presence of HPV is not a diagnosis and not a reason for alarm.
- It is important to understand which type was detected and whether there are cellular changes.
2. Check Whether the Virus Type Is Indicated
- High-risk types (for example, 16 and 18) simply require closer monitoring.
- Low-risk types more often present as warts and rarely affect the cervix.
3. Check the Date of Your Last Pap Test
- If you have not had one in the past 12 months – plan it.
- The Pap test shows the condition of cervical cells and helps assess the real clinical picture.
4. Make an Appointment With a Gynecologist
- The doctor will explain the result, perform colposcopy if necessary, and form a monitoring plan.
- It is important to come without fear: the presence of the virus itself does not mean disease.
5. Do Not Try To Determine the Source of Infection
- It is impossible to determine from whom and when the contact occurred.
- HPV can remain in the body for a long time in an inactive state.
6. Assess Contributing Factors
- Smoking, chronic vaginal inflammation, frequent stress, and weakened immunity can contribute to viral activity.
- These factors can be corrected, which helps the body control HPV.
7. Do Not Rush Into “Antiviral” Medications
- There are currently no medications that completely eliminate HPV.
- Treatment focuses on managing manifestations of the virus and supporting healthy immune function.
8. If You Have Warts – Discuss Their Removal
- The procedures are gentle and do not require long recovery.
- Removal reduces viral load and improves quality of life.
9. Discuss Vaccination With Your Doctor
- The vaccine protects against the most dangerous types and reduces the risk of new infections.
- Even if HPV is already present, the vaccine remains beneficial.
10. Follow an Individual Monitoring Plan
- For some, this means a Pap test once a year; for others – every 6 months.
- The main point is regularity. It is what ensures peace of mind and control of the situation.
Important HPV Questions Women Often Ask
Can You Determine When and From Whom HPV Was Transmitted?
Unfortunately, no. The virus can remain in the body in a dormant state for many months or even years. It becomes active only under certain conditions – for example, when immunity decreases or after periods of stress. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the exact timing of infection or link it to a specific partner. Attempts to do so usually only create unnecessary tension.
If I Have HPV, Does That Mean My Partner Has It Too?
Not necessarily. In men, HPV often clears very quickly and entirely unnoticed. Sometimes a partner may carry the virus and transmit it, but no longer have it by the time the woman is examined. There is nothing unusual about this, and it should not be overinterpreted.
Is It Dangerous To Have Sexual Intercourse If I Have HPV?
In most cases – no. It is important to discuss the situation with your doctor and understand whether there are active manifestations or cervical cell changes. If warts have been removed and the cervix is healthy, sexual activity is not restricted. In periods of active manifestations, we recommend temporarily using condoms to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner and prevent reinfection.
Should Warts Be Removed If They Do Not Bother Me?
Yes, preferably. Visible warts are a sign of viral activity. Their removal helps reduce viral load and decreases the likelihood of spreading lesions. The removal methods are gentle, take only a few minutes, and usually do not require recovery time.
Should HPV Be Treated as a “Virus”?
No. There are no medications today that can completely eliminate HPV from the body. Treatment focuses not on the virus itself but on its manifestations: removing warts, correcting vaginal microbiota, treating inflammation, and monitoring the cervix. The immune system performs most of the work in controlling HPV.
Can You Get Pregnant and Give Birth If You Have HPV?
Yes. The virus itself does not affect fertility and does not interfere with pregnancy. We simply monitor the cervix more carefully, especially if there were changes in the past. In the overwhelming majority of cases, childbirth proceeds naturally. Only severe forms of dysplasia may influence management, and this is a separate clinical circumstance.
If HPV Has Cleared, Can It Come Back?
Yes, it is possible. Sometimes we are dealing not with the “return” of an old virus but with a new contact with another HPV type. Vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence. It is also important to support the microbiota and immunity – this increases the chances that the body will successfully control the virus.
Why Does HPV Clear Quickly in Some Women but Persist in Others?
This is influenced by the state of the immune system, the presence of vaginal inflammation, hormonal changes, stress, vitamin D levels, and smoking. Sometimes the virus persists longer in women after childbirth, when the immune system undergoes adjustment. This does not indicate “poor health” – it is simply an individual response of the body.
If HPV 16 or 18 Is Detected, Does It Mean Dysplasia Will Develop?
No. The presence of a high-risk type does not automatically mean disease will develop. It is important to understand: the virus is a risk factor, not a diagnosis. Most women with HPV 16/18 never face serious changes if they undergo regular examinations. Screening makes it possible to detect everything at an early stage and keep the situation under control.
Conclusion
Human papillomavirus is very common and, in most cases, a completely manageable condition. The main thing is not to be afraid and not to try to deal with it alone. Every woman experiences the virus differently, and the doctor’s role is not to frighten you but to help understand what is happening in your particular case.
If you have received a test result or noticed changes, it is always best to discuss this with a gynecologist. During the consultation, we will calmly review your result, perform the necessary examinations, and together determine a monitoring plan. In most cases, this is enough to restore a sense of confidence and calm.
Your health is not about fear but about awareness and support. And you can always receive that support whenever you need it.
