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HPV — how will it affect my health Fortunately, most HPV infections go away on their own within six months to two years without causing any complications or harmful long-term effects. For people with genital warts, the psychological and emotional impact of having warts is often the worst part of HPV. Some infections, however, may be linked to other problems, including recurring warts, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer. Recurring warts In some people, warts may recur months or years after their initial infection, even if they have been treated and have not been exposed to HPV again. This is because the virus may stay in the skin without showing any signs and then appear suddenly. It is thought a recurrence of warts may be related to stress or a weakened immune system that enables the virus to become active again. |
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 Other STIs If you have HPV you may have other sexually transmitted infections as well. Research shows that 20 to 30% of people diagnosed with HPV are found to have another STI at the same time. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections should be offered when you are diagnosed with HPV. A survey of GPs, however, revealed that most don't offer additional screening or refer patients on to a sexual health clinic for screening. If you want to be tested for HPV and/or other STIs, go to a sexual health clinic (also called a GUM clinic). They are free, confidential and better equipped than most GP surgeries to test for, and treat, a range of STIs. See Resources for details on how to find a GUM clinic near you. Abnormal smear results and cervical cancer Some types of HPV can lead to abnormal cell changes on a woman's cervix. These changes are known as CIN (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia), which means 'new changes in the outer layer of the cervix'. In many cases, abnormal cells revert back to normal without treatment, but sometimes they do not. If left untreated, these cells may develop into cervical cancer, but it usually takes 10 to 20 years for this to happen. Fortunately, the progression to cervical cancer can be easily prevented if abnormal changes are found and treated early. Smear tests are currently the only way to detect abnormal cell changes, and are therefore the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. If you have been diagnosed with HPV, you may be scheduled for more frequent cervical screening — every 6 to12 months — to keep an eye on cervical cell changes. If the cells do not return to normal, or changes are severe, you and your doctor will need to consider treatment options to remove the abnormal cells. (For more information, see the Women's Health online Cervical Screening and Abnormal Smear booklet.) If you have visible genital warts, you probably do not have a type of HPV that is linked to cancer. The two most common strains of HPV linked to cervical cancer are HPV 16 and 18, but most women with HPV, including those infected with type 16 or 18, do not develop cancer. Other strains of the HPV virus have also been linked to cervical and other more rare cancers, such as vulval and anal cancer.
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Written by Tamara Beus and published in printed form by Women's Health (2002)
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