HIV: Signs and Symptoms in Women
Can Someone Get HPV Twice?
It is possible to get HPV twice, as a person can acquire a different type of HPV the second time. It is also possible for HPV to lie dormant and reappear.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the collective term for a group of more than 100 viruses, and around 30 of these spread through sexual contact.
Most people who contract HPV do not develop any symptoms, though some may develop symptoms years or even decades after contracting the virus.
This article explains whether it is possible for a person to get HPV twice, what to do if a partner has HPV, how long the infection can lie dormant, and more.
According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), a person who acquires one type of HPV will eventually develop immunity to that type.
This means that if the person encounters that same HPV type in the future, their immune system will recognize it and work to prevent reinfection.
It is also important to note that HPV can lie dormant within a person's body, sometimes for up to 2 years. During this time, the condition may become active, meaning it may cause symptoms or become detectable on tests for HPV.
As such, a person may think that they have caught HPV again when they are actually experiencing a flare-up of an existing HPV infection.
For example, a 2017 study of genital HPV infections in unvaccinated men found that men who had previously had one type of HPV infection were significantly more likely to develop that same type of HPV infection years later.
This increased risk occurred in men who were sexually active as well as those who were not. The reason for this may be due to reactivation of the dormant virus, or autoinoculation — transferring a disease from one part of the body to another.
Even when a person does develop immunity to one type of HPV, this does not make them immune to other types.
Can you get HPV twice from the same person?According to ASHA, most sexually active couples share HPV until their immune systems suppress the infection.
They note that sexual partners who only have sexual intercourse with each other are unlikely to pass the same HPV back and forth.
The United Kingdom-based charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) explains that researchers are still working to understand how HPV reinfection could occur between sexual partners.
As ASHA explains, most people will contract HPV at some point in their life, and very few will develop any symptoms.
Moreover, HPV can lie dormant for years before symptoms develop or before it becomes detectable in the body. This makes it impossible to determine when the person contracted the infection or from whom. Therefore, having HPV is not a reflection on either partner's behaviors.
A person who learns that they have HPV should inform their partner, as it is highly likely that they also have the infection.
Moreover, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, and some types can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), both types require treatment.
Human papillomavirus has a dormancy period, during which it is present in the body without causing any symptoms.
According to CRUK, HPV typically has a dormancy period of a couple of years, but it may last for decades.
Dormant HPV is not detectable on a test. It only becomes detectable when the infection is active.
For example, women who undergo cervical screening may test positive for HPV infection despite testing negative in an earlier screening.
This does not necessarily mean that they have contracted HPV since their last screening. It may simply indicate that the infection was dormant at the time of their previous screening but was active during the most recent one.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the body's immune system usually clears HPV infections naturally within 2 years. After this period, a person cannot transmit the virus to others.
Can HPV come back once it has cleared?Because HPV can lie dormant and undetectable, it is impossible to say whether the immune system has ever truly cleared the disease.
If a person does test positive for the same HPV infection twice, it could be that their HPV went into a dormant state and has now reactivated, or it could be that they have contracted the same infection again. Scientists are still working to disentangle these two hypotheses.
One thing scientists have established is that a person can contract one type of HPV and later contract a different type. Developing immunity to one type does not make a person immune to other types.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about HPV.
Can you contract the same HPV twice?Scientists still do not know whether a person can contract the same HPV infection twice.
The reason for this is that HPV infections can lie dormant in the body and activate many years later. This makes it impossible to tell whether the previous HPV infection has reactivated or the person has contracted the same HPV infection again.
What scientists do know is that contracting one type of HPV infection does not prevent a person from contracting a different type.
What are the odds of HPV reinfection?Scientists continue to research whether HPV reinfection is possible.
A 2017 study of genital HPV infection in unvaccinated men found that initial infection with the HPV subtype "HPV16" led to a 20-fold increased risk of reinfection 1 year later. This dropped to a 14-fold increased risk of reinfection 2 years later.
However, the researchers attributed this risk to autoinoculation, reactivation of dormant HPV, or both. They did not suggest that it could be due to contracting the same infection again.
Can a monogamous couple get HPV?People in a monogamous relationship may find that they develop HPV symptoms or test positive for HPV without having sexual intercourse outside their relationship.
A dormant HPV infection can activate years or even decades after a person has contracted the infection, meaning it is impossible to tell when the person contracted it or from whom.
As such, a person who currently has active or detectable HPV may have contracted the infection from a prior relationship. Individuals can develop HPV symptoms even when they are in a monogamous relationship.
Many people contract HPV at some point in their life, and most do not develop any symptoms.
A person can acquire HPV twice. This may be from exposure to another type of HPV.
HPV can also lie dormant and undetectable in a person's body before flaring up again. This can cause a person to test positive for HPV even years after the infection has supposedly cleared.
9 Subtle Signs You Might Have HPV, According To Experts
Human Papillomavirus is incredibly common and not usually something you have to worry about, since any symptoms that occur often go away on their own. But, as with most things health-related, there can be complications. So, if you experience any signs of HPV, it's always a good idea to talk with your doctor.
They can help you deal with any side effects you're experiencing. But it'll also be important to monitor yourself for high-risk strains of HPV, as they can occasionally lead to cancer of the cervix, mouth, penis, and other areas involved during sexual activity. "The strains that can lead to cervical cancer can be detected in women via a pap smear, which tests for the virus on the cervix and can be treated accordingly if a pap smear comes back 'abnormal,'" sexual health educator Anne Hodder, tells Bustle.
Keep in mind, however, that an abnormal pap smear doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, even though it's often labeled as pre-cancerous. "I find that to be an unnecessarily alarming term," Hodder says. "Abnormal pap smears are quite common and, when they happen, there is a series of routine follow-up visits that doctors recommend to help identify whether there could be a cancer risk down the line and, if so, reduce that risk."
More often than not, though, HPV will either go completely undetected, or it'll clear up on its own. That said, here are some signs to watch out for, so you'll be better able to look after your health.
1. You Have Bumps On Or Around Your Genitals
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Genital warts are the most common sign of HPV, and they can be caused by some strains of the virus. As Hodder says, they often look like raised cauliflower-like bumps on the skin, and can be found on and around the genitals. Interestingly, the strain of HPV that causes genital warts isn't the same one that causes cancer. So if you notice warts, don't panic.
If they do begin to impact your life, the warts can be treated by a doctor. So don't be afraid to ask about all your options, the next time you see your OB/GYN — there's nothing to be ashamed of.
2. You Have Bumps On Or Around Your AnusThese bumps can appear in other places, too, women's health expert Dr. Amir Marashi, tells Bustle. So don't look for them on your genitals alone.
Depending on the areas that were exposed to the virus during sex, you might also notice them cropping up around your butt. While not cause for concern, you may still want to tell your gynecologist, especially if you're looking for treatment options.
3. There Are Sores In Your Mouth
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If you have oral HPV, you might experience some ulcer-like sores in your mouth, so keep an eye out for anything that feels or looks out of the ordinary. "Most often the signs are subtle," registered dental hygienist Anastasia Turchetta, tells Bustle. "HPV is a sneaky virus in that it will be likely located toward the base of your tongue, within the tonsillar pillars or soft palate."
This is yet another reason why HPV often goes unnoticed, and you might not even realize you have it. Keep in mind, though, that HPV is the most common STI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it impacts 79 million Americans.
4. Your Voice Is HoarseBecause HPV ulcers can crop up in your throat, you might experience hoarseness that doesn't go away, Turchetta tells me. This is especially true if the ulcers are located at the base of your tongue or in your throat, where they may impact the sound of your voice.
Usually, your body will get rid of HPV all on its own, all thanks to your immune system attacking it and helping your body become, well, immune to it. There are so many different strains of HPV, though, so even if you've had one you can still get another kind. That's why it's always a good idea to ask your doctor about forms of treatment, as well as the HPV vaccine, called Gardisil, which can help protect you from quite a few strains.
5. You're Having Difficulty Swallowing
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If you have HPV, you might also experience difficulty swallowing, when or if the virus makes its way down your throat. (Which, of course, can happen after having oral sex with a partner who also has HPV.)
The difficulty swallowing stems from the way HPV can affect your tonsils, Turchetta says. While not always a cause for concern, if you have HPV and also have difficulty swallowing, let your doctor know. One small study found that some strains of HPV have been associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the mouth and throat.
It's an uncommon form of cancer, with smoking being one of the top risk factors. But according to the CDC, recent studies estimate that 70% of oropharyngeal cancer may be a result of HPV. If you have HPV, a persistent sore throat, as well as difficulty swallowing, may be some of the first signs.
6. There's A Lump In Your NeckIf you have oral HPV that's progressed into cancer, it can create a lump in your throat. And according to a study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, this is one of the first symptoms people notice. Cancer of the upper throat is much more common among men. And while there are ways to test for HPV in women — via a paper smear — there aren't tests that can see if men have oral HPV.
Keep in mind, though, that "HPV takes years to develop and with its cellular changes, you most likely will not know that abnormal changes are happening until these symptoms appear," Turchetta says, which is why it's always important to get regular checkups. And, if you can, to get the vaccine to help protect against cancer-causing strains.
7. You Feel Itchy Down Below
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If you have HPV, you might experience a scratchy or itchy feeling in your vulvar area, urologist Dr. David Shusterman, MD, tells Bustle. While warts are the most common — and often the only — sign to look out for, itchiness may be a tipoff, too.
The tricky thing is, HPV often doesn't cause any symptoms at all. And, when it comes to itchiness, there may be other possible reasons for your discomfort, such as a yeast infection, which might come along with discharge, dryness, and even pain during sex.
If you experience itching, burning, or feelings of mild irritation of the vulva or vagina, though, ask your doctor about HPV as a possible cause.
8. You Have An Abnormal Pap SmearAgain, HPV is often asymptomatic, so you might not even know you have it until you get a pap smear, which is why it's something you'll want to make a part of your healthcare routine.
As David Kmak, MD.D, OB/GYN, and physician at Detroit Medical Center Hutzel Women's Hospital, tells Bustle, this test is often the only way to know that the virus has affected your cells. And if that does end up being the case, remember not to panic. There are plenty of treatments and options available, and early detection is a good thing.
9. You Have No Symptoms At All
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Once again, HPV doesn't always lead to noticeable symptoms. "Like chlamydia and gonorrhea, oftentimes HPV doesn't show any symptoms until it's progressed to pre-cancer or cancer," Dr. Michael Randell, an Atlanta-based OB/GYN, tells Bustle. But do keep an eye out for genital warts, ulcers, and be sure to make annual appointments with your gynecologist.
While most people will have this virus at some point in their lives, it is possible to protect yourself going forward, and make it less likely you'll catch another strain. As Hodder says, using barrier methods — like condoms — that prevent bodily fluid transfer and skin-to-skin contact, is the best way to keep yourself safe.
This post was originally published on 4/20/2017. It was updated on 6/6/2019.
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This article was originally published on April 20, 2017
Pre-cervical Cancer: Next Steps, Treatment, And Outlook
Pre-cervical cancer refers to atypical changes in the cervix. Experts grade these changes based on the extent of the cellular abnormalities.
Not everyone with atypical cervical cells develops cervical cancer. Often, these cells disappear on their own. However, sometimes, these abnormal cells can turn into cervical cancer.
This article provides an overview of the types of pre-cervical cancer, potential next steps after a precancerous diagnosis, treatment options, and the outlook for people with precancerous cells in their cervix.
What is pre-cervical cancer?Pre-cervical cancer, also known as cervical dysplasia, refers to atypical growth patterns on the cervix. These growth patterns are not cancer, but they can potentially lead to cervical cancer without treatment.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the medical term for these precancerous changes. Doctors and healthcare professionals categorize them as CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3.
If a person's Pap smear or HPV test shows atypical results, a doctor may recommend a follow-up test, such as a colposcopy.
A colposcopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to closely examine the cervix using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
During a colposcopy, a doctor may also perform a cervical biopsy to collect tissue samples from any atypical-looking areas on the cervix. A biopsy can help determine the severity of the cellular changes and whether further treatment is necessary.
Learn more about normal and abnormal colposcopy results.
Symptoms of pre-cervical cancerPre-cervical cancer does not typically cause any noticeable symptoms.
However, early cervical cancer may cause symptoms such as:
It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to cervical cancer and can indicate an underlying condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or an infection.
People with these symptoms should see a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Learn more about the symptoms of cervical cancer.
Causes of pre-cervical cancerAbout 37,000 people receive a diagnosis of cancer due to HPV each year. HPV is responsible for nearly all diagnoses of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine, which experts recommend for adolescents and young adults, can protect against the most common strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer.
Learn about HPV-negative cervical cancer.
Risk factors for pre-cervical cancerOther factors that can increase a person's risk of developing pre-cervical cancer and cervical cancer include:
Learn what causes cervical cancer other than HPV.
Diagnosing pre-cervical cancerDoctors diagnose pre-cervical cancer via screening tests such as Pap smears and HPV tests.
They may also perform a colposcopy and biopsy if the initial results indicate atypical cells in the cervix.
Learn how MRI scans can help diagnose cervical cancer.
Treatment for pre-cervical cancerTreatment options depend on the severity of the cervical cell abnormalities.
Treatment options for pre-cervical cancer and early cervical cancer may include:
Learn about immunotherapy as a treatment for cervical cancer.
Outlook for pre-cervical cancerAccording to the Canadian Cancer Society, most people with pre-cervical cancer have a good outlook, especially if they receive early treatment.
Regular cervical cancer screening in the form of Pap tests and HPV tests is key to catching precancerous changes early. These tests can identify atypical cells before they become cancer, giving the best chance for a positive outcome.
Is it curable?Precancerous cervical changes are not curable in the traditional sense since they are not yet cancerous. However, therapies like LEEP, cryotherapy, and cone biopsy can effectively remove abnormal cells.
Learn about the survival rates of cervical cancer.
SummaryAn atypical Pap smear or HPV test result does not necessarily mean a person has precancerous changes or cervical cancer. However, it does signal the need for a follow-up examination and possible treatment.
Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve the outlook for people with pre-cervical cancer.
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