Is HPV a STD?

Author: Reanna Kreiger  |  Last update: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be treated. People who are sexually active can get HPV.

Is all HPV considered an STD?

HPV infections can be sexually transmitted or non-sexually acquired; this review focuses on the latter. Transmission of non-sexually acquired HPV occurs when infected skin or skin squames are in direct contact with broken or macerated skin.

Should I be worried if my girlfriend has HPV?

As most HPV is invisible, partners will inevitably share it, and there is no way to know which partner it came from or when they got it. In most people, HPV is harmless and causes no symptoms and will not develop into warts, pre-cancer or cancer.

What happens if you are positive for HPV?

You may also need treatment for precancerous cells. A positive HPV test doesn't mean that you'll get cervical cancer. But it does mean that your healthcare professional may suggest screening more often or for longer than is typical. Many guidelines don't suggest testing under age 30 for HPV.

Is HPV for life?

Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and can cause some cancers. HPV infections can cause cancers of the: Cervix, vagina, and vulva.

STD Glossary: HPV

Should I be worried if I have HPV?

While HPV does cause cervical cancer, the risk of developing cervical cancer from the virus is still quite low. For 90 percent of women with HPV, the condition will clear up on its own within two years.

Should my boyfriend get tested for HPV if I have it?

No your husband/partner does not need to be tested. HPV is very common, and we do not know how long you may have had it. Your partner is also likely to have had HPV, and they may still have it, or their body may have dealt with it.

Should I panic if I test positive for HPV?

Our experts say the most important thing to know if you have HPV is that the risk of cancer is very small but should be taken seriously. “Don't panic, and don't ignore it,” Ramondetta says. “Make sure you follow up with your doctor on the next steps and try to keep things in perspective.

What is the life expectancy of a positive HPV patient?

As described, the 5‑year disease-specific survival was 85.7% in HPV positive versus 11.1% in HPV negative cancer patients in our study. The 3‑year disease-free survival is similar with 85.7% versus 22.2%, respectively.

How to get rid of HPV in the body?

It just means that you may be at increased risk and that you should have regular check-ups to detect possible cell changes early. HPV cannot yet be cured with medication; however, in 90 percent of cases, treatment is not necessary because the infection clears up on its own.

Why am I suddenly HPV positive?

What does it mean if you have a positive HPV test after years of negative tests? Sometimes, after several negative HPV tests, a woman may have a positive HPV test result. This is not necessarily a sign of a new HPV infection. Sometimes an HPV infection can become active again after many years.

Do I need to tell my ex I have HPV?

It's your decision whether or not to tell your partner you have HPV. If you do decide to tell your partner you have HPV, it might help to include these points: HPV is very common in women and men who have ever had sex - four out of five people will have HPV at some point in their lives, and most won't even know it.

What are 5 symptoms of HPV?

Symptoms
  • Genital warts. These appear as flat lesions, small cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stemlike protrusions. ...
  • Common warts. Common warts appear as rough, raised bumps and usually occur on the hands and fingers. ...
  • Plantar warts. ...
  • Flat warts.

Is HPV a chlamydia?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infections globally [6]. It's usually coinfected with Chlamydia trachomatis. The partnership between HPV and C. trachomatis is basically due to their similarities: common transmission routes, reciprocal advantages, and the same risk factors.

How long is HPV contagious?

Is HPV contagious for life? Not necessarily. You're contagious for as long as you have the virus — regardless of whether or not you have symptoms. For example, even if your genital warts have disappeared, you can still spread the HPV that caused them if the virus is still in your body.

Can you pass HPV to your child by kissing?

It is possible to spread the virus through intimate contact that does not include intercourse, such as genital-to-genital contact or oral-to-genital contact. So, it is possible that someone who has not had intercourse could be infected with HPV and spread it to others.

Is my life over if I have HPV?

Some people withdraw socially and exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression over their diagnosis. Yet, it's important to remember that someone with HPV can go on to live a regular life.

What are the signs of HPV in a man?

Signs and symptoms of HPV related health problems
  • One or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs or in/around the anus.
  • Warts may be single, grouped, raised, flat or cauliflower shaped. They are not usually painful.

Which one is worse, HPV 16 or 18?

HPV16 positive women clearly need the most intensive management, and HPV31/33 positive women probably also need more follow-up than other types. In the absence of a cytological abnormality, women with HPV18 positive screening tests are possibly best managed like women with other high-risk types.

Am I contagious if I tested positive for HPV?

HPV is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.

Should I not date with HPV?

Should a person stop dating if they have HPV? A person can continue to date if they have HPV. If people know they have HPV, they may want to date a person for a while before engaging in sexual activity. This can give people the chance to get to know one another better before discussing HPV.

How to build your immune system to fight HPV?

11 Strategies to Build Your Immune System and Fight HPV
  1. Quit Smoking.
  2. Manage Stress.
  3. Get Vitamin B.
  4. Eat Antioxidants.
  5. Exercise.
  6. Manage Weight.
  7. Limit Alcohol.
  8. Sleep Well.

What should men do if their girlfriend has HPV?

Instead of going into a panic yourself, she really needs you to be the more stable person. Get yourself informed and educated, and consider going to her appointment so you can ask questions, too. She needs to focus on keeping her cool and calm, so it's not helpful if the man is just adding to her stress.

Is HPV a big deal?

HPV is the most common STD, but most of the time it isn't a big deal. It usually goes away on its own, and most people don't even know that they ever had HPV. Remember that most people who have sex get HPV at some point in their lives. You don't need to be ashamed or afraid.

What foods should you not eat if you have HPV?

Thus, foods to limit or avoid include:
  • foods high in added sugar.
  • processed meats such as deli meat.
  • red meats.
  • foods high in saturated and trans fats.

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