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High-Risk HPV Remission in Older Females

Women acquire the human papillomavirus (HPV) through skin and genital contact or during vaginal or anal sex. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Anyone who is sexually active can develop HPV, and at least 50 percent of the sexually active population will acquire HPV in their lifetime. There are low-risk and high-risk HPV types, and there are more than 100 strains. Older females should be tested for HPV during annual gynecological exams. Even if HPV goes into remission, a woman can become infected again.

  1. HPV Types

    • Low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts in women and men. The warts can cause discomfort due to burning and itching, though most people have no symptoms. Sometimes genital warts can form weeks, months or years after HPV is contracted. Low-risk HPV can go away on its own and usually doesn't pose any health risks. High risk-HPV types can cause cervical cancer as well as other rare cancers. There are usually no symptoms with cervical cancer.

    High-Risk HPV in Older Women

    • HPV is common in women under age 30. Women who test positive for high-risk HPV after age 30 more than likely had the virus for a long time and the immune system couldn't get rid of it. High-risk HPV that takes up residence in a woman's body for many years can cause cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer. Even if high-risk HPV goes into remission, a woman can become infected again with another strain of HPV.

    Treatment

    • A healthy immune system can naturally ward off the HPV virus. HPV has no cure; only the symptoms can be treated. Genital warts caused by low-risk HPV can be surgically removed or treated with topical medications; however, even after removal the virus may still remain. If left untreated the warts may linger, grow bigger or more warts may appear. High-risk HPV can cause cell changes or precancerous conditions in the cervix. The abnormal tissue can be removed using different methods.

    Risk Factors

    • A person who has several sexual partners, has sex without a condom or at a young age or has a weakened immune system is at greater risk for HPV infection. Although high-risk HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, other factors may help with its development, such as smoking, birth control pills, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a full-term pregnancy before the age of 17, more than three full-term pregnancies, or chlamydia infection.

    Prevention

    • Cervical cancer is preventable. Women under age 30 should have regular pap smears and women over age 30 should have regular pap smears along with HPV screening, which can detect cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. Abnormal cell changes or even cervical cancer can be treated more successfully when it is detected early. There are HPV vaccines that provide protection against some high-risk HPV strains. Women can further reduce their risks of acquiring HPV by being in a sexually monogamous relationship, or using condoms.

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