{"id":247625,"date":"2025-08-07T12:42:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T12:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=247625"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:53:08","slug":"vaccine-hpv-in-women-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/vaccine-hpv-in-women-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options\/","title":{"rendered":"HPV in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
What Is HPV?<\/a><\/li>
How HPV Affects Women<\/a><\/li>
Types of HPV Linked With Cervical Disease<\/a><\/li>
Symptoms and Signs of HPV in Women<\/a><\/li>
Types of HPV and Risk Levels<\/a><\/li>
Testing and Diagnosis<\/a><\/li>
Health Impact of HPV in Women<\/a><\/li>
Treatment Options<\/a><\/li>
HPV Prevention and Vaccination\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
HPV Vaccination<\/a><\/li>
Can HPV Be Cured?<\/a><\/li>
Living with HPV<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt is estimated that around 80% of sexually active women will be exposed to at least one type of HPV during their lifetime ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.^{<\/sup>HPV is a common viral infection that affects both men and women. However, it may go unnoticed as it usually does not present with symptoms}}^{2<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
HPV is caused by a virus that is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact. While some types of HPV do not cause any harm, other types may lead to the development of cancer (especially cervical cancer) or genital warts. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for HPV in women can help lower your chance of infection ^{2<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>What Is HPV?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAre you wondering what HPV is and what causes HPV in females? Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of more than 200 types of HPV viruses. Certain mucosal or genital types of HPV viruses are transmitted through sexual contact. The other types can cause the formation of warts, which may not sexually transmitted ^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{4<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
HPV primarily spreads through close skin contact, particularly during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity. Many individuals may have been exposed to HPV in our lives ^{5<\/sup><\/a>. Most HPV infections disappear on their own within 1-2 years without needing any treatment, especially in healthy young individuals. However, sometimes, they may last longer and lead to the development of cancer}^{5<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>How HPV Affects Women<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBased on their potential to cause cancer and their effects, HPV can be classified into 2 types ^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{6<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{7<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
\n
Low-risk HPV:<\/strong> This can lead to the development of warts (skin growth) on the genitals, mouth, anus, or throat. These are not linked to cancer.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
High-risk HPV (such as HPV 16 and HPV 18):<\/strong> This can lead to the development of precancerous lesions, which may progress to cancer over time.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn many cases, high-risk HPV infections remain at the cervix (lower portion of the uterus), without causing any symptoms. This persistent infection can cause cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (precancerous changes in the cervix). If these cell changes are not detected through regular screening (like a Pap smear or HPV test), they can eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer ^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Types of HPV Linked With Cervical Disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCertain HPV types are classified as high-risk because of their association with cervical cancer ^{3<\/sup><\/a>. A study}^{6<\/sup><\/a> has shown that there are 13 HPV types (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68) that are linked with cervical disease in HPV female patients}^{8<\/sup><\/a>. The two high-risk types of HPV (HPV 16 and HPV 18) are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers worldwide}^{7<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Any sexually active woman may become infected with HPV. Usually, the body fights off this infection or the infection resolves on its own in 1-2 years, especially in young, healthy individuals. However, if the infection persists for a long period of time, it could lead to changes in the cervical cells, eventually leading to the development of cervical disease ^{7<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{8<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Symptoms and Signs of HPV in Women<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGenerally, most HPV infections are asymptomatic and do not show any signs or symptoms (especially high-risk types). The infection often passes unnoticed in women. If symptoms occur, they include ^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{4<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>}
<\/div>

Age Group<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>	Vaccination Recommendation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>	Dose Schedule<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
9-10 years\u00a0<\/td>	HPV vaccination can be started at this age\u00a0<\/td>	2 doses (0 months, 6-12 months) \u2013 if started before age of 15 years\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
11-12 years\u00a0<\/td>	Routine vaccination recommended\u00a0<\/td>	2 doses (0 months, 6-12 months) \u2013 if started before age of 15 years\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
13-14 years\u00a0<\/td>	Vaccination recommended if not already vaccinated\u00a0<\/td>	2 doses (0 months, 6-12 months) \u2013 if started before the age of 15 years\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
15-26 years\u00a0<\/td>	Vaccination advised for those who have not completed the recommended vaccination schedule earlier.\u00a0<\/td>	3 doses (0, 1-2, and 6 months)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
27\u201345 years\u00a0<\/td>	Not routinely recommended. Consider vaccination after consulting your doctor regarding the risk of developing HPV and the benefits of vaccination\u00a0<\/td>	3 doses (0, 1-2, and 6 months)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Immunocompromised individuals (including HIV), 9\u201326 years\u00a0<\/td>	Vaccination recommended if not already vaccinated\u00a0<\/td>	3 doses (0, 1\u20132, and 6 months).\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Can HPV Be Cured?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n No, there is no cure for HPV. In most cases, your body\u2019s defence system will fight against the infection so that it resolves on its own^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{5<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n} Moreover, there are effective treatments for the health problems it can cause (such as genital warts and cervical cancer). Early diagnosis and detection are key for reducing your risk of complications ^{15<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n} <\/span>Living with HPV<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBeing diagnosed with HPV can be challenging, but it is important to remember that in most cases, this infection resolves on its own ^{19<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n} Women living with HPV should prioritise ^{19<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n} \n Regular medical tests, such as Pap smears or HPV tests, to monitor for any changes that might require treatment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, which includes a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, and stress management, can support overall well-being.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Taking care of your mental health and talking to your doctor<\/a> can help ease anxiety or fears.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Open communication with partners and staying informed about HPV can empower women to manage their health confidently ^{19<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n} *Also Read:* *Is HPV Herpes? Our Doctor Explains the Difference<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n* <\/span>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHPV is a widespread and often silent infection that can have serious health consequences for women, including cervical cancer and genital warts. While many infections resolve on their own, high-risk HPV types require close monitoring and early detection. Regular screening, timely vaccination<\/a><\/strong>, and healthy lifestyle practices play a crucial role in managing HPV successfully.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Also Read:* *How HPV Can Lead to Cancers<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n* <\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat are the factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer in a person suffering from HPV?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> If you have a weak immune system, smoke (or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke), are obese, or use oral contraceptive pills (or birth control pills), you may have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer ^{7<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>} When should I get screened for cervical cancer?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> The updated guidelines recommend starting screening for cervical cancer at age 25 years with an HPV test every 5 years until 65 years of age. Alternatively, you can also choose to get a HPV or Pap co-test every 5 years or just a Pap test every 3 years ^{13<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>} Can HPV be transmitted without having sexual intercourse?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Yes, HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including genital touching, but without penetration ^{20<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>} Can I have a normal pregnancy if I have HPV?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> If you have HPV, you are likely to face genital warts or abnormal cervical cell changes during your pregnancy. It is best to consult your doctor and get regular screenings for cervical cancer to ensure good overall health ^{5<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n} <\/span>References<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n Myers ER, McCrory DC, Nanda K, Bastian L, Matchar DB. Mathematical Model for the Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Carcinogenesis. American Journal of Epidemiology [Internet]. 2000 Jun 15;151(12):1158\u201371.\u00a0\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10905528\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Office on Women\u2019s Health. Human papillomavirus [Internet]. 2017.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/womenshealth.gov\/a-z-topics\/human-papillomavirus<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n MedlinePlus. HPV [Internet]. National Library of Medicine; 2017.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/hpv.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Luria L, Cardoza-Favarato G. Human papillomavirus [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK448132\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About HPV [Internet]. 2024.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/about\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information about HPV and Cancer [Internet]. 2024.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer\/hpv\/basic-information.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention [Internet]. 2022.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/cervical\/causes-risk-prevention<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer [Internet]. 2025.\u00a0 Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\/infectious-agents\/hpv-and-cancer<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n National Cancer Institute. HPV and Pap Test Results: Next Steps after an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test [Internet]. 2022.\u00a0\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/cervical\/screening\/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer symptoms [Internet]. 2022.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/cervical\/symptoms<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n American Cancer Society. Types of HPV [Internet]. 2024.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/risk-prevention\/hpv\/types-of-hpv.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer screening [Internet]. 2025.\u00a0\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/cervical\/screening<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Cooper DB, Goyal M. Colposcopy [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.\u00a0\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK564514\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Qaderi K, Mirmolaei ST, Geranmayeh M, Farnam F, Sheikh Hasani S. \u201cDoes HPV affect my fertility?\u201d Reproductive concerns of HPV-positive women: a qualitative study. Reproductive Health [Internet]. 2021 Apr 1;18(1).\u00a0 Available from: https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8017806\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Rosales R. Immune therapy for human papillomaviruses-related cancers. World Journal of Clinical Oncology [Internet]. 2014;5(5):1002.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4259927\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n News in Health. Protect yourself against HIV [Internet]\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2013\/10\/protect-yourself-against-hpv<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine recommendations [Internet]. CDC. 2021. Available from: https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/vpd\/hpv\/hcp\/recommendations.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Vaccination [Internet]. 2024.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/vaccines\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Galeshi M, Shirafkan H, Yazdani S, Motaghi Z. Challenges and Needs of HPV-Positive Women. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing [Internet]. 2023 Jan;60:004695802211500.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9893350\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Petca A, Borislavschi A, Zvanca M, Petca RC, Sandru F, Dumitrascu M. Non-sexual HPV transmission and role of vaccination for a better future (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Oct 13;20(6):1\u20131.\u00a0Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7579832\/pdf\/etm-20-06-09316.pdf<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n Elrefaey S, Massaro MA, Chiocca S, Chiesa F, Ansarin M. HPV in oropharyngeal cancer: the basics to know in clinical practice. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital<\/em>. 2014 Oct;34(5):299\u2013309. PMID:25709145; PMCID:PMC4299160. Available from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25709145\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong>: The information provided here is for educational\/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n *\r\n* \r\n \r\n $\"Likes\"$ \r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/span>\r\n<\/div> \r\n \r\n $\"Dislikes\"$ \r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/span>\r\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Introduction It is estimated that around 80% of sexually active women will be exposed to at least one type of HPV during their lifetime1. HPV is a common viral infection that affects both men and women. However, it may go unnoticed as it usually does not present with symptoms2.\u00a0 HPV is caused by a virus [\u2026]","protected":false},"author":176,"featured_media":247696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[1547,110],"tags":[13751,13836],"acf":[],"_embedded":{"wp:featuredmedia":[{"source_url":"https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/07102701\/hpv-in-women.webp"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247625"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/176"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=247625"}],"version-history":[{"count":77,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247625\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":274425,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247625\/revisions\/274425"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/247696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=247625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=247625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=247625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}