• Is it normal to test positive for HPV after being clear for 6 years and not sexually active?

I have no symptoms and I'm on no meds.

1 Answer

  • OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Gynecology
  • Redwood City, CA

Hi, yes we see this all the time. Many women who have been clear for years turn up positive with no explanation. More than 80% of women are exposed to HPV over their lifetime, usually in their 20s. It is suppressed by the immune system but can turn up randomly assuming no new sexual partners. Repeat your pap in one year and don’t smoke. Most of the time it resolves spontaneously.

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