HPV spreads through sexual contact and is very common in young people — frequently, the test results will be positive. However, HPV infections often clear on their own within a year or two.

How long can you test positive for HPV?

If you have HPV, theres a very good chance it wont be a long-term problem for you.” Your immune system will attack the virus and it will likely be gone within two years. Of the millions of cases of HPV diagnosed every year, only a small number become cancer. Most of those cases are cervical cancer.

Do you have HPV forever?

Once I have HPV, do I have it forever? Most HPV infections in young men and women are transient, lasting no more than one or two years. Usually, the body clears the infection on its own. It is estimated that the infection will persist in only about 1% of women.

Can you have HPV for years before testing positive?

A person can have HPV for many years before it is detected. found on your HPV test does not cause genital warts. used all the time and the right way. Condoms may also lower your chances of getting other types of HPV or developing HPV-related diseases (genital warts and cervical cancer).