Received an HPV positive result in Italy or elsewhere and have questions? Write to a licensed gynecologist and get a signed response within 24 hours.
Write to the gynecologist nowHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide: roughly 80% of sexually active people encounter it at least once in their lifetime. There are over 200 HPV types, about 40 of which affect the genital area. Some strains are "low-risk" (causing genital warts but rarely serious lesions), others "high-risk" (like types 16 and 18, most frequently linked to cervical dysplasia).
In the large majority of cases, especially in women under 30-35, the immune system clears the virus spontaneously within 12-24 months, with no lasting consequences. A positive HPV test doesn't mean an active disease: it means the virus is present, and needs monitoring over time alongside a Pap smear to check for any cell changes.
ASC-US: cell changes of undetermined significance, often re-tested after a few months
CIN1: mild dysplasia, often regresses on its own with monitoring
CIN2/CIN3: moderate-severe dysplasia, generally requires treatment
After an initial positive result, the standard path generally includes: repeat Pap and HPV testing after 6-12 months, colposcopy if the Pap shows abnormalities, and targeted biopsy if colposcopy identifies suspicious areas. Follow-up frequency should always be personalized based on viral strain, age, and clinical history.
Even those who have already contracted one HPV strain can benefit from vaccination, since it protects against high-risk strains not yet encountered. The vaccine has no therapeutic effect on an existing infection: it prevents, it doesn't cure.