Receiving an HPV positive result after a cervical screening test can understandably cause anxiety. Many women immediately wonder whether they have cervical cancer or whether treatment will be required.
Fortunately, an HPV positive result does not mean you have cervical cancer.
In fact, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common. Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some stage during their lives, and in many cases, the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally without causing any health problems.
The purpose of Australia’s Cervical Screening Test is to identify women who may be at an increased risk of developing cervical cell changes so that appropriate monitoring or treatment can occur long before cervical cancer develops.
Understanding what your results mean can help you feel more informed and prepared for the next steps.
What Does an HPV Positive Result Mean?
The current Cervical Screening Test looks for high-risk types of HPV, rather than looking for abnormal cervical cells first.
If HPV is detected, the laboratory will usually examine the same sample to determine whether abnormal cervical cells are also present.
An HPV positive result simply means that a high-risk strain of HPV has been found.
It does not tell us that cancer is present.
Instead, it identifies women who may benefit from closer follow-up or additional assessment to reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing in the future.
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 100 different HPV types.
Some types cause harmless skin warts, while others are considered high-risk HPV types because persistent infection may increase the risk of developing cervical cell changes over time.
It is important to remember that:
- HPV is extremely common.
- Most infections cause no symptoms.
- Most HPV infections clear naturally within one to two years.
- Having HPV does not mean someone has been unfaithful or recently acquired the virus.
- HPV can remain inactive for many years before being detected.
Does HPV Mean I Have Cervical Cancer?
No.
This is one of the most common misconceptions following cervical screening.
An HPV positive result does not mean you have cervical cancer.
Instead, it means HPV has been detected, and your healthcare provider will determine whether any further assessment is required.
Many women with HPV never develop abnormal cervical cells.
Those who do develop cell changes are usually identified long before cancer develops because of Australia’s cervical screening program.
This is exactly why routine screening is so important.
What Happens After an HPV Positive Result?
The next step depends on the specific laboratory findings.
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Returning to routine five-year screening
- Repeat cervical screening after 12 months
- Referral for colposcopy
- Further investigation if abnormal cervical cells are detected
The recommendations are based on national cervical screening guidelines and your individual clinical history.
Your doctor or gynaecologist will explain what your results mean and whether any additional assessment is recommended.
What Is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure that allows a gynaecologist to examine the cervix more closely using a specialised microscope called a colposcope.
Unlike cervical screening, which identifies women who may require further assessment, colposcopy allows the cervix to be examined in greater detail.
If necessary, a small biopsy may be taken during the procedure.
Not every woman with HPV requires a colposcopy.
The decision depends on the type of HPV detected and whether abnormal cervical cells are present.
You can learn more about the procedure on our Colposcopy service page.
Can HPV Be Treated?
There is currently no treatment that removes HPV itself.
Instead, management focuses on monitoring or treating any abnormal cervical cell changes that may occur if HPV persists.
Fortunately, most HPV infections clear naturally without intervention.
Maintaining routine cervical screening appointments allows any changes to be detected early if they develop.
Can I Still Have Children If I Have HPV?
For most women, HPV has no impact on fertility or pregnancy.
An HPV infection alone does not prevent pregnancy.
If treatment for abnormal cervical cells becomes necessary, your healthcare provider will discuss any potential implications before treatment proceeds.
Most women continue to have healthy pregnancies after appropriate management.
Can I Prevent HPV?
Although HPV cannot always be prevented completely, the risk can be reduced by:
- Receiving the HPV vaccine
- Participating in regular cervical screening
- Avoiding smoking, which is associated with persistence of HPV infection
- Practising safer sex, although condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV because the virus spreads through skin contact
Vaccination and cervical screening work together to provide the greatest protection against cervical cancer.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
Many women continue their cervical screening with their GP.
However, referral to a gynaecologist may be appropriate if:
- Your cervical screening result is abnormal.
- You require colposcopy.
- You have persistent HPV infection.
- You have previously required cervical treatment.
- You have symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse or between periods.
- You would prefer specialist assessment and follow-up.
Your healthcare provider can advise whether specialist review is recommended based on your individual circumstances.
Understanding Your Results Can Reduce Anxiety
Waiting for cervical screening results can feel stressful.
However, it is worth remembering that an HPV positive result is far more common than many women realise, and most HPV infections never lead to cervical cancer.
The purpose of cervical screening is not to diagnose cancer.
Instead, it identifies women who may benefit from monitoring or further assessment so that any abnormal cervical changes can be detected and managed early.
If you have questions about your cervical screening results or have been referred for further investigation, discussing the results with your healthcare provider can help you understand the next steps and feel more confident about your care.
Women wanting more information about routine cervical screening can also visit our Cervical Screening Test Brisbane page.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Speak with your GP or gynaecologist if you:
- Have received an HPV positive cervical screening result and would like further explanation.
- Have been advised to undergo colposcopy.
- Have previously had abnormal cervical screening results.
- Experience bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Experience bleeding between periods or after menopause.
- Have persistent pelvic symptoms or unusual vaginal discharge.
Regular cervical screening remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer through early detection and appropriate follow-up.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.