How Can You Get Rid Of HPV Infection?

If you're sexually active, there's a decent chance you've already caught or will contract HPV.¹ Furthermore, for those who are unaware, HPV does not have a cure.² However, this does not imply that you are under an unbreakable spell. Although HPV is incurable, its symptoms and spread can be effectively treated. However, in most situations, an HPV infection usually clears up on its own.³ We realize that after learning about HPV infection, the question "How can you get rid of HPV infection?" must still be lingering in your mind. Don't worry, you'll find an answer to this as well; just keep on reading!

Let's begin with a brief overview of the HPV.

What Is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which covers 200+ different genotypes of viruses. Being an STI, it spreads through sexual intercourse. While some HPV genotypes may only cause abnormal bumps or growths on the skin, other high risk genotypes may cause cancer.² Also, prolonged HPV infection could result in cancers of the anus, cervix, throat, penis, vagina, and vulva.²  

If you have an HPV infection, you should not be concerned because not all HPV genotypes cause cancer. Before drawing conclusions, one must know that there are 2 types of HPV infections, known as low risk HPV infections and high risk HPV infections. Low-risk HPV infections generally cause warts around the mouth, anus, genital parts, legs, etc. High-risk HPV infections are the ones that cause cancers.²

Symptoms Of HPV Infection

If a low-risk HPV infection infects a person, the immune system will readily fight it off. Warts do not develop on the skin in the majority of cases of HPV infection.³ But if patients develop warts around the genitals, face, bottom of the feet, legs, anus, or anywhere else, this is clear evidence of HPV infection.^3,4 

It is strongly advised to consult a doctor if you develop a wart (regardless of whether you are sexually active or not). A wart is not always a symptom of high-risk HPV or cancer, but receiving a diagnosis is always a "good idea".⁵ Also, if you do have the infection, early testing and treatment will help you get rid of HPV quickly.

How Can You Avoid HPV Infection?

To avoid becoming infected with HPV, you should do the following:

• Vaccinations: They provide excellent protection against HPV infections as well as various malignancies. All preteens (children aged 9–12 years) should be vaccinated, while adults up to the age of 26 can be vaccinated (if not already).⁶
• Protected sex: If you're a sexually active person, you should practise protected intercourse. Using condoms not only ensures contraception but also aids in the prevention of numerous STDs and STIs.⁶
• Avoid multiple sexual partners: If a person has long-term sexual relationships with only one partner, their risk of acquiring HPV infection is lower.⁶

How Can You Get Rid Of HPV Infection?

If you are tested and the findings are positive, you should see a doctor right away! Furthermore, in such instances, your sexual partner is also required to get tested as soon as possible. If you have acquired warts, receiving a suitable medicine recommendation from your doctor may be beneficial. Warts may occasionally go away on their own without any medical intervention. However, in other circumstances, warts may double in size and number if prompt treatment is not received. In some cases, warts may disappear on their own without treatment.⁶

Final Note!

We hope that by now you have received an answer to the question, "How can you get rid of  HPV Infection?" If you want to prevent HPV, you must get vaccinated! An HPV vaccine not only helps you avoid infection, but it also significantly reduces your risk of contracting high-risk HPVs, which have the potential to cause cancer.⁷ It should be noted however that the vaccines only treat new infections and have no impact on existing HPV infections. Also, the vaccines currently available in India, is expected to safeguard from only 83% to 98% of cervical cancer.⁸

Furthermore, treating warts by burning or cutting them off does not ensure that the HPV infection is successfully gone from the body. But, there’s a decent chance that if someone has contracted a high-risk HPV then it could become dormant for some time.⁹ So it becomes necessary to get a re-test for HPV infection to make sure that you’ve got rid of HPV entirely.  

We hope that we were able to answer your HPV-related questions. Also read this article - Your Guide To HPV Infection And Vaccine for a more in-depth examination of this STI.