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Gynecology

Normal pap, high-risk HPV positive

04/07/2008

Question:

I have been getting an annual pap smear for the past 8 years. I am 24 years old. The last two pap smears came up abnormal and I tested positive for high-risk HPV. I recently had another pap smear done and it came back normal. Is this a good sign that HPV is clearing my system? My doctor said on average it may take two years to leave the body.

Answer:

It is all true. The HPV can take 1- 2 years to clear from your body. The most important thing is that you keep up with Pap smears and get a detailed examination of the cervix and biopsy if the Pap is abnormal.

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Thomas A deHoop, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Medical Student Education
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati
Thomas  A deHoop, MD