Do You Know Your HPV Type?

So, you’ve been told you have HPV. 

Maybe you heard terms like “high-risk” or “low-risk,” or maybe you kind of zoned out after hearing the diagnosis and now aren’t quite sure what type you have or how concerned you should be. If you’re feeling anxious or confused, you’re not alone. HPV diagnoses are common, and naturally, they come with a lot of questions. Some may worry right away about cancer risks, while others simply want to understand the types of HPV and how they affect health. Let’s break it down so you can feel informed and empowered.

There’s power in prevention, and knowing what type of HPV you have is a good first step to understanding your risks and preventing the development of more serious HPV-related cancers. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the luxury of time with our medical doctors, or we just simply don’t know what questions we should be asking. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with the basics

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common viral infections, spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact. There are over 200 known strains of HPV, which can be categorized into two main types: high-risk and low-risk. Most HPV infections are harmless and may even clear up on their own. However, certain strains are more likely to lead to health issues, which is why it’s essential to know what type you may have. 

High-risk vs. low-risk HPV: What’s the difference?

• High-Risk HPV: These strains are associated with a higher chance of leading to certain cancers, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal (throat), and genital cancers. The most common high-risk strains are HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. If you are reading this and have been told you have one of the above strains, please keep reading so we can walk you through this. 
• Low-Risk HPV: These strains do not typically lead to cancer but can cause benign conditions like genital warts. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are common low-risk strains known to cause warts but aren’t linked to cancer.

Being told you have high-risk HPV can be scary, but it’s important to remember that “high-risk” doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get cancer. Most high-risk HPV infections never progress to cancer, especially with regular screenings and proactive health measures.

Why knowing your HPV-type matters

Knowing whether you have a high- or low-risk HPV strain is valuable for guiding your health decisions. For high-risk HPV strains, regular follow-up appointments and screenings like Pap smears or HPV tests are crucial. These screenings help monitor any potential cellular changes that could, if left unchecked, progress over time.

For low-risk strains, your doctor might recommend managing symptoms (like warts) if they arise. Knowing your strain can also help you understand which preventive measures may be best suited for you.

What about CIN-1, CIN-2, or CIN-3?

Understanding your HPV type is an important first step, but it’s also helpful to know about CIN, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. When it comes to HPV, CIN is another term that may come up, especially if you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear. CIN levels, like HPV types, tell us more about what’s happening in the body and help doctors decide on the best course of action.

While knowing your HPV type can indicate whether your strain is high-risk or low-risk, CIN levels give us another layer of information by grading any changes in the cervical cells. Let’s take a look at what these different CIN levels mean and how they relate to your health.

Understanding CIN grading

If you’ve been told you have CIN-1, CIN-2, or CIN-3, these terms describe the degree of cell changes detected in the cervix. 

If you’re feeling a bit lost – here’s a breakdown:

• CIN-1: Mild cellular changes, often due to low-risk HPV types or early high-risk HPV infections. CIN1 usually requires regular monitoring, as most cases clear up naturally with time as the immune system fights the virus.
• CIN-2: Moderate cell changes, usually associated with high-risk HPV types. CIN-2 lesions can sometimes go away on their own, particularly in younger women. Your doctor may recommend regular follow-ups or, in some cases, treatment to remove abnormal cells.
• CIN-3: These are typically more severe cell changes with the most advanced form of cervical dysplasia. CIN-3 is still not cancer but has a higher chance of progressing to cervical cancer if untreated. We know this sounds scary, but there are various options to prevent the progression of these cellular changes into cervical cancer. CIN-3 usually requires treatment to prevent any further changes, which is a discussion you will have with your healthcare provider. 

Knowing both your HPV type and CIN level helps you and your healthcare provider make informed choices about monitoring, treatment, and prevention. This knowledge empowers you to take control of your health, as you’ll know exactly what to watch for and how to approach the situation. 

Not all HPV leads to cancer

Now that you have a better idea of what your HPV type and grading mean, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the cancer risk. One of the biggest fears after an HPV diagnosis is the risk of cancer. But it’s important to know that having HPV doesn’t mean cancer is inevitable. In fact, the body’s immune system clears most HPV infections within 1-2 years without causing any long-term issues. Cancer develops only in a small percentage of high-risk cases, often when the virus persists over many years without detection or treatment.

Here’s where regular screening comes in: Pap smears and HPV tests detect cellular changes early on, well before they have a chance to develop into anything more serious. If any changes are detected, your healthcare provider can recommend treatment options to prevent them from progressing.

Protecting Your Health with HPV

There’s a lot you can do to stay empowered and protected when it comes to HPV:

1. Get regular screenings: If you have a high-risk strain, keep up with your recommended screenings. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV from leading to more severe health issues. If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine and whether this is the right option for you. 
2. Boost your immunity: A healthy immune system is your best defense against HPV. Focus on a nutrient-rich diet, high in antioxidants, cruciferous veggies, deeply pigmented fruits and berries, whole & high fibre grains. Get regular exercise and manage your response to stress to support your body’s natural ability to fight off infections. By supporting our immune system through these means, we give our body the tools to clear HPV on its own. 
3. Stay educated and informed: The more you know about your HPV status, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions about your health. Understanding your strain, its risks, and preventive measures allows you to take control of your wellness journey.

Knowledge is power

An HPV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but remember, knowledge is power. By understanding your HPV-type, staying up to date on screenings, and exploring preventive options, you’re taking steps to protect your health. HPV is common, and with regular care and attention, most people can manage it without it ever becoming a serious concern. This journey is about education and empowerment—taking small, informed actions to support your well-being.