The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by two particular types of human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV 16 and HPV 18.¹˒²
Viruses are all around us and can be contracted in many different ways. They range from the common cold to hepatitis viruses to HPV.
HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. While many HPV infections never cause symptoms, certain strains can lead to genital warts, cervical dysplasia (precancerous changes of the cervix), or, in some cases, cancer.¹˒³
It can be overwhelming to know which HPV strains deserve the most attention, especially since there are more than 200 identified HPV types, with approximately 40 infecting the anogenital tract.³˒⁴
Fortunately, not all HPV strains carry the same level of risk. Most HPV infections involve low-risk types that either cause no symptoms or may result in benign conditions such as common or genital warts. In fact, the majority of HPV infections are cleared naturally by the immune system within one to two years.¹˒³˒⁵
However, some high-risk HPV strains can persist over time. Persistent infection with these high-risk types is the primary cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with several other cancers, including anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.¹˒²˒³
Understanding which HPV strains are considered low risk versus high risk can help you make informed decisions about screening, vaccination, and lifestyle habits that support your overall health.
Before we get into the different HPV strains, it’s important to remember one thing:
HPV is extremely common.
The World Health Organization estimates that most sexually active people will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing it because the infection usually causes no symptoms.¹
Fortunately, most HPV infections are temporary. In approximately 90% of people, the immune system clears the virus naturally within two years, without causing long-term health problems.⁵
For a smaller number of individuals, however, the infection persists. Persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer and several other HPV-related cancers.¹˒²
The goal of Papillex® is to help support normal immune function and address nutritional gaps that may influence overall immune health. It was formulated by naturopathic doctors using ingredients selected based on the available scientific evidence for immune support. (Note: Papillex is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent HPV infection or HPV-related disease.)
HPV is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.¹˒⁶
Because HPV often causes no symptoms, people can unknowingly transmit the virus to their partners. Even individuals who have no visible signs of infection may still spread HPV.⁶
Although condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of transmission, they do not provide complete protection because HPV can infect areas of skin that are not covered by barrier protection.⁶
The good news is that, for most people, the immune system successfully clears the infection before it causes any health problems.⁵
Because HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide, vaccines have been developed to help prevent infection with these high-risk strains.²˒⁷
Today, the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) is the vaccine most commonly used in many countries. It protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, covering the HPV types responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers as well as approximately 90% of genital warts.⁷˒⁸
HPV vaccines are preventive, not therapeutic. They do not treat existing HPV infections or HPV-related disease, but extensive clinical trials and ongoing safety monitoring have shown them to be highly effective at preventing infection with the HPV types they target.⁷˒⁹
The World Health Organization recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years, ideally before the onset of sexual activity, and many countries also recommend vaccination for boys to reduce HPV transmission and protect against HPV-related cancers in both sexes.⁷
Many HPV types exist, but only a small number are responsible for the majority of HPV-related disease. Of the approximately 40 HPV types that infect the genital tract, some are considered low risk, meaning they may cause warts but are not associated with cancer, while others are classified as high risk because persistent infection can lead to precancerous cell changes and cancer.¹⁻³
Here’s a breakdown of the most well-known HPV types.
The HPV strains that many people encounter during childhood are HPV 2 and HPV 4, which are responsible for many common warts found on the hands and feet. These strains are not sexually transmitted and are not associated with cervical cancer.⁴
Common warts caused by these HPV types can often be treated with over-the-counter products or by a healthcare provider.
HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk HPV strains because they are rarely associated with cancer. However, they are responsible for approximately 90% of genital wart cases worldwide.⁵
Genital warts may appear weeks to months after exposure, although many people infected with HPV 6 or 11 never develop visible warts. Even without symptoms, an infected person can still transmit the virus to a sexual partner.¹˒⁶
HPV types 16 and 18 are classified as high-risk HPV strains because persistent infection with these viruses can lead to the development of cancer. Together, they are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide and are also associated with anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.²˒⁷
Testing positive for HPV 16 or 18 does not mean you have cancer or that you will develop cancer. Most HPV infections, including many caused by high-risk strains, are eventually cleared by the immune system. The greatest concern arises when a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, allowing abnormal cervical cells to develop over time.¹˒³
Because HPV usually causes no symptoms, routine cervical screening remains the best way to detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous.⁸
Most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, particularly when they participate in regular cervical screening. Screening allows healthcare providers to identify abnormal cells early, when they can be monitored or treated before cancer develops.⁸˒⁹
Screening recommendations vary depending on your age, medical history, and where you live. Many countries, including Canada, have transitioned from Pap testing alone to primary HPV testing for eligible individuals because it is more sensitive for detecting high-risk HPV infections.⁸˒¹⁰ Be sure to follow the screening recommendations provided by your healthcare provider or provincial screening program.
Receiving an abnormal HPV or cervical screening result can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that **most abnormal results do not mean you have cancer.**¹
Depending on your results, your healthcare provider may recommend repeat HPV testing, additional cervical screening, or a colposcopy, which allows the cervix to be examined more closely for abnormal cells.¹⁰
Some healthcare providers may recommend more frequent follow-up after an abnormal result based on your individual risk factors, previous screening history, and the type of HPV detected.¹⁰
Individuals at increased risk for anal cancer, including some people living with HIV and certain men who have sex with men, may also be candidates for anal cancer screening, although recommendations vary by country and individual risk factors.¹¹
Testing positive for HPV 16 or HPV 18 does not mean you will definitely develop cervical cancer. However, because these are high-risk HPV types, they are more likely to cause persistent infection and cervical cell changes than lower-risk strains.¹˒³
If you test positive for a high-risk HPV type, your healthcare provider may recommend a “watch and wait” approach, which usually involves repeat HPV testing or cervical screening at recommended intervals. This allows your provider to monitor whether the infection clears naturally or whether additional evaluation is needed.¹⁰
This approach is considered safe because cervical cancer usually develops slowly, often over 10 to 20 years following persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type, although progression can occur more quickly in some individuals.¹˒³
If cervical screening identifies more significant abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment to remove or destroy the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Depending on the severity of the changes, treatment options may include procedures such as LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), cryotherapy, or other evidence-based treatments.¹⁰
There are many situations where a high-risk HPV infection never progresses to cervical cancer. Working closely with your healthcare provider and attending recommended follow-up appointments gives you the best opportunity to monitor your health and receive treatment if it ever becomes necessary.
If you’ve tested positive for HPV, it can feel frustrating to hear that the recommended approach is simply to monitor the infection over time. The good news is that there are evidence-based lifestyle habits that support your overall immune health while your body works to clear the virus.¹⁻³
Maintaining a healthy immune system may help your body respond to viral infections more effectively. While no lifestyle change can guarantee HPV clearance, research consistently supports the role of overall health in immune function.²˒¹²
Consider focusing on:
These habits support not only your immune system but your overall health and well-being.
Certain nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium play important roles in maintaining normal immune function.¹²
Papillex® was formulated to provide these key nutrients, along with botanical ingredients such as green tea extract, broccoli sprout extract, medicinal mushrooms, and astragalus, to help support normal immune function and overall wellness. While nutritional supplements are not a treatment for HPV, they may help address nutritional gaps as part of a healthy lifestyle. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Testing positive for HPV is common, and in most people the infection clears naturally without causing long-term health problems.¹
The most important things you can do are:
Remember, testing positive for HPV is not a cancer diagnosis. It is simply an opportunity to stay informed, monitor your health, and take proactive steps to support your body’s natural defenses.
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment typically used in the treatment of acne, warts, and a range of cancers, including mouth (oral), head and neck, lung,
The HPV Infection: Do I Have It? But…I’ve never noticed any symptoms so I couldn’t have gotten an HPV infection? Most strains of HPV are low-risk strains that
Are you worried about HPV? Are you unclear as to what exactly HPV is? We at Papillex understand your concerns. HPV can be scary! That’s
Human beings are naturally programmed to eat foods that are healing and beneficial for our bodies. However, we all know that it isn’t always easy
Easy Delivery. Effortless Wellness.
Subscribe for:
By signing up for a Wellex subscription, you authorize use of the credit card you have on file and shipping at the frequency you have selected. Rest assured you can change or cancel at any time.
