confused

[tt1017]

how long does hpv stay in your system? Is there any reaserch being done for a cure? I just dont understand how its transmitted?

[alexdelong]

The absolute lenght of time HPV stays in your system seems unclear. We know that the majority of people either clear the virus or supress it to a point where it cannot be detected by tests within a period of months. The median time is 8 months and over 90% of people achieve this within 2 years. While some may completely rid their bodies of the virus there is evidence that at least some people have some level of the virus left in their system and they experience outbreaks later in life. This seems to be the exception though.

Unfortunately, it is hard to "cure" a virus. This is why you aren't prescribed meds for the common cold or the flu. The best way to heal is rest. Eventually your immune system will do the job. The same is true of HPV. While there is no cure, the infection should not be considered permanent. Also, like many viruses, there is a vaccine against HPV. The vaccine protects agains the 2 strains of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts and another 2 strands that cause 70% of cervical cancers. At this point the vaccine is only approved for women and girls under the age of 26. It is thought that the vaccine will be most effective if given prior to sexual activity.

HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact. It is highly contagious, so partners almost always share infections.