the virus goes dormant after a length of time....is OFF the cervix and will not show up on a pap...but remains asleep...dormant within ur system.I had high risk HPV 6-07 LEEP 8-07...pap 12-07 showed clear.hafta have paps every 4 mos.for first year to ensure it stays that way.there is no way it can come up with a new strain for i've been celibate since 9-06.
Iam 24 years old I had HPV when I was 18 and had bumps lasered off from my vaginal area. I have not had ANY since and just recently had a pap smear and it came back normal! I find it hard to believe because I was told HPV is a virus and you always carry it... So to answer your question im not too sure because i wonder the same thing..