Does HPV go away

[ginajames]

I have heard some information stating that after 2 or more years a lot of people are cured from their HPV and that the immune system will realize the same virus should it appear....is this true? Is it ever safe to have sex once you know you have HPV?

[delta_joe]

[delta_joe]

Or, will you continue to infect others.  In addition, will it continue to show up in HPV tests?

Thanks

[bobby_]

No one really knows, you can pass it even though no warts are present but odds are (90%) that after 2 years without symptoms you wont pass it.  It also depends on your partners immune system (can they fight small amounts of HPV viral shedding).

If you are worried there is a vaccine that protects against the 2 strands that cause 90% of genital warts.  I figure if you are in the situation where you have not had outbreaks AND they get the vaccine you SHOULD be fine.

Best of luck.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

Actually, the current vaccine, Gardisil, protects against 4 strains.

And while you can know for sure if you haven't had any symptoms - either warts or abnormal pap results - for 2 years, that you have cleared it, some experts say after 6 or 8 months you probably have.

The vaccine isn't approved for men yet, though some doctors do give it.

AJ