Are people who clear HPV still contageous?

[detroit_traveler]

Do the 90% of people who "clear up/resolve" HPV after 2 years, clear the virus completely (i.e., they will not be contagious anymore afterwards)? If not, what is the biological/medical term used for "clearing up" the virus? It certainly can't be the same as the immune system dealing against a cold virus, because the cold will not be contagious anymore afterwards.

I have heard both stories: I have read on another Q/A-board that a person will still be contagious, and, in the following site, that the person will not be contagious anymore: http://www.tbtam.com/2012/01/must-tell-your-partners-that-have-hpv-doc-says-no.html so what gives?

[veryworried420]

Boost your immune system via exercise, healthy diet, vitamins, no smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, more rest, less stress, etc. There are no factors that anyone can document here but we know that a weakened immune system may cause people with the virus to become contagious. Hate to say it but clean living is the way to go, for the rest of your life.

[detroit_traveler]

Thanks for your answer.

If the virus is dormant, by about what factor does my contagiousness decrease (vs. the virus being active), if I indeed have HPV?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Scientists now think that the HPV infection that clears up on its own remains dormant in your body.  it can stay dormant or it can come back again.  Why it comes back isn't exactly known.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.