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How Long Can HPV be Dormant?

Medically reviewed and edited by Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

What Exactly is HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection among sexually active U.S. adults that can cause a range of health problems, including genital warts.

Certain HPV strains can also increase your risk of developing certain cancers.

HPV also usually doesn’t cause any symptoms, making it difficult to know if you’ve been infected.

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Can HPV be Dormant?

HPV can be dormant in the body, meaning that the virus is present but won’t cause any symptoms.

However, this isn’t the same as when you have an active HPV infection and are asymptomatic. Dormant HPV infections usually aren’t associated with the same risks as an active case.

After an initial infection, HPV may go dormant and then reactivate again at any time in the future.

Factors like a weakened immune system or hormonal changes — such as during pregnancy — can cause the virus to become active again.

How Will I Know if I Have HPV if it’s Dormant?

If HPV is dormant, it may be difficult to know if you have the virus.

Most people with an active case of HPV are asymptomatic and HPV tests are typically only performed on women during a routine cervical cancer screening.

Men usually aren’t routinely tested for HPV, even though it’s a common condition among males. There are also currently no routine male-specific HPV tests like Pap smears for women.

Some women may experience growths on the genitals and cervix, while men may notice warts on the penis and anus.

If you notice anything abnormal in your genital area, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor. The best way to know if you have HPV is to speak to your LifeMD healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

What are the Risks of a Dormant HPV Infection?

A dormant state of HPV can make it difficult to diagnose and treat if it becomes active again because there are often no signs of reinfection.

If you’re living with an undiagnosed HPV infection, you may be at risk for the following conditions.

Issues during pregnancy

Pregnant women with HPV may be at increased risk for certain complications.

HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop into growths on the cervix, which may lead to cervical insufficiency and preterm labor.

Babies born to mothers with HPV may also be at an increased risk for low birth weight and other health issues.

If you are pregnant and have HPV, speak with your healthcare provider about your options for monitoring and treatment.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can be caused by HPV.

While most HPV infections do not lead to cancer, certain strains of the virus are more likely to cause abnormal growths to develop on the cervix.

Regular cervical cancer screenings are important for early detection and treatment of precancerous cells.

Women with dormant cases of HPV may still be at risk for cervical cancer, even if there are no noticeable symptoms of infection.

Penile and anal cancer

Men with HPV may be at risk of developing penile and anal cancer, even if the virus is dormant.

HPV can cause growths to develop on the genitals and rectum which can be malignant. But, if left undetected, these can be life-threatening.

Penile and anal cancers are highly treatable, but early detection is key. That’s why it’s recommended to go for regular cancer screenings.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RPP)

RPP is a rare condition caused by HPV that affects the respiratory system.

It causes warts to grow on the vocal cords which can lead to breathing difficulties, hoarseness, and other medical issues.

If left untreated, RPP can become a potentially life-threatening condition.

Can You Treat HPV if it’s Dormant?

There is currently no specific treatment for dormant HPV, primarily because the virus is not actively causing symptoms or health problems.

However, there are still steps you can take to manage your risk for HPV and prevent the virus from becoming active in the future. These may include:

• Practicing safe sex by using condoms or other barrier methods, as this can reduce your risk of contracting or transmitting HPV. It's important to note that HPV can still be spread through skin-to-skin contact, so condoms may not provide complete protection against the virus.

• Getting regular screenings for cervical and other HPV-related cancers can help detect abnormal growths early. Talk to your health care provider about how often you should be screened based on your individual risk factors.

• Get vaccinated against HPV to protect yourself against certain strains of the virus. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity begins, but can still provide some protection even if you have already been exposed to the virus.

When Should I See a Doctor About HPV?

If you suspect that you have HPV or have been exposed to the virus, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to schedule a telehealth appointment.

Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Theresa is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Human Nutrition and a Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. Theresa has treated hospitalized patients and helped patients manage chronic and acute conditions.

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