HPV infection is self-limiting. What does self-limiting mean? For example, it is like a cold that can recover on its own. Therefore, HPV infections often appear as “transient” infections. In other words, there is a 30-50% chance or more that HPV infection will clear on its own. HPV clearance takes time. About 50% of people may turn negative within 6 months, 70%-80% may turn negative within 1 year, and the remaining 20%-30% may take 2-3 years to become normal. Therefore, there is no need to go for repeated HPV tests in a short period of time as it will not disappear in a short period of time. Persistent infection should be highly alert Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the most risk factor for lesions. Generally, when the virus remains positive for 2 years, it is time to get tested. However, it is important to note that there are many different types of HPV viruses, and “persistent infection” here refers to persistent infection with the same type of HPV virus. For example, if you were found to be infected with HPV type 16 2 years ago, and now you are found to be infected with another HPV type, then this means that there is a new infection, not a persistent one! Under normal circumstances, the body can clear the virus through the local immune system. However, when our local immune function is impaired, such as in combination with other inflammatory conditions, especially other viral infections such as herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, etc., the infection will tend to persist. And when the whole organism is in an immunosuppressed state, such as combined with lupus erythematosus, use of immunosuppressive drugs such as kidney transplantation, and use of anti-tumor drugs, the infection also tends to become persistent. In case of co-infection with HIV (AIDS), it is certainly prone to the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, to remove the virus from the body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, keep the body’s immune function in normal condition, keep local cleanliness and hygiene, and prevent other infections, these can be much more effective than various so-called anti-viral drugs! Simply put, when the cervical cytology is negative and the cervical biopsy is negative for pathology, a positive HPV test alone does not indicate the presence of a lesion, but is often only a virus carrier. The HPV typing is meaningful, if the infection is only low risk (HPV6/11), no treatment is needed, wait for natural recovery, but if the infection is HPV16 and 18 at the same time, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination.