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HPV Infection: What a Positive Result Means and What Comes Next

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses. About 40 types affect the genital area. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. HPV types are grouped into two kinds:

•  Low-risk types(such as 6 and 11) can cause genital warts but not cancer.
• High-risk types(such as 16 and 18, and others) can cause cell changes in the cervix, and less often in the vagina, vulva, anus, and throat, that may develop into cancer over many years if not found and treated.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

High-risk HPV infection usually causes no symptoms. You cannot feel it, and it does not change discharge. This is why screening tests are so important. Signs that should be checked, whatever the cause, include bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, and new genital growths.

How is HPV passed on?

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be passed on even when there are no signs. Because HPV can stay silent for years, a positive result does not show when or from whom the infection came, and it does not mean a partner was unfaithful. Smoking and a weakened immune system make it harder for the body to clear HPV.

What does a positive HPV test mean?

A positive high-risk HPV result means the virus was found in cervical cells. It does not mean you have cancer. In most people, the immune system clears HPV within one to two years. The next step depends on your age, the HPV type, your Pap smear result, and your past results:

• HPV positive with a normal Pap smear: often a repeat test in about one year
• HPV type 16 or 18, or HPV with an abnormal Pap smear: usually a colposcopy
• Abnormal areas on colposcopy: a small biopsy to check the cells

When should I see a doctor?

Book a visit if you received a positive HPV or abnormal Pap result and need an explanation or follow-up, if you are due for cervical screening, or if you have bleeding after sex or other unusual bleeding. In Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) offers cervical cancer screening every 2 years from age 20 for eligible members (as of 2026; check with NHIS for your eligibility).

How is HPV tested and followed up at the clinic?

An HPV test uses a sample of cells taken from the cervix with a soft brush during a speculum exam, often at the same time as a Pap smear. The clinic offers liquid-based Pap (LBC, 40,000 KRW) and conventional Pap (15,000 KRW), and colposcopy (30,000 KRW) when not covered by insurance (prices may change; confirm with the clinic). If treatment of cervical changes is needed, the doctor will explain the options and refer you to a partner hospital if a procedure is required.

Is there treatment for HPV?

There is no medicine that removes HPV itself. Care focuses on finding and treating the changes HPV can cause. Mild cell changes are often watched, as many go away on their own. More significant precancerous changes can be removed with a procedure, which is highly effective at preventing cervical cancer. Genital warts are treated separately. Not smoking may help your body clear the virus. Individual results vary.

How can I prevent HPV-related disease?

• Get vaccinated. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine HPV types, including 16 and 18. It is 240,000 KRW per dose at the clinic (prices may change; confirm with the clinic). Korea's national program offers free HPV vaccination to children and teens in eligible age groups.
• Keep up with regular cervical screening, even if you are vaccinated.
• Use condoms to lower (but not remove) the risk.
• Avoid smoking.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you have a positive HPV result, including a report in Korean, the doctor can explain it and plan your follow-up in English. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive HPV test mean I will get cervical cancer?

No. Most HPV infections clear on their own, and only persistent high-risk infections that are not followed up carry a risk of cancer over many years. Regular follow-up lets any changes be found and treated early.

Can HPV go away?

Yes. Most people clear HPV within one to two years. A later test may become negative. The virus can occasionally become active again, which is why continued screening is recommended.

Should I get the HPV vaccine if I already have HPV?

Vaccination may still help, because it can protect against HPV types you do not have. It does not treat an existing infection. The doctor can discuss whether it is suitable for your age and history.

Do I need to tell my partner?

HPV is so common that most sexually active partners have already been exposed. There is no routine HPV test for men. You may choose to share your result; the doctor can help answer questions.

How much does HPV follow-up cost at the clinic?

When not covered by insurance, liquid-based Pap is 40,000 KRW and colposcopy is 30,000 KRW. HPV test fees depend on the test used. Prices may change; confirm with the clinic.

Related pages

•  HPV Test
• Pap Smear
• Colposcopy
• HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)
• Cervical Screening in Korea
• Genital Warts

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.