Pickle Eyes

Hi Newbiechick, I understand your confusion and questions! I felt the same thing almost 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with high risk HPV.

There are over 100 strains of HPV. More than 30 strains affect the genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, anus/rectum, mouth/throat). The other 70+ strains cause problems elsewhere (like plantar warts, warts on fingers, or the face, etc).

Of those 30+ strains that affect the genitals, some are high risk and some are low risk. Someone can have both high risk and low risk HPV at the same time. They may never know they have either. It is also entirely possible to have more than one strain of high risk and/or low risk HPV. HPV is VERY easily transmittable; all it takes is skin to skin contact, not just sexual intercourse but various forms of foreplay can transmit HPV. This is why it is so common.

When it comes to "fighting" the virus, there is some disagreement in the medical community. One thing is known for certain (as far as I understand) is that once someone has HPV their body maintains markers (or some other medical term) that hows the person has, at some point, had a strain of the virus.

The debate comes in as to what can/does happen. Some researchers say that a person can fight the virus so it no longer causes problems. Once fighting that strain, then that strain won't cause any more problems. Other researchers say it is possible for that strain of HPV to be reactivated later (especially by stres) in life. This is compared to how many people had chicken pox when they were younger. The body fought the virus; and for most people the virus never causes any more problems. For some people, however, the virus reactivates later in life and it can show up as shingles.

I don't know which is correct.

I hope that helps.