If you use hormonal birth control and have heard that it may affect your HPV risk, you may have some questions. You may wonder whether birth control can make you more likely to get HPV, whether it can make an existing infection last longer, or whether you should stop using hormonal contraception if you have tested positive for HPV.
The good news is that hormonal birth control does not cause HPV. HPV is a very common infection that is mainly spread through sexual contact. The connection researchers are studying is whether some hormonal contraceptives may be linked with the persistence or progression of an existing HPV infection.
What Is HPV and Why Does It Matter?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common infection that can affect the skin and mucous membranes. Many people who have HPV do not know they have it because the infection often causes no symptoms, and the immune system clears most infections naturally.
The concern is with certain high-risk types of HPV. If one of these infections stays in the body for a long time, it can cause changes in cervical cells. Some of these changes can eventually become cervical cancer if they are not found and treated.
This is why HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening are important parts of protecting your cervical health.
Does Hormonal Birth Control Cause HPV?
No, hormonal birth control does not cause HPV.
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, so taking birth control pills or using another hormonal contraceptive does not directly give you the infection. However, some studies have found a possible association between long-term hormonal contraceptive use and cervical cancer risk in women who already have HPV.
That distinction is important because an association does not mean that birth control is the direct cause. HPV remains the main cause of cervical cancer, and many other factors can affect whether an infection remains in the body and causes cervical cell changes.
Why Does Persistent HPV Matter?
Most HPV infections clear without causing serious health problems. The bigger concern is persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type.
When high-risk HPV remains in the body for years, it can cause changes in cervical cells. These changes do not mean that you have cancer, but some can become more serious over time.
Your immune system, age, smoking history, HPV type, and other health factors can also influence what happens after an HPV infection. This is why it is not helpful to look at hormonal birth control as the only factor.
Should You Stop Hormonal Birth Control If You Have HPV?
Having HPV does not automatically mean that you need to stop hormonal birth control.
Your choice of contraception should take into account your overall health, pregnancy plans, personal preferences, and other risk factors. If you have received a positive HPV result and are worried that your birth control could be affecting your health, talk with your healthcare professional before making a change.
Stopping your contraception without another form of protection could leave you at risk of an unintended pregnancy, so it is better to make the decision with proper guidance.
Why Cervical Screening Still Matters
If you have HPV, one of the most useful things you can do is keep up with the cervical screening recommended for you.
An HPV-positive result does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Screening is designed to find HPV or early cervical cell changes so that they can be monitored or treated before they become more serious.
Your healthcare professional may recommend an HPV test, Pap test, or another follow-up examination depending on your age, screening history, and results. Even when you feel completely healthy, keeping these appointments matters because HPV often causes no noticeable symptoms.
Can the HPV Vaccine Still Help?
The HPV vaccine protects against several types of HPV that can cause cancer and other health problems. It is designed to prevent new infections rather than treat an HPV infection that you already have.
Whether vaccination is recommended for you depends on factors such as your age and previous vaccination history. If you are unsure whether you should receive the vaccine, ask your healthcare professional.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Health?
There is no way to control every factor that affects HPV, but you can take practical steps to reduce your risk and catch problems early.
HPV vaccination can help prevent infection with certain high-risk HPV types, while regular cervical screening can identify HPV or abnormal cervical cells before they become more serious. Condoms can also reduce the chance of HPV transmission, although they cannot provide complete protection because HPV can affect areas of skin that are not covered.
If you smoke, quitting can also be beneficial because smoking is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general health information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The relationship between hormonal contraception and HPV-related cervical disease is complex, and individual risks can vary. If you have tested positive for HPV, received an abnormal cervical screening result, or are considering changing your contraception, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- World Health Organization. Human Papillomavirus and Cancer.
- World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer.
- World Health Organization. WHO Guideline for Screening and Treatment of Cervical Pre-Cancer Lesions for Cervical Cancer Prevention.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. Human Papillomaviruses.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. Cervical Cancer.