HPV positive but 16 and 18 negative means a high-risk HPV infection was found, but HPV types 16 and 18 were not detected. This result does not mean you have cervical cancer.
However, it still needs proper follow-up because other high-risk HPV types can also cause abnormal cervical cell changes over time. Your next step usually depends on your Pap smear result, age, past test history, and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
HPV Test Result Safety Summary
A positive HPV test means high-risk HPV was found in the cervical sample. It does not mean cancer is present.
A negative HPV 16 and 18 result means the test did not detect those two higher-risk HPV types. This is generally more reassuring than being positive for HPV 16 or 18.
Still, other high-risk HPV types may remain. Therefore, follow-up is important, especially if your Pap test is abnormal or if HPV stays positive on repeat testing.
HPV Positive But 16 and 18 Negative: Result Table
| Test Result | What It Usually Means | Cancer Risk Meaning | Possible Next Step |
| HPV negative | High-risk HPV was not found | Lower current cervical cancer risk | Routine screening as advised |
| HPV positive, 16/18 negative, Pap normal | Other high-risk HPV found, but Pap cells look normal | Lower risk than HPV 16/18, but not zero | Often repeat HPV/Pap testing in 1 year |
| HPV positive, 16/18 negative, Pap abnormal | Other high-risk HPV found with cell changes | Needs closer review | Colposcopy may be recommended |
| HPV 16 positive | Highest-risk HPV type found | Higher cervical precancer risk | Colposcopy often recommended |
| HPV 18 positive | High-risk HPV type found | Higher cervical cancer concern | Colposcopy often recommended |
| Persistent HPV positive | HPV remains over time | Risk may increase with persistence | Repeat testing or colposcopy may be needed |
What Does HPV Positive But 16 and 18 Negative Mean?
This result means the test found a high-risk HPV type, but not HPV 16 or HPV 18. Many HPV tests check for HPV 16 and HPV 18 separately because these types are linked to a higher cervical cancer risk.
Other high-risk HPV types can still matter. They may include types such as 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, or others, depending on the test used.
In many people, HPV clears or becomes inactive without causing serious problems. However, persistent high-risk HPV can lead to abnormal cervical cells, so follow-up testing is important.
Does HPV Positive Mean Cancer?
No, an HPV positive result does not mean you have cancer. It means high-risk HPV was detected.
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over many years after persistent high-risk HPV infection. Screening is designed to find risk early before cancer develops.
That is why your doctor may recommend repeat testing, Pap testing, or colposcopy. These steps help check whether HPV has caused cervical cell changes.
Why HPV 16 and 18 Matter?
HPV 16 and HPV 18 are considered especially important because they are strongly linked with cervical cancer risk. Many screening tests identify them separately.
A negative result for HPV 16 and 18 is usually better than testing positive for either type. However, it does not make the result completely risk-free.
Other high-risk HPV types can still cause cervical cell changes. Therefore, the full result must be interpreted with the Pap result and your screening history.
HPV Positive 16/18 Negative With Normal Pap
If your HPV test is positive but HPV 16 and 18 are negative, and your Pap test is normal, your provider may recommend repeat testing in about 1 year.
This approach is often used because the immediate risk may be lower when HPV 16 and 18 are not detected and cervical cells look normal.
However, follow-up should not be skipped. If HPV remains positive or the Pap test becomes abnormal later, further evaluation may be needed.
HPV Positive 16/18 Negative With Abnormal Pap
If the Pap test is abnormal, the result needs closer attention. Abnormal Pap results mean cervical cells show changes under the microscope.
Even when HPV 16 and 18 are negative, abnormal cells can still happen with other high-risk HPV types. Therefore, your doctor may recommend colposcopy.
Colposcopy allows the cervix to be examined more closely. If needed, a small biopsy may be taken to check for precancerous changes.
HPV Positive But 16 and 18 Negative After Years of Normal Tests
A new HPV positive result after years of normal tests can feel confusing. However, HPV can stay quiet for a long time before being detected.
This does not automatically mean a partner recently cheated or that the infection is new. HPV can be present without symptoms for months or years.
Your provider will focus on risk and follow-up rather than trying to prove when the infection happened. Repeat testing helps show whether the virus clears or persists.
Can Other High-Risk HPV Types Cause Cancer?
Yes, other high-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer, although HPV 16 and 18 are the most concerning types.
That is why a 16/18 negative result is reassuring but not a reason to ignore follow-up. Persistent infection with other high-risk HPV types can still lead to abnormal cells.
The goal of screening is to catch these changes early. When found early, abnormal cervical changes can often be monitored or treated before cancer develops.
Symptoms of HPV
Most high-risk HPV infections do not cause symptoms. Many people feel normal and do not know they have HPV until a screening test finds it.
High-risk HPV usually does not cause pain, discharge, itching, or visible bumps. Genital warts are usually linked with low-risk HPV types, not the high-risk types most associated with cervical cancer.
However, unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, bleeding after sex, or abnormal discharge should be checked. These symptoms can have many causes and need medical evaluation.
How HPV Spreads?
HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. This can include vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and other genital contact.
A person can pass HPV even without symptoms. Also, condoms can lower risk but do not fully prevent HPV because uncovered skin can still spread the virus.
HPV is very common. Most sexually active people are exposed to HPV at some point, and many infections clear naturally.
HPV Positive But 16 and 18 Negative: Normal vs Not Normal
It can be normal to have a positive HPV test with no symptoms. Many HPV infections are found only through routine cervical screening.
A normal Pap with HPV positive 16/18 negative is usually less urgent than HPV 16 or 18 positivity. Still, repeat testing is commonly needed.
It is not normal to ignore abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, bleeding after sex, or a doctor’s request for follow-up. These signs or instructions should be taken seriously.
What Follow-Up May Be Recommended?
Follow-up depends on your full screening result. Your doctor may recommend repeat HPV testing, repeat Pap testing, cotesting, or colposcopy.
If your Pap result is normal and HPV 16/18 is negative, repeat testing in 1 year may be recommended in many cases. If your Pap result is abnormal, colposcopy may be needed.
Your previous screening history also matters. A first positive result may be handled differently from persistent HPV positivity over several years.
What Is Colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a close exam of the cervix using a special magnifying device. It helps the clinician look for abnormal areas.
The test is usually done in a clinic. A vinegar-like solution may be applied to the cervix so abnormal areas are easier to see.
If the clinician sees concerning changes, they may take a small biopsy. The biopsy result helps decide whether monitoring or treatment is needed.
Can HPV Go Away?
In many people, HPV becomes undetectable over time. The immune system may clear or control the infection naturally.
However, some infections persist. Persistent high-risk HPV is more concerning because it can increase the chance of cervical cell changes.
Healthy habits may support overall immune function, but there is no proven medicine that directly clears HPV from the body. Follow-up screening remains the key step.
Is Treatment Needed for HPV Positive 16/18 Negative?
There is no treatment that removes HPV itself. Instead, treatment focuses on problems HPV may cause, such as genital warts or abnormal cervical cells.
If your Pap test is normal, treatment may not be needed right away. Monitoring with repeat testing may be enough.
If abnormal cells are found, your doctor may recommend observation, biopsy, or treatment depending on how serious the changes are.
HPV Vaccine After a Positive Result
The HPV vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection. However, it may still protect against HPV types you have not yet been exposed to.
Some people may benefit from vaccination even after a positive HPV test. This depends on age, vaccination history, sexual history, and local medical guidance.
Ask your doctor whether HPV vaccination is still useful for you. It may be especially relevant if you were never vaccinated or did not complete the vaccine series.
HPV and Partners
A positive HPV result can raise relationship concerns. However, HPV is common and may stay undetected for years.
It is often not possible to know when HPV was acquired or from whom. A new positive result does not automatically prove recent exposure.
Partners may not have symptoms and may not have a routine HPV test available. Honest communication and safer sex practices can help reduce anxiety and risk.
What Not to Do?
Do not assume that HPV positive means cancer. Most positive HPV results do not mean cancer is present.
Do not skip follow-up testing because HPV 16 and 18 are negative. Other high-risk types can still matter.
Also, do not try home treatments or unproven supplements to “cure” HPV. Focus on medical follow-up, screening, vaccination discussion, and healthy habits.
When to Call a Doctor?
Call your doctor if you do not understand your HPV result or do not know whether your Pap test was normal or abnormal.
Also, seek medical care for bleeding after sex, unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, pain during sex, or symptoms that worry you.
If your provider recommends repeat testing or colposcopy, schedule it on time. Delayed follow-up may allow abnormal cells to go unnoticed.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Ask which HPV type was detected if the test provides that detail. Also, ask whether your Pap result was normal or abnormal.
You can ask whether you need repeat testing in 1 year, colposcopy, biopsy, or routine screening. Your past results may affect the answer.
Also, ask whether the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you, how to reduce transmission risk, and what symptoms should prompt a visit.
Final Thoughts
HPV positive but 16 and 18 negative means high-risk HPV was found, but HPV 16 and HPV 18 were not detected. This is usually less concerning than testing positive for HPV 16 or 18.
However, the result still needs follow-up because other high-risk HPV types can also cause cervical cell changes. Your Pap result and screening history are very important.
Overall, do not panic and do not ignore the result. The safest step is to follow your doctor’s plan for repeat testing, Pap testing, colposcopy, or continued screening.
FAQs
It means high-risk HPV was detected, but HPV types 16 and 18 were not found. Other high-risk HPV types may still be present and need follow-up.
It can be less concerning than HPV 16 or 18 positivity, especially with a normal Pap. However, follow-up matters because other high-risk types can persist.
No, HPV positive does not mean cervical cancer. It means high-risk HPV was found. Screening helps detect abnormal cells before cancer develops.
Maybe. If your Pap test is abnormal or HPV persists, colposcopy may be recommended. If your Pap is normal, repeat testing may be advised.
Yes, many HPV infections become undetectable over time. However, some persist, so repeat screening is important even when symptoms are absent.
Yes, other HPV types can still spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Condoms can lower risk but do not fully prevent HPV transmission.
Reference
- NCI – HPV and Pap Test Results
https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results - NCI – Cervical Cancer Screening
https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening