Can You Get HPV After Hysterectomy?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections known to affect the skin and mucous membranes, particularly in the reproductive tract. While many HPV infections resolve naturally, certain high-risk strains can persist, leading to serious health concerns such as cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

For women who have undergone significant reproductive surgeries, the topic of HPV after hysterectomy becomes especially important, as understanding its risks and ongoing management is essential for long-term well-being.

At Little Stars & She, the premier women and children’s hospital in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, we specialize in comprehensive women’s healthcare, including advanced gynecological services and post-surgical wellness care.

Our expert team, led by renowned specialists like Dr. Roopa Ghanta, offers personalized guidance on managing HPV infection post hysterectomy, ensuring every woman receives the compassionate, state-of-the-art care she deserves.

Do you know what happens when someone contracts HPV? Let’s simplify it for you.

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a group of more than 150 related viruses. It’s primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. While most infections are temporary and go unnoticed, persistent HPV—especially high-risk types—can cause precancerous changes and even cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and throat.

For women, the concern mostly centers around cervical cancer. However, even after the cervix is removed during a hysterectomy, HPV can still impact other tissues.

What signs to look out for? Let’s find out.

One of the trickiest aspects of HPV is that it often has no symptoms. After a hysterectomy, especially if the cervix has been removed, signs of HPV might still appear in the form of:

• Genital warts
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Vaginal or vulvar itching
  If high-risk HPV is present, it might cause changes in the vaginal or vulvar cells, increasing the risk of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy.

Don’t ignore unusual changes in your body. Schedule a consultation with a gynecology specialist for clarity.

Should you still get tested? Let’s talk about that next.

Yes, you can. Whether you’ve had a partial hysterectomy (where the cervix is left intact) or a total hysterectomy (where the cervix is removed), the possibility of HPV lingering remains. This is because the virus may reside in the vaginal or vulvar tissues or even in areas not removed during surgery.

A Pap smear after hysterectomy may still be recommended, especially for those with a history of abnormal cervical cells or HPV infection. In some cases, an HPV DNA test is also advised to monitor high-risk types.

But how often does this happen? Let’s break it down.

Though less common than cervical HPV, infection can persist post-hysterectomy, particularly in women who had HPV before their surgery. Studies suggest that around 10–15% of women continue to test positive for high-risk HPV even after removal of the cervix. Additionally, the risk increases with:

• Weakened immunity
• Smoking
• Multiple sexual partners
• History of abnormal Pap results

So, while not every woman is affected, HPV infection post hysterectomy isn’t rare and shouldn’t be ignored.

Wondering how to manage it if you test positive? Let’s explore the options.

HPV management after a hysterectomy varies depending upon many things—whether or not the cervix was taken out, the type of HPV, and the patient’s personal medical history. Even when there is no cervix, the high-risk types of HPV can still be a threat to the vulva and vagina. That is why ongoing care and follow-up are still necessary.

At Little Stars & She, we stress an active and individualized strategy, which includes:

• Regular screenings:
  For women with a partial hysterectomy, an annual Pap smear after hysterectomy is still recommended. Even with a full hysterectomy, women with a history of high-risk HPV or cervical cancer may require periodic examinations.
• HPV DNA testing:
  It identifies high-risk types early on, even before symptoms occur.
• Visual pelvic exams:
  For individuals without a cervix, these tests assist in detecting any evidence of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy or other irregularities.
• HPV vaccination:
  If not previously vaccinated, women can still receive the HPV vaccine after surgery to protect against future infection.
• Antiviral Treatments and Topical Therapies:
  For symptomatic HPV infection, treatments may involve antiviral drugs or topical agents to treat genital warts and other observable manifestations.
  At our women and children’s hospital in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, post-surgery care doesn’t end there. Our experts closely collaborate with patients to achieve total gynecological well-being and reassurance.

Now, is HPV always dangerous after surgery? Let’s clear that up.

Not always. The majority of HPV infections resolve spontaneously and never develop into cancer. But if high-risk types are persistent, they can develop vaginal cancer after hysterectomy or involve adjacent genital tissues. Early detection and regular screening can significantly lower this risk.

Preventive care and cutting-edge screening technologies at Little Stars & She are meant to keep every woman one step ahead of health issues

Not sure when it’s time to reach out for help? These signs mean it’s time to act.

If you’ve had a hysterectomy and experience any of the following, it’s time to consult a specialist:

• Bleeding after intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Genital warts
• History of HPV or abnormal Pap results

At Little Stars & She, we encourage proactive healthcare. Prioritizing regular checkups ensures early intervention and lasting wellness.

Final Note:

Vigilance after a hysterectomy is essential. Though HPV is no longer a threat to the cervix, it can continue to affect other parts. At Little Stars & She, one of the best women and children’s hospitals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, we’re committed to being with you throughout each step of your journey to health—prevention, healing, and all in between.

Staying informed is the first step to better health. Connect with a qualified gynecology expert to discuss effective, personalized care plans.

Can I get HPV again after a hysterectomy?

Yes, HPV can persist, or you can get re-infected through intimate contact even after a hysterectomy.

Do I need a Pap test after a full hysterectomy?

It varies depending on the reason the hysterectomy was done. If it was due to cancer or precancerous changes, regular Pap tests may still be necessary.

Does HPV go away after hysterectomy?

Yes, in many cases, the immune system can naturally clear the HPV infection over time, even after surgery.

Should I get the HPV vaccine if I’ve already had a hysterectomy?

Yes, the HPV vaccine can still help prevent future infections, especially if you haven’t received it.

What symptoms should I watch for after my hysterectomy if I have HPV?

Watch for unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain, or postmenopausal bleeding. These symptoms should prompt a medical consultation.

Reference links:

https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/194/12/1702/812286 

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes and not for promotional use.