Once a person has been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), there is no medicine that can get rid of the HPV virus. Only the body's immune system can effectively remove it. This happens in most HPV infections, although it can take up to a year.

 

In some cases, however, the immune system cannot completely get rid of the HPV virus. When the HPV that remains is a "high-risk" type (see High-Risk HPV), it can increase the risk for developing precancerous changes or even cancer. Persistent high-risk HPV (an infection that does not go away) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer (see Cervical Cancer Risk Factors).

  

While there is no known HPV cure, treatment options are availabe for conditions caused by the virus.