Can you have dysplasia without HPV?

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Can you have dysplasia without HPV?

No. You have to have HPV to develop cervical dysplasia. But having HPV doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll develop cervical dysplasia.

It’s unknown why some people develop cervical dysplasia after being infected with HPV while others don’t. Some high-risk strains of HPV and the duration of the infection may play a role. Risk factors include:

  • Being over age 55. Studies have shown that HPV infections often last longer in people over 55. Infections often clear up more quickly in people who are 25 or younger.
  • Smoking cigarettes. Smoking and using products that contain tobacco can double your risk of cervical dysplasia.
  • Having a weakened immune system. Using immunosuppressant drugs can make it harder for your body to fight an HPV infection. Becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) makes it harder for your body to fight infection, too. A weakened immune system, along with an HPV infection, can lead to cervical dysplasia.

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