# What does a positive HPV test result mean while having a normal Pap smear?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean
Language: en
Category: womens_health
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.327Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.327Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean

If an HPV (human papillomavirus) test result is positive while the Pap smear (Pap test) result is normal, it means that the test has detected the presence of high-risk types of HPV in the cervical cells, but the Pap smear has not shown any abnormal or cancerous cellular changes at this time [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>). This does not necessarily mean cancer is present; rather, it indicates a need for follow-up because high-risk HPV can lead to cellular changes that may progress to cervical cancer over time if not treated [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S1>).

## Understanding Combined Screening Results

Cervical cancer screening is an important part of routine healthcare and usually includes a Pap smear, an HPV test, or a cotest that combines both [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S1>). A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the HPV test looks for types of the virus that can cause cancer [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S2>). When the HPV test is positive and the Pap smear is normal, it indicates that the body may be infected with high-risk HPV, but the cells have not yet been affected in a way that can be detected by a Pap smear [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>).

## Recommended Follow-up Steps

The next steps depend on several factors, including age, health history, and previous test results [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>). The doctor may recommend repeating the HPV test or a cotest (HPV/Pap) after one or three years to monitor whether the infection has cleared on its own or if any cellular changes have begun to appear [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>). In some cases, a colposcopy with a biopsy may be recommended if there are additional risk factors or if the positive HPV test result persists for a long period [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>).

## Importance of Periodic Follow-up

It is very important to adhere to the follow-up plan determined by your doctor. HPV infection can remain latent for years before becoming active again [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>). Early detection of any abnormal cellular changes allows for therapeutic intervention before they progress to cervical cancer [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S1>). You can learn more about the importance of early cervical cancer screening by visiting [Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap Smear and HPV Test (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/cervical-cancer-screening-pap-hpv-test>).

## When Should You Be Concerned?

A positive HPV result with a normal Pap smear does not immediately mean cancer is present, but it does require attention and follow-up. You should be concerned if repeated tests show the continued presence of high-risk HPV, or if the Pap smear begins to show abnormal cellular changes in subsequent tests [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>). In these cases, more detailed diagnostic and treatment procedures may be needed to prevent the development of cancer [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#source-S3>).

## Medical references

- [Cervical Cancer Screening](<https://medlineplus.gov/cervicalcancerscreening.html>)

- [HPV and Pap Test Results: Next Steps after an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test](<https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results>)

- [Cervical Cancer Screening](<https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-does-a-positive-hpv-test-with-a-normal-pap-smear-mean#answer