What Does It Mean If Your HPV Test is Positive but Your Pap is Normal?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
A positive HPV test with a normal Pap smear means you have a high-risk HPV infection, but it hasn't caused abnormal cell changes yet. This occurs in approximately 15-20% of women screened. The HPV test detects the virus itself, while the Pap smear looks for cellular changes the virus can cause. High-risk HPV types like 16 and 18 can lead to cervical cancer over time, but most infections clear naturally within 2 years. Your doctor will likely recommend repeat testing in 12 months to monitor whether the infection persists or clears on its own.
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