Final answer:
The body's immune system clears HPV naturally within two years in 90% of cases. Persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to more serious conditions like cervical cancer. Preventive measures include routine Pap tests and HPV vaccination.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 90% of cases, the body's immune system clears the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) naturally within two years of the original infection. The immune system is usually capable of handling HPV infections by normal immune responses, particularly the low-risk types which may cause conditions like genital warts. However, high-risk types of HPV, specifically HPV 16 and HPV 18, are associated with more than 70% of all cervical cancer diagnoses and can persist in the body, potentially leading to precancerous changes in the cervical cells.
While genital warts can often be treated with topical medications, they do not eliminate the underlying HPV infection and the warts may return. Persistent high-risk HPV infections are of particular concern, which is why preventive measures such as regular Pap tests for women and the HPV vaccine, recommended for both boys and girls, are important for public health.