Do I need to throw away my underwear after HPV turns negative?

HPV refers to human papillomavirus, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Generally speaking, although it is not strictly required to discard underwear worn before HPV clearance, it is usually recommended to do so in order to prevent cross-infection. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Human papillomavirus is a contagious virus that spreads mainly through indirect or direct contact, including sexual transmission, skin and mucous membrane transmission, and transmission via contaminated objects. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discard previously worn underwear after HPV has turned negative. Although the virus can only survive for a limited time and is typically inactivated within 48 hours after leaving the human body, if disinfection is incomplete, other pathogens such as bacteria or fungi may remain on the underwear. Continued use under such circumstances could lead not only to potential HPV reinfection but also to infections caused by other microorganisms.

Therefore, it is advisable to promptly replace old underwear with new ones to ensure safety. Subsequently worn underwear should be thoroughly disinfected by scalding with boiling water or sun-drying to completely eliminate any viruses or bacteria. Additionally, personal hygiene should be carefully maintained. Even after HPV has turned negative, individuals should bathe regularly, change and wash their underwear daily, and avoid unsafe sexual practices—especially having multiple sexual partners—to reduce the risk of HPV reinfection.

Even after testing negative for HPV, regular monitoring is still necessary. If symptoms reappear or any other physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation is needed to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Furthermore, regular physical exercise is recommended to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.