Last year, I had a normal Pap. This year I came back with a abnormal pap (remained w/same partner) & my Dr says I have mild abnormal cells. She also said I tested positive for HPV. Can hpv remain dormant or undetected for over a year-because if its a "virus" shouldn't it have been detected w/ my last pap? And does this mean I definitely have HPV? Also she referred me to get a coloscopy, for further testing-which I'm definitely gonna do. I'm just really nervous- this is all new to me-is there anything else I should be aware of?
2007-07-13 04:34:20 · 8 answers · asked by ladyinc3 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
If the virus is "dormant" then it won't show up on your pap smear. I have had HPV for 6+ years. I have had several normal pap smears as well as a couple abnormal ones.
It's possible that the virus was dormant or just wasn't active at the time of your first pap smear which caused it to be normal. It's also possible that your partner cheated on you and gave you the virus after your normal pap smear.
HPV is kind of a tricky virus though. It can be "dormant" for years and years and people are unaware they have the virus for a long time. If it wasn't for my pap smear being abnormal 6+ years ago I would have never known I had the virus till about a year ago when I developed genital warts. I would have went 5 years before realizing I had HPV!
HPV isn't ALWAYS the cause of abnormal pap smears, but it is one of the main causes of them. You'll have to ask your doctor if you have HPV for sure.
Definitely get your colposcopy done! It will show the doctors if you have abnormal cells on your cervix and where the abnormal cells are. They can find out if the are pre-cancerous, cancerous, or nothing at all. (HPV can cause abnormal pap smears even if nothing is actually wrong). Also, just a warning, take some Ibuprofen before you go, or ask them if you can get some before the procedure. It doesn't really hurt too much, but it causes BAD cramps.
Don't worry too much though. Only about 1% of women with HPV (usually without proper screenings like pap smears) will actually go on to develop cervical cancer. That doesn't mean it should be taken lightly though. 10,000 women were diagnosed in the US last year and about 4,000 of them will die from it. So, definitely stay on top of your pap smears!
Take care and good luck to you!
2007-07-13 05:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Pap may miss abnormal cell changes. Your doctors stated your HPV test was positive so yes you definitely have HPV.
HPV can remain in a sleeping or dormant stage for years.
Knowledge…learning more about the virus will allow better communication with your doctor and reduce your fears….Knowledge is power!!
Understanding cell changes is a great article…
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcervicalchanges/
The Natural History of HPV
http://www.merckmedicus.com/pp/us/hcp/diseasemodules/hpvd/natural-history.jsp
I wish you well.
2007-07-13 21:21:01 · answer #2 · answered by tarnishedsilverheart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with HPV 2 years ago with the same partner, it can lay dormant for years before it shows up or it will just simply go away on it's own you have aggressive type. That is what I had and I went in for a colpo and a leep. I had cancerous cells. They were able to catch it in time and I did not have to go for chemo or anything major. I know how nerve racking it is. When I had it their was no talk of HPV like their is now, and I had no one to talk to about it. Try not to worry hopefully you caught it in time and they can remove any abnormal cells. Also, this does not mean you BF cheated or anything. So don't go postal on him, you can get HPV from virtually anywhere as it is a virus. Go to HPVinfo.com that is a great website full of info. If you have any more questions feel free to contact me.
2007-07-13 12:37:28 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HPV works in strange ways the same thing happened to me
ive been with the same guy over a year and it barely showed 3 months ago.........yes it can remain dormant or undetected.......some people have hpv and never now because it never showed on the pap smear......and yes it does mean you definitely have HPV.........Coloscopy is a great idea i went and i also had cryo surgery to removed the few damaged tissues i just went to my follow up docotor said everything is looking great........just keep your appointments and follow ups and you should be fine..............good luck.....:)
2007-07-13 20:58:02 · answer #4 · answered by keeks 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a scary situation but don't be alarm go to your GYn and ask questions because you mont know untill you ask. HPV can lay dormant and not have any symptoms.
2007-07-13 15:28:12 · answer #5 · answered by purplevixen2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had the same thing happen to me.and i also had a coloscopy and everything came out fine.its been about 2 years and my pap has been coming out fine.i worried and worried and all for nothing.so just stay calm and think positive maybe your getting upset for nothing.good luck!
2007-07-13 11:40:57 · answer #6 · answered by krazygirl30 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no and the cells sometimes clear up on their own and if not then they can be removed before they turn into cancer as long as you get yearly eaxams and visit the colposcopy clinic you will be fine, 70% of women have this and you can live a normal life and have children while you have this without harming the child so relax it will be ok.
2007-07-13 11:50:07 · answer #7 · answered by kelly_hotma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possible cheating .... I am not sure how long or if it can lay dorment but I wouldn't doubt it..Just keep on top of it and don't
let the situation go you could end up with cervical cancer
2007-07-13 11:40:21 · answer #8 · answered by blahblah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋