scared...hpv?

Question

I found out today after having my Pap test done a couple of weeks ago that I have HPV. I know that it is an STD. I also know that it could lead to cervical cancer. I need to get a colposcopy done now and I'm a little scared...well very scared. Does this procedure hurt? Also, does HPV cause cancer in a lot of cases? Any help is much appreciated

Answer 1

I have had two colposcopys done before. Both times my doctor had advised to me to take a few ibuprofen before my appointment.

It doesn't really hurt too much, but it causes REALLY bad cramping. The cramping I had was like the worst period cramps I've ever had. That's why my doctor advised me to take a few ibuprofen so it could help with the pain and cramping.

Don't be too worried! As long as you stay on top of your pap smears and get any tests or procedures they want you to get done (like a colposcopy), you should be just fine! Pap smears are the best thing a woman can get to detect any abnormalities on the cervix caused by HPV. With proper screenings like pap smears, cervical cancer can usually be caught early and treated.

Good luck and take care!

Answer 2

According to the CDC, "Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year."
so, no, you are not alone. Also, most of the time, your body will fight off the virus and you never know you had it.
I found out this year that I had HPV, and, of course, I freaked. Until I researched it. Less than 1 percent of people with HPV get cervical cancer.
Still, get the procedure done. It's uncomfortable, and you may cramp a little bit, but the doc can give you a mega- 800 miligram ibuprofin that will take care of most of the discomfort.
RELAX. I had my two squalmous cells removed and nothing has showed up since.
DOESN"T MEAN YOU ARE DIRTY, EVIL, OR UNCLEAN either. Don't let anyone tell you that...

Answer 3

HPV is an STD that is very, very common in women. In fact, 1 in every 4 women will have HPV. The thing is, there are so many strains of this particular type of virus, that it is hard to target specifically when talking about cervical cancer. There are only 4 strains that lead to cervical cancer. But only your OB/GYN can tell you which strain you have after running some tests. There is nothing to be afraid of...it is a very common disease and it's better to know everything about it and ask questions, then to not know anything at all. Make sure you see your OB/GYN though.

Answer 4

It's an STI, not an STD.

I got a colposcopy done, it really isn't that bad, just check with your doctor, they may have you take ibuprofen beforehand. It's uncomfortable more because of the position you're in, and where the procedure is done.

HPV does cause cancer in some cases, but it's rare, especially since you caught it in a pap. You should be fine.

Answer 5

There are quite a few types of HPV and not all of them are cancer causing ones. The good thing is that you caught it. My sister had the same thing and it turned out to be nothing.

Good Luck!