Abonormal pap/HPV advice needed

[kanga1]

So I just got my first abnormal pap smear. And also tested positive for HPV via the wet prep test. I have to go back for a colposcopy in a month. Has anyone dealt with this? Also should I be telling any new or former partners that I tested positive for HPV? I've never had any bumps or showed any signs or symptoms of anything.

[Mrs.Rad888]

Many women, including many here on this board, have had abnormal paps, including me. I also had a colposcopy, which came back fine. I think the majority of the time, an abnormal pap leads to nothing more than a few more-frequent follow up paps. The fact that you don't have to come in for a month usually means they're not concerned about a cancer risk at this point.

I don't have any experience with testing positive for HPV, so I can't help there. Did your doctor give any advice about it?

[kanga1]

No advice. Just told me it is the most common STD that people test positive for. My dr also caught me off guard when he called at 6:30 last night so I didn't think of anything to ask, more surprised than anything.

[alleinesein]

I went through this last fall. My OB/GYN says that most people get a false positive reading on the HPV test. I had to get a colposcopy and they also redid the HPV test. All my results came back negative.

As for the colposcopy- its a bit uncomfortable. They did 3 small biopsies with mine but I think that they normally only do one. You may have some minor pain for the rest of the day; mine felt like I was being pinched just below my belly button. Not really painful but very annoying.

I had my test results back in 2 days.

[jojoandleo]

80% of the female population has HPV. There is no test for HPV in men. So while you can tell them, there is really no way for a man to get tested for it. There are something like 40 strains of HPV. Some clear up, some are forever (but cause no problems), some are higher risk. Hence the need for additional testing. They will know more after the colposcopy and provide you with options then (if any at all are necessary). I know it seems scary, but I have to tell you, it's fairly common and routine. *hugs*

[imalwaysme79]

Cold sores are a form of HPV. If you've ever had one, you're a carrier. Your doctor should be able to tell you which strain you're carrying.

[jojoandleo]

Jan 19, 2016 12:58:11 GMT -5 imalwaysme79 said:

Cold sores are a form of HPV. If you've ever had one, you're a carrier. Your doctor should be able to tell you which strain you're carrying.

Aren't cold sores HSV?

[Deleted]

This is a great article

Your Honest-to-God Guide to STDs

[ladyk]

I'm right with you, OP. My colposcopy is at the end of Feb. I got the positive result for HPV too. So I'm just biding my time until then and not freaking out unless I get a negative result from that appointment.

[glynn]

Been there and done that. 15 Years later everything is fine. It was a pain to deal with at the time.....

[pinkdutchtulips]

I did about 15 years ago ... I had the biopsy, wet test for HPV (test was neg). I had Pap smears every 6 months until I had 2 normal ones in a row (a year later) and I've been fine since.

[imalwaysme79]

Jan 19, 2016 12:58:11 GMT -5 imalwaysme79 said:

Cold sores are a form of HPV. If you've ever had one, you're a carrier. Your doctor should be able to tell you which strain you're carrying.

Oops. Duh. My brain is clearly non-functional today.

[kanga1]

Jan 19, 2016 13:39:34 GMT -5 ladyk said:

I'm right with you, OP. My colposcopy is at the end of Feb. I got the positive result for HPV too. So I'm just biding my time until then and not freaking out unless I get a negative result from that appointment.

Ugh, it is such a crappy feeling! The whole hurry up and wait game. Hugs to you and hopefully this turns out to be nothing for both of us

[glitzyglow]

I had a colposcopy in November. During the colposcopy I reacted with one of the medicines, so they took a biopsy of my cervix. Results came back benign, so I go back in May for another check-up. They will basically just monitor me every 6 months until I have a normal pap smear.

[pandora]

Jan 19, 2016 13:02:04 GMT -5 jojoandleo said:

Jan 19, 2016 12:58:11 GMT -5 imalwaysme79 said:

Cold sores are a form of HPV. If you've ever had one, you're a carrier. Your doctor should be able to tell you which strain you're carrying.

Aren't cold sores HSV?

You are correct. Cold sore are herpes (HSV) not HPV. HPV is completely different and unfortunately, is more common.

[pandora]

Kanga, hoping you come back in the clear but if you don't it's not the end of the world. It's manageable and most strains are not cancerous but they can tell you more based on further testing.

[poptart84]

I've had colposcopys the last two years in a row but negative hpv text. Similar to a pap but they snip a small sample. Tad uncomfy but not bad.
Hopefully all comes back clear for you!

[imalwaysme79]

Jan 19, 2016 20:16:17 GMT -5 pandora said:

Jan 19, 2016 13:02:04 GMT -5 jojoandleo said:

Aren't cold sores HSV?

You are correct. Cold sore are herpes (HSV) not HPV. HPV is completely different and unfortunately, is more common.

Yeah...I wasn't paying attention to the original question. I own it.

[Deleted]

It's really common and isn't a "reportable" STI, because pretty much everyone already has it. I've had abnormal PAPs about 5 times, had 2 colposcopies, 2 biopsies and had laser surgery in 2006. After the surgery I had normal PAPs again. After having my son I had some abnormal ones, then back to normal again. It sounds scarier than it is. It's something that you just need to keep an eye on and keep getting tested. Good luck! The surgery and recovery weren't bad at all, BTW. I mean, it's not something I'd want to do again, but it was quick and not painful. I hope everything goes smoothly!