Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
STDs (Expert Forum)
Prior Hysterectomy and HPV
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
IMPORTANT
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
Prior Hysterectomy and HPV
by BMNS, Dec 09, 2006 12:00AM
I had a total hysterectomy in 1991 due to endometriosis.No precancer or cancer.Diligent about yearly annual exams but due to prior hysterectomy, my last pap was in 1999 without cultures and was normal.My most recent pap 4 weeks ago came back with LGSIL, Mild Dysplasia and HPV effects present.I have done alot of research, but still am unclear on some topics and have the following questions:
1.With only a vagina and no female organs, is there a higher possibility that HPV could spread to other organs easier than if I had them? Does HPV spread within the body?
2.What is meant by HPV effects present?Did I have an HPV test along with the pap or would a pap alone show HPV effects?Having a tough time getting answers from my dr.
3.What is the "normal" next step with this result? Is it to re-test in 3-4 months or coloposcopy and biopsy?If colposcopy and biopsy, is it possible to have the biopsy with some type of numming agent or relaxant prior to the injection of local antisetic?
4.How painful should the biopsy be?I was told it would just be a very brief pinch and then over....that was so far from the truth that we had to stop with the initial local antisetic injection.Is this normal? or is it possible to have it be a less painful and stressful event?
5.How serious is this reading? From my own research, It seems to be very treatable and has a high rate of cure with the knowledge that re-checks are critical to be sure it doesn't come back.Is this correct?
6.What questions/requests should I ask my next Gyn when I see her in a week or so?
I am trying very hard to educate myself as I can't seem to get answers from my medical "professionals." I am scared because there is so much different information out there on this topic centering on HPV and the cervix and really very little that deals with HPV after hysterectomy. Any current information, data or advise that you have regarding this specific topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!
1.With only a vagina and no female organs, is there a higher possibility that HPV could spread to other organs easier than if I had them? Does HPV spread within the body?
2.What is meant by HPV effects present?Did I have an HPV test along with the pap or would a pap alone show HPV effects?Having a tough time getting answers from my dr.
3.What is the "normal" next step with this result? Is it to re-test in 3-4 months or coloposcopy and biopsy?If colposcopy and biopsy, is it possible to have the biopsy with some type of numming agent or relaxant prior to the injection of local antisetic?
4.How painful should the biopsy be?I was told it would just be a very brief pinch and then over....that was so far from the truth that we had to stop with the initial local antisetic injection.Is this normal? or is it possible to have it be a less painful and stressful event?
5.How serious is this reading? From my own research, It seems to be very treatable and has a high rate of cure with the knowledge that re-checks are critical to be sure it doesn't come back.Is this correct?
6.What questions/requests should I ask my next Gyn when I see her in a week or so?
I am trying very hard to educate myself as I can't seem to get answers from my medical "professionals." I am scared because there is so much different information out there on this topic centering on HPV and the cervix and really very little that deals with HPV after hysterectomy. Any current information, data or advise that you have regarding this specific topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Dec 10, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 10, 2006 12:00AM
The sexually acquired types of HPV can affect any genital, anal, and surrounding tissues. However, the high-risk (cancer-associated) types cause the vast majority of their problems on the cervix or, less commonly, the anus. Although vulvar and vaginal cancers also are related to the same HPV types, those diseases are very rare, far less common than cervical cancer and pre-cancerous problems.
1) Not having a cervix or uterus has no known effect on HPV disease at other anatomic sites. HPV does not spread in the body; it only causes problems at the places where infection starts.
2) "HPV effects" is redundant. The LGSIL and dysplasia themselves are the HPV effects.
3, 4) I am not a gynecologist, have never done a cervical or vaginal biopsy, and am not an expert and do not give advice on management of abnormal pap smears, dysplasia, etc. Your own provider is the best source of this information. But I believe the description of the biopsy is exactly right; it's not a big deal.
5) Even if you did nothing, the odds are strong you would never have a serious problem. I'm definitely not suggesting you blow this off; you must follow your provider's advice. But with proper treatment, you can be 100% confident nothing dangerous will come of your HPV infection.
6) You already have a pretty good set of questions for your provider. The main thing I don't understand is where the pap abnormalities are: vagina, vulva, anal area, or wherever. You should be clear on this, and also confirm with your ObG that s/he has managed cases like yours before; and if uncertain, ask for a second opinion. If the abnormality is external, like vulva or anus, you might want to consult with a dermatologist as well as your ObG.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
1) Not having a cervix or uterus has no known effect on HPV disease at other anatomic sites. HPV does not spread in the body; it only causes problems at the places where infection starts.
2) "HPV effects" is redundant. The LGSIL and dysplasia themselves are the HPV effects.
3, 4) I am not a gynecologist, have never done a cervical or vaginal biopsy, and am not an expert and do not give advice on management of abnormal pap smears, dysplasia, etc. Your own provider is the best source of this information. But I believe the description of the biopsy is exactly right; it's not a big deal.
5) Even if you did nothing, the odds are strong you would never have a serious problem. I'm definitely not suggesting you blow this off; you must follow your provider's advice. But with proper treatment, you can be 100% confident nothing dangerous will come of your HPV infection.
6) You already have a pretty good set of questions for your provider. The main thing I don't understand is where the pap abnormalities are: vagina, vulva, anal area, or wherever. You should be clear on this, and also confirm with your ObG that s/he has managed cases like yours before; and if uncertain, ask for a second opinion. If the abnormality is external, like vulva or anus, you might want to consult with a dermatologist as well as your ObG.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (3)
by BMNS, Dec 10, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you very much for your professional opinion. You honesty and professionalism are to be commended. It is really sad all in the medical profession couldn't have this same integrity! Again, thank you.
by BMNS, Dec 13, 2006 12:00AM
To: HHH, MD
Abnormal Pap Reading from the inside vaginal walls.
by Sharry158, Sep 28, 2008 11:31AM
A related discussion, Will it ever go away was started.
