Second opinion

I am 34 years old. I am trying to get pregnant and have HPV "high-risk". I have doing the pap test every six months and the results for 1 year and half is the same HPV positive but normal cells.
I heard if the virus stays for a long time in the cervix can cause an infection and then cancer. I will test again next week and will complete 2 years. And I am uncomfortable in waiting the tests to know if my cells continuous OK. I am trying to get pregnant and I would like to know if my results come the same, should I worry about cervix cancer?
My doctor says that I cannot do anything and I have to wait for the followups.
I am anxious every time I will be checked now for 2 years in a roll. Can I do something any treatments, precautions?
Should I do another kind of test or just the pap test?

I need a second opinion about HPV and my case.

Thank you

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Because HPV is a virus, we unfortunately do not have a cure for it.  Once it is in your system, it is there to stay.  It may be of some relief for you to know that as many as 1 out of every 3 people has HPV.  Right now we can only test with HPV DNA tests and pap smears.  If you get bad cell (dysplasia) on your pap test, there are procedures to treat that ( freezing, and cautery, etc)  As long as you go in for your pap tests regularly, you won't get cervical cancer because the abnormal cells can be removed before they ever get that far, but DONT blow off your pap tests!

You can get pregnant.  It doesn't interefere with fertility.  It doesn't spread to the baby.  It doesn't mean you have to have a c section--you can have natural birth. Since the HPV is likely to be there for life ( unless we come up with a cure ) you shouldn't wait for it to go away before having your family.  Some studies have shown that beta carotene suplements help the body's immune system fight the virus.

Good luck!
Dr B