25-yr dormancy

[Yvette BG]

Hi, folks--I'm 54-yr-old woman, post-menopausal 1 1/2 yrs. Abnormal PAP on routine exam in May
(negative HPV on Digene test); repeat PAP scheduled for 6 months later (late Nov.) Five days of light bleeding/
spotting/some cramping end of Sept., so saw GYN early for exam and repeat PAP.
High Risk HPV Test (Cervista test this time) came back positive and PAP positive abnormal cells, unspecified
origin. Back at age 21, had a "precancerous" lesion (staging wasn't same as it is today); had 2-stage cautery treatment-so based on my history, they went ahead w/ colposcopy and tissue last month. No lesions, no cancer. Been in a monogamous relationship for 25 yrs. (husband has just been w/ me, too) so guess I was exposed more than 2 decades ago. Dr.'s nurse said stress can affect immune system and might reactivate (or raise to detectable levels) the virus if it's been dormant. Have been under huge stress due my Dad being ill; dysfunctional dynamics and more hindrance than help from sisters. Trying to now eat better and take better care of self. Wish there was more info. on role of stress, stress hormones, and female hormones in HPV. Some studies show hormone imbalance can help reactivate. Don't smoke, don't drink, did start sex at young age (15), have been w/ more men than I should have, 2 of my 3 long-time partners were unfaithful during our time together, so who knows when/where I got this. So ticked at the stigma, though...Feel like I can't talk about this for fear of being judged. Thanks for listening.

[NeedToKnow58]

I was diagnosed with High Risk HPV after 24 years of marriage. My husband assures me that he has not cheated.  I too am bothered by the stigma so I just keep it to myself.  I was glad to read your post and know that there are other women out there who can empathize.

[Griever3000]

You found a place in the US that does PCR testing for men? Is it part of a research or is it from an actual doctors office?

[scaredone529]

LightningF, remember you were talking about the PCR testing in China? I found a place in the United States that does it, so I'm going to be re-tested for HPV.

[LightningF]

Apart of false positive pap smear test, even though if the virus has been "reactivated" from its dormancy state (which is possible even though it's rare occasion), you shouldnt worry. Your antibody should be able to suppress it just like once it did.

[scaredone529]

I just spoke with a woman who was HPV positive for quite some time. She also has metastatic breast cancer. Well, she had her HPV test done, and she is now negative for HPV. She still had abnormalities that required her to have a colposcopy. I think the abnormalities were due to menopause because she is that age.

[Hollyv]

The reason that you had the occasional mildly abnormal Pap over the years is that the Pap is an imperfect test and often picks up inflammation etc that does not mean anything. It is a good test as over time mild abnormals can be assessed. So in essence your colposcopy confirmed normal. The Pap and HPV tests are screening tests that both have limitations and some problems with accuracy and the colposcopy should indicate if there are any abnormal cells. If your colposcopy was normal having a Pap every 6 months for 3 years is a bit of “overkill”, unless you have further symptoms such as bleeding. The current recommendation would be a Pap in 6 and 12 months OR a Pap and HPV test at one year and then depending on those results a decision could be made on future testing. Since your colposcopy was normal, your mildly abnormal Paps are likely due to hormonal changes and changes that occur in your cervix that are normal with aging. Good Luck.

[Yvette BG]

Thanks for your response, Holly. The doctor did do the colposcopy and found "nothing out of the ordinary" given my age), etc., so she now wants me to have Pap tests every 6 months for the next 3 years. I have had some abnormal Pap tests over the years but then the repeats were normal except twice (when they did subsequent colposcopies.) I think I had one abnormal followed by a normal at least 2 or 3 times over the years, and I generally go every year or 1 1/2 years for a Pap. Good idea about the estrogen cream. I will ask. The GYN nurse wasn't too encouraging when I asked if the doctor ever measures hormone levels (including Cortisol). I suspect based on how I've been feeling the last 6 months (more hot flashes, after being much better that way for the prior year, plus the bleeding which almost seemed like a mini-period, out of the blue) that something is off. I wondered about the accuracy of the HPV tests--lots of conflicting info. out there. They did do the HPV 16 and HPV 18 test off that
HPV High Risk Positive sample (at my request), and those were negative, which is good. Thanks again for the help.    

[Hollyv]

Post menopausal women often have mildly abnormal paps due to normal cells changes in the cervix. I would tend to think that you had a false positive Cervista test. The Cervista test is not a 100% accurate, nor is the Digene but the fact that it was negative 6 months ago appears that there is an accuracy problem with your test. The Cervista has been known for less accuracy than Digene. It appears you only have mildly abnormal cells by Pap test. I presume they are going to want you to have a colposcopy in order to take a closer look. Low estrogen levels can cause atrophy changes in the cervix and vagina. Did your Dr. give you an estrogen cream as this is often prescribed and then they do a repeat Pap after. If she did not suggest this, you might want to ask about it. If you have been having normal Paps for years, it would appear that your recent abnormal is probably due to normal changes and not HPV.