Abnormal Pap, HPV

[sarah2979]

I just had my yearly PAP and it was mildly abnormal... the dr. then tested for HPV and I tested positive.  I have to go back for a procedure where they said they will put vinegar on my cervix and then look at me with a microscope.  I am 29 years old and have been having PAPs done since I was 18 and never had a problem until now.  I have only had 2 sexual partners in my life.  The first one was almost 10 years ago.  The second one is my now husband who I have been with for almost 6 years.  Nothing ever came up the entire time we were together.  We just got married last year and started to have intercourse without a condom.  Do you think that I contracted HPV from my husband during this past year?  If it goes away on it's own will I be able to catch it from him again?  He hasn't had unprotected sex with anyone since he was between the ages of 19 and 21... he is now 33.  Is it possible that it laid dormant all that time and would I still become infected with it if it was dormant in him?  I'm sorry for all the questions, but my doctor can't schedule me for an appointment until the beginning of December and I just am very concerned about the entire thing.  Thanks in advance.

[roses711]

You can carry more than one strain..but again..you don't know who gave it to who or when you got it.. so if one of you has more than one strain..then you both do! As for sex..unfortunately since we can never know if our husbands virus is being dormant or active.. we can never know (although my feeling is after year/s of marriage and oral sex..my hubby and i are assuming that we probably already have oral hpv)..but luckily we do have a little more control since we'll probably have paps/hpv tests every 6months( right now my hpv is "shedding"/active..so..no receiving oral for me! But to be honest..like I told my hubby..thinking about having sex is the FURTHEST thing on my mind!) I've gotten my hubby to try to eat healthier and take multi to keep his immunity consistent.

I COMPLETELY understand the waiting thing..I've got 5 months till my appointment and it's SO hard to not think about it..especially when i look in the mirror! Feel like evryone can see that there's something different about me..this has shaken my confidence, stolen my feelings as being beautiful and sexy..i'm working to look past the hpv and feel beautiful again.

If you need to chat/vent/etc..drop me a line!  :)

[sarah2979]

Thank you so much... i just wish there was a way to know if my husband has more than one strain of the virus.  I understand you can't be reinfected with the same strain, but it is probably possible for someone to carry more than one right?  I am taking supplements and go for my exam December 2 and will continue to take them after also.  You said to avoid sex when the virus is active... but if there are no signs how will i know?  The strain I have does not produce warts or any outward signs.  It's such a frustrating thing and waiting for my appointment I'm sure will be the hardest part.  Thank you again for writing to me.  It helped a lot.

[roses711]

try to relax..I was just diagnosed w/ HPV about a month ago..I'm 36 married 8yrs (together 11yrs) two kids. here's what I've learned so far:
1. You'll NEVER know who gave it to who because it can lay dormant for decades( may become active due to stress, weak immune system,pregnancy)
2.about 80% of sexually active pple have had HPV at one time in their lives..just never knew it! ( 90% of the pple who get it NEVER have any symptoms)
3. You guys can't reinfect each other w/ the same strain of the virus..you both more than likely have it since you've been having unprotected sex..( when you're virus is "active" you should avoid oral/anal sex)
4.Stop smoking/drinking (weakens body's ability to absorb nutrients), eat healthy, take multi w/folic (my gyn suggested l-lysine), eat lots of leafy greens/fruits/veggies, and try not to stress (i know easier said than done..stress weakens your immunity) ...right now you need to help your body resuppress the virus by taking care of yourself.. I'm actually going to try papillex ( NOT A CURE..but a natural supplement w/ 10 ingrediants that boost the body's natural immune system..you can read about it on their site)
5. HPV is as common as the common cold...
6. go to the cdc.gov/std/hpv ,www.theHPVtest.com..health.rutgers.edu./hpv/ for more info..HOWEVER TRY NOT TO LET THE INFO SCARE YOU.... focus on staying positive and healthy..
I KNOW how scary it is to learn that you have a std..the stigma that goes w/ it..and our own  feelings about ourselves..BUT..you're not alone...hope this helps!!