How long is the detection period?

I had a pap test done in March in an emergency room, I went there for severe cramping and it turned out to be cyst. However I got my pap result from them and it was normal. Then on May 5th I went to my OB dr and this test came back abnormal and looks like HPV......Im so nervous and confused why would it change in two months? Could my boyfriend be cheating on me??

[Amie635]

Hello,

there isn't really a detection period for HPV like there is with other STDs. HPV is an annoying virus which can randomly pop up at any time, years after transmission, thats why it is advised it isn't an indication of cheating.

It could be that the HPV was laying dormant in your system until May 5th when it suddenly became active. HPV can become active when there is stress or ill health causing the immune system to struggle, or just spontaneously for no reason.

It is unusual for HPV to lay undetectable for more than 2 years, but it happens. HPV usually appears a few months after transmission.