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Oral Sex after being diagnosed with High Risk HPV
Hello Dr.,
I was recently diagnosed with a high risk HPV (unknown as to which one, my doc only has the technology to say it's high risk, not which strain). My pap smear came back slightly abnormal. Because I had an abnormal pap smear and tested positive for HPV she has stated I must have a colopospy (sp?) and a biopsy.
My questions are:
1) My husband and I began having sex in late 2007 and I am just now having abnormal pap smears. We have both been faithful, so does this mean my husband's infection was dormant and I didn't get it until a later date since it has been 2 years and I still have HPV? (I've read it should be gone by now, but it's not!)
2) If my husband is still actively infected as well, am I increasing my chances of getting oral cancer if I continue fellatio with him? (besides the fact that all I'd be able to think about while giving it to him is sucking on a viral infection...sick!!)
3) If I have dysplasia and I get it all scraped out and then have future pap smears and they come back normal and test free of hpv, am I completely clear from ever worrying about it again as long as my husband and I only have sex with each other for the rest of our lives?
Thanks so much. Even though I know this is a "common" virus...it is still very disheartening to know I have it. I never thought I would get an STD since I saved myself for my husband. I wish he had done the same!!
I was recently diagnosed with a high risk HPV (unknown as to which one, my doc only has the technology to say it's high risk, not which strain). My pap smear came back slightly abnormal. Because I had an abnormal pap smear and tested positive for HPV she has stated I must have a colopospy (sp?) and a biopsy.
My questions are:
1) My husband and I began having sex in late 2007 and I am just now having abnormal pap smears. We have both been faithful, so does this mean my husband's infection was dormant and I didn't get it until a later date since it has been 2 years and I still have HPV? (I've read it should be gone by now, but it's not!)
2) If my husband is still actively infected as well, am I increasing my chances of getting oral cancer if I continue fellatio with him? (besides the fact that all I'd be able to think about while giving it to him is sucking on a viral infection...sick!!)
3) If I have dysplasia and I get it all scraped out and then have future pap smears and they come back normal and test free of hpv, am I completely clear from ever worrying about it again as long as my husband and I only have sex with each other for the rest of our lives?
Thanks so much. Even though I know this is a "common" virus...it is still very disheartening to know I have it. I never thought I would get an STD since I saved myself for my husband. I wish he had done the same!!
I realized after I posted that this wasn't the doctor's forum. Oops!
Thanks for responding. It helps to hear that I'm not as in danger of cancer or other health problems as I initially thought!
Thanks for responding. It helps to hear that I'm not as in danger of cancer or other health problems as I initially thought!
This isn't the doctor's forum.
1) HPV infections usually show up in the months following exposure, but sometimes will take years, even decades.
2) The greatest risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. Alcohol abuse may also be a factor. While HPV is associated with oral cancer, the link isn't as clear as it is with cervical cancer. Furthermore, HPV is not transmitted as easily through oral sex. Remember that most people get HPV, and most people have oral sex, yet oral cancer rates are low among non-smokers.
3) HPV infections usually persist for 6-24 months. If you start getting normal results, you can be confident that you have cleared the virus.
1) HPV infections usually show up in the months following exposure, but sometimes will take years, even decades.
2) The greatest risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. Alcohol abuse may also be a factor. While HPV is associated with oral cancer, the link isn't as clear as it is with cervical cancer. Furthermore, HPV is not transmitted as easily through oral sex. Remember that most people get HPV, and most people have oral sex, yet oral cancer rates are low among non-smokers.
3) HPV infections usually persist for 6-24 months. If you start getting normal results, you can be confident that you have cleared the virus.
You are reading content posted in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Community
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