can get another type of hpv?

[testresults123]

I was diagnosed with low risk HPV, the kind that does not cause warts or cancer, via a PAP smear.  I saw the doctor every six months for PAPs.  After two years my PAPS are now normal.  Can I still get another strain of HPV or am I immune now? The doctor said I only need a PAP once a year now.

[roses711]

there's no way to know if a future boyfriend/male has hpv (they probably will since 80% or more of sexually active pple have hpv...try to live for the future and don't close yourself off to "what if's)...the FDA is considering allowing older women to get the vaccine (although i may not be covered by insurance) since more and more older women are entering the single life. don't worry about what might pop up..it's actual common for pple to have more than one strain of high risk..be happy that your healthy, suppressing the virus..your doc is right.

[testresults123]

I called the gyn today and found out I was tested for HPV in 2004 and have the high risk stains 16 and 18.  It was low grade and took care of itself. No sign of abnormal cells. It isn't the one that causes warts.  My fear, even though I haven't had sex in almost two years, is that another strain will show up, or the dormant 16,18 will pop up again. The nurse said that it can take 10 years for a strain to show up.  She also said all I can do is keep getting tested for it when I have my PAPS, keep eating healthy and keep my immune system up. Too bad the men can't be tested to see if they have it! How else will I know (if I want to re-marry) if the man I'm with has it or not?  I won't!

[testresults123]

My gyn said that because I am 43 I cannot get the vaccine, otherwise he would give it to me.  I will ask him if I was specifically tested for HPV.  I think I was but will double check.  Thanks for your help.

[roses711]

low risk HPV CAN cause warts..but not everyone w/ it shows symptoms. Your PAP doesn't reveal whether you have HPV ..your gyn has to do a seperate test @ the time of your PAP. You can DEFINITELY get another strain of HPV (about 12 strains that can cause warts and very minor changes on the cervix.6 and 11 are the most common AND more than a dozen high risk strains that can cause abnormal cell changes. These abnormal cell changes may gradually develop into cancer if not removed..strains 16 and 18 are the most common and dangerous.) Once you have a specific strain of HPV you can't catch that same strain again BUT you can catch another one. REgular PAPS are a way to keep an eye on the potential cell changes but it's also important to see if your HPV has gone into dormancy by requesting a test along w/ your PAP. You may want to look into getting the Gardisil vaccine which protects you for at least 4yrs against the four most common strains..it doesn't have any affect on any strains you may already have.