HPV

[Zebrra]

My latest smear result (December 2021) confirmed a positive HPV result. Having done some research around this I’m not too worried now. My question is I am in a new relationship which meant having to educate my new partner about this virus, the likelihood is I have passed it to him, we have refrained from having sex until I learnt more about it, are we okay to continue having sex with each other ?

Thanks

[auntiejessi]

So you'd already had unprotected sex prior to getting your diagnosis? If that's the case, your partner had already been exposed.

The virus clears itself from your body within 2 years 90% of the time.

Was your pap normal?

[Zebrra]

Yes unprotected sex and my smear test was normal, no abnormalities.  Have to have a repeat smear later in the year.

[auntiejessi]

That's a good treatment plan. Make sure to not miss those. :)

[Zebrra]

Thank you!

[Dadz1990]

Hi, hope I can help. HPV is very widespread it’s safe to assume everyone has or will get it at some point.

Complications wether mild (warts) or severe are rare when compared to the amount of infections.

So it’s safe to assume your partner has already got it. It’s also safe to assume no harm will come to him, even if he didn’t.

It’s also entirely possible for your body, and his to clear the virus itself. Neat huh!?

In short I really wouldn’t worry. I would resume sex. Not having sex is likely to be more damaging to your relationship and mental health than anything HPV is likely to do.

Hope this perspective helps.

[Zebrra]

Thank you, yes having researched it and educated myself more, Google can be both helpful and not so helpful as inevitably you also read what the consequences can be.

I have no symptoms and consider myself healthy, no longer smoke and trying to maintain a healthy life style so my immune system remains strong albeit recovering from covid - another widespread virus!

I read the majority of cases HPV can clear within 6 months.  I’m not worried about it now but obviously didn’t want to continue having sex with my partner incase of passing it back and to but I’ve read you can’t transmit the same virus back and forth to each other.

Yes I agree abstaining from sex would probably be more detrimental lol

Thank you ☺️

[Dadz1990]

Absolutely you can’t become reinfected with the same strain. You could get a separate strain of HPV so unfortunately one doesn't make immunity to all types but you and your partner are safe.

It’s estimated that 80% of adults have, will get or have had HPV of some type so 8 out of 10 of your friends, family, partners etc just think of that and then realise you would be more odd if you wasn’t infected it’s no big deal.

Glad you found the good side of the internet.

Also as a final follow up have you not had a HPV vaccination that provides great protection of the only know cancer causing strains?

If you have it provides even more comfort you and your partner will be safe - if not I still wouldn’t be worried.

[Zebrra]

Thank you.  Yes surprised at how common it is but annoyingly that it takes so long to clear up.

Nope not had the vaccination, think I’m too old! (50 but a young 50 mind! ☺️) I also read that it peaks during menopause not quite menopausal but peri-menopausal.

[Dadz1990]

The crux of the matter is it may not clear up, it may already be cleared or it may clear in a year or two nobody knows.

Keep having regular Pap tests and that will make sure nothing bad happens even if you have it forever.

Think I have read the study they theorised that past infection could represent during menopause. Interesting but inconsequential.

[Zebrra]

Forever !! Ooft I’m hoping my immune shifts it in time...

Does that mean I’ve had it before ?? Unknowingly as it’s only recent that smear test as far as I’m aware now test for HPV which is a good thing I guess as it sounds like it’s more effectively monitored

[Dadz1990]

Unfortunately there is no answer to this. What I do know is a new HPV diagnosis is not a sign of cheating so what I mean by this is new HPV infection can appear almost randomly (normally not but it happens) so that does theorise that you could have had this before and it’s reactivated.

Further the studies of it self clearing are inaccurate as in they can’t find it on tests but that doesn't mean it’s not there just probably not transmittable.

Reassuringly for you the length of infection is not necessarily linked to complications. And if you ever do get complications (unlikely) when caught early (Pap test) prognosis is excellent.

[Zebrra]

Thank you!