Girfriend Developed HPV/Dysaisia - I have HSV2

[sra55]

My girlfriend developed HPV/Dysplasia and is currently being treated for Dysplasia. She has had a history of abnormal pap smears/cancer prior to meeting me. I was told by my family doctor although they are both STD's that they are separate virus and one is not a result of the other. Was her Dysplasia as a result of my HSV2. I was just recently tested for any and all STD's known and my results were negative.

She also donates blood on a regular basis. We were under the impression that the Red Cross screened the blood for any STD's such as HIV, HPV, HSV, Hepatitis and they have never rejected her donations or notified her that she was positive.

Once the Dysplasia is under control can my HSV2 result in re-occurrences? Another concern we have if we were to break up and she were to be with other partners can being sexually active with another result in the Dysplasia reoccurring?  If there is any percentage of this chance what would they be?

She also is subjected to a very high level of stress not only in her job but her family life also.

I have had HSV2 now for nearly 10 years. I have not had a visible breakout for nearly 7 years and have been with others who never developed any visible or physical symptoms.

We are trying to work on staying together although, if there is a chance that I will continue to be the cause of her Dysplasia than it is not worth the chance of her health. She is also allergic to latex so condoms are not an answer for us.

We love one another although her health and years ahead far outweigh any risks that may result in staying together. So much lies in the balance with my questions and hope to hear a response soon. My inner self tells me that I already have the answer and it is not the one we want to hear.

Also are there any other publications or sites that can be informative that directly addresses my questions concerning one resulting from the other. I appreciate any and all assistance that can be provided and your time.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You seem quite confused on several points.

First, from the comment below 'Dysplasia (cancer of the uterus)', you seem to believe those are the same thing.  They are not.  Dysplasia is common but cervical cancer is uncommon; even without treatment, dysplasia infrequently progresses to cancer.  That virtually never happens in women who properly treated, regardless of their partners' HPV or HSV status. Once your partner's dysplasia has been treated, it is unlikely to come back any time in the future.  However, she definitely needs to follow her provider's advice about follow-up.

Second, HSV-2 has nothing to do with dysplasia.  Your genital herpes (or hers) will not have any effect on her dysplasia or her risk of cancer.

Third, you can assume that you share your partner's HPV infection, or once did. HPV infections generally go away on their own over several months.  So you may or may not still have it; if so, it will go away one of these days.  In the meantime, there is zero risk of transmitting it back to your partner:  people are immune (or at least highly resistant) to new HPV infection with the same type they already had before.

Bottom line:  Since you both already are infected with HSV-2 and HPV, there is no reason to use condoms or otherwise restrict your sex life in any way.  You can enjoy yourselves to the fullest without fear of adverse consequences for either of you.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[monkeyflower]

Grace and I both answered you on the STD support board, so check that out too. Grace is the woman, 'specially when it comes to herpes ;-)

[sra55]

I find myself embarrassed here since I can not find the area/site you referred me to.

[sra55]

Thank you I found the support board.  I appreciate all that you said, the concern now is the fact that she has developed Dysplasia (cancer of the uterus) which we both were told was a result of the HPV whish was caused by the exposure to the Herpes Virus.

Our concern is if the dysplasia is brought under control will future encounters with myself or others aggrevate and result in the dysplasia returning?  I have over the past 8 years I believe read all that can be read about HSV 1 and 2 but this cancer thing is all new to me.

We have both been tested for the HSV and were found positive.

Again, thank you very much

[monkeyflower]

Hey--as noted on the other board, HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus (warts), and HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. They are totally different viruses, and herpes has nothing to do with your gf's results. HPV is the cause of her dysplasia. They sound/look sort of alike, so maybe she just misunderstood.

Also, as a side note, dysplasia just means abnormal cells, NOT cancer--although it can sometimes lead to cancer.

And since you both have HSV2, no worries there :-)

[sra55]

Thank you so very much in your response and it is what I hope to have heard. I really hate to bother you with this one last question for clarification. If I understood you correctly and that is, my condition of having herpes does not have any impact on any future re-occurrences of the Dyslasia or the cancer.  This could happen by result of any sexual contact with another whether even if a future partner were to be virus free.  The reason I ask this is because if we do part ways it will give me peace of mind for any other encounters that may come about for both myself and hers.

Also, it is the opinion of her doctor that my herpes is what caused both the HPV and Dyslasia to kick in or aggrevate to such which has now gone into the cancer.

Again, thank you your time has been greatly appreciated and has eliminated many fears that both myself and girlfriend have been experiencing.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Re-read my original reply about HSV and dysplasia.  I have not changed my mind.  You either misunderstood your partner's doctor or s/he misunderstands HPV, dysplasia, and herpes.  Nobody knows the triggers of dysplasia, except HPV itself; although smoking may have a role.  Herpes probably does not.  Most important, there is nothing you and your partner did wrong that triggered it; your herpes and her herpes probably had nothing to do with it; and there is nothing you can do to change what's going to happen in the future.  But it doesn't much matter, since it's going to clear up and she'll be fine if she follow's her doctor's advice.