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Question about HPV
I am a 34 year old woman who was briefly exposed the genital warts 12-13 years ago. I have had two exams and pap smears which were normal, and I have never showed any signs of infection. The exams were 10 and 8 years ago (with the birth of my children). Should I still be concerned about HPV, warts, and the possible risk of cervical cancer at this point?
Thank you.
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Any risk of reactivation of a latent wart-causing HPV infection is extremely low. However, the HPV types that cause cervical cancer are different than those that cause warts, and you could have been exposed without knowing it (most women are). Therefore, every women should contintue her annual pap smears regardless of their sexual lifestyle and suspected exposrues. After normal results 3 years in a row, it is considered safe to drop back to testing every three years instead of annually. On the other hand, it's easier to remember an annual exam--so most women's health care specialists just continue yearly. But don't lose any sleep over the likelihood of reactivated wart virus infection this far along.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Good luck-- HHH, MD
The first sentence should read "to genital warts" not "the genital warts".
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
