Two subsequent normal pap smears

A little over a year ago I had an abnormal pap smear, and positive HPV which I had never been tested before, but that it was apparently included in the test. Further observation and colposcopy  showed some abnormal cells, but no malignant growth. When the doctor said I had HPV I was shocked; furthermore she said the body usually clears it by itself, however by then it should have cleared it since I had had no sexual relationship for years since my husband passed away.

I have had two more pap smears done since than - every 6 months, and both were normal. I was not tested for HPV these last two times. This doctor (a new one, since I moved) said I don't have to come back for another year now since I had two subsequent normal tests. My question is does it mean that the body cleared the HPV by now? I am still a little confused; and why would a strain previously found would stay that long? Was immunity not that great? I hope these two normal tests mean it is finally gone.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.

Your doctor is exactly right.  HPV testing has become common in along with pap smears, but not universal.  HPV often shows up with an abnormal pap smear many years after catching the infection; the immune system clears it up; and after an abnormal pap clears up, having 2 normal paps after that usually means the virus is gone and there will be no further problem.

The reasons HPV persists longer in some people than others isn't known, but it has nothing to do with a weak immune system.  It just happens.  Also, don't feel like you ahve been singled out in some way.  Probably 80% of all people get genital HPV infections.  It is a normal and expected part of human sexuality that really can't be avoided.  And many, many women have been through this.  Talk to your friends -- the odds are strong you'll find some who have had the same issues.

Below are two threads from a couple of years ago that go into these things in more detail.  You also can find accurate information on several online sites.  Two of the best are CDC's STD information page (www.cdc.gov/std) and the American Social Health Association, an STD prevention and sexual health organization (www.ashastd.org).  (Full disclosure:  I am a member of ASHA's board of directors.)

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/hpv-transmission/show/783676
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/hpv-QA/show/742564

So follow your doctor's advice about follow-up paps or other testing s/he may recommend, but otherwise don't let this worry you.

Regards--  HHH, MD