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STDs (Expert Forum)
Yet another HPV confusion!
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Yet another HPV confusion!
by venusalabama, May 29, 2006 12:00AM
Im so glad I found this forum. this has been concerning me for the past 4 years. I was diagnosed with HPV about four years ago. I was shocked considering I was a virgin (no intercourse no oral just heavy petting). But i was so shy, I didn't say anything and accepted the diagnosis. I got the bioposy (came back ok) and then I switched doctors and did another pap which came back normal. Is it possible the first diagnosis was wrong? is it possible to get HPV as a virgin? And since all my paps have been normal for the past 4 years, does it mean my body took care of it and I don't need to tell my future partners? Oh thank you, I am so grateful to have some answers.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., May 29, 2006 12:00AM
, May 29, 2006 12:00AM
You don't provide quite enough information for me to figure this out. I assume your initial diagnosis was an abnormal pap smear. However, the nature of that abnormality is significant; and whether an actual HPV test was done. The negative biopsy suggests it might not have been HPV at all. For example, the most common single pap abnormality is called ASCUS ("atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance"). About half of ASCUS paps are due to HPV, the rest unknown.
Although sex without intercourse is a much lower risk for HPV and all STDs, some cases occur. For HPV in particular, genital apposition (unclothed genitals together, without penetration) clearly is responsible for some cases in technical virgins.
In any case, whatever was going on then seems to have resolved; your body indeed has taken care of it. You should follow the advice of your own health care provider (or the one who managed your abnormal pap) about follow-up, but it sounds to me like it's a done deal. No woman with past abnormal paps has any obligation to inform future partners. However, many choose to do so, especially if/when a new relationship has promise for the long term. Other forum users might have comments or advice for you.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Although sex without intercourse is a much lower risk for HPV and all STDs, some cases occur. For HPV in particular, genital apposition (unclothed genitals together, without penetration) clearly is responsible for some cases in technical virgins.
In any case, whatever was going on then seems to have resolved; your body indeed has taken care of it. You should follow the advice of your own health care provider (or the one who managed your abnormal pap) about follow-up, but it sounds to me like it's a done deal. No woman with past abnormal paps has any obligation to inform future partners. However, many choose to do so, especially if/when a new relationship has promise for the long term. Other forum users might have comments or advice for you.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
