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mild dysplasia with high risk HPV and bleeding after intercourse
I've been recently diagnosed with high risk HPV and mild dysplasia.
Last year I was negative for both, so this is a new diagnosis. I am 48 and menapausal, so my cervical cells are not easily seen with the usual, in office proceedure. I am scheduled for a cone biopsy next week. I postponed this proceedure for about 6 weeks to get through the holidays. From what I read, it was not an urgent situation and my Dr. office never objected to the postponement. Anyway, recently I've notice vaginal bleeding after intercourse. It's not a lot and stops immediately. But I scared this early, mild dysplasia has advanced into cervical cancer. Is this likely so quickly? I am also starting to experience some burning in the vaginal area for a day or after sex. Can the infection also cause these symptoms? I guess I'm trying to keep a calm perspective about all this. It's hard to do!
Also, my boyfriend is aware of the virus, we have discussed it. Can we continue our sexual relationship after my treatment and healing? Should we use condoms, even though sometimes we break them? I wondering about reinfection after treatment. Is this a concern? Ending a loving relationship over this virus is devastating, please tell me that's not necessary. I need his support now more than ever.
Last year I was negative for both, so this is a new diagnosis. I am 48 and menapausal, so my cervical cells are not easily seen with the usual, in office proceedure. I am scheduled for a cone biopsy next week. I postponed this proceedure for about 6 weeks to get through the holidays. From what I read, it was not an urgent situation and my Dr. office never objected to the postponement. Anyway, recently I've notice vaginal bleeding after intercourse. It's not a lot and stops immediately. But I scared this early, mild dysplasia has advanced into cervical cancer. Is this likely so quickly? I am also starting to experience some burning in the vaginal area for a day or after sex. Can the infection also cause these symptoms? I guess I'm trying to keep a calm perspective about all this. It's hard to do!
Also, my boyfriend is aware of the virus, we have discussed it. Can we continue our sexual relationship after my treatment and healing? Should we use condoms, even though sometimes we break them? I wondering about reinfection after treatment. Is this a concern? Ending a loving relationship over this virus is devastating, please tell me that's not necessary. I need his support now more than ever.
A related discussion, bleeding after sex with HPV was started.
This is an interesting subject for me, since I'm currently doing my internship in a substance abuse treatment center and I'm also a sex educator. According to this article, http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/reprint/10/8/899, there actually is an associated increase in cervical cancer risks among alcoholic women. However, that appears to be due to lifestyle issues, i.e. infrequent pap smears and poor health habits (inadequate nutrition, etc.), and not alcohol itself. It sounds like you've been taking good care of your health, and you've had negative pap smears until now, so it sounds like you're at no greater risk.
I think you're probably overreacting. I know it sounds scary, but it's soooo common. This is really not a big deal--and really, nothing has changed. Do keep your followup appts and relax. In the meantime, you could try posting on the women's board, since lots of folks have had this experience. Or check out the HPV or GYN boards on WebMD. I haven't been there in a long time, but the mods and the regulars have always been extremely knowledgeable and I think you'll find their advice reassuring. And read through Dr. Handsfield's responses again. I think you will feel much better about everything :-)
I think you're probably overreacting. I know it sounds scary, but it's soooo common. This is really not a big deal--and really, nothing has changed. Do keep your followup appts and relax. In the meantime, you could try posting on the women's board, since lots of folks have had this experience. Or check out the HPV or GYN boards on WebMD. I haven't been there in a long time, but the mods and the regulars have always been extremely knowledgeable and I think you'll find their advice reassuring. And read through Dr. Handsfield's responses again. I think you will feel much better about everything :-)
Thank you so much for the reassuring words, they are much needed "therapy" for me. No, my lifestyle would not have put me at risk, I was a stay at home wine drinker and happily married at the time. The alcohol itself would have been the only issue. I will check out the sites you have mentioned. I'm trying to stay on the sunny side..... :)
One more question, another thing to worry about!
I have a past history of alcohol abuse. Been sober for 6 years now. No health problems thus far associated with it what so ever. I have a physical yearly and my Dr. confirms this for me. Do you know if this could increase my chance of cervical cancer?
I have a past history of alcohol abuse. Been sober for 6 years now. No health problems thus far associated with it what so ever. I have a physical yearly and my Dr. confirms this for me. Do you know if this could increase my chance of cervical cancer?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The additional information doesn't change my reply. I cannot predict whether there might be a component of cervical warts, in addition to the dysplasia. The provider in charge of your care will know what the chances are. But if so, it makes no significant difference in the overall situation. Still an inconvenience more than a serious health threat.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
I've just read something about cervical genital wars erupting and causing beeding. I know it is entirely possible I could have more than one type of HPV, including a type that causes warts. My boy friend thought last summer that he had poisin ivy on his penis. I'm thinking that was genital warts instead, now that I'm better informed. Could my bleeding be caused by irritation and eruption of warts on my cervix or in the vaginal canal? I keep telling myself to not panic, that I'm not likely to have advanced to cervical cancer in less than 15 months from negative pap and just 6 weeks after a mild dysplasia pap. I had calmed down about all this by reading and educating myself, but I'm fighting panic again now!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
With apology, I cannot answer your first question for sure. Most cases of cervical dysplasia do not cause bleeding, but some may do so; I don't know how often. Your own provider will have a better answer. Chlamydia and other cervical infections certainly can cause bleeding triggered by sex, so if either you or your partner have had other partners in the past couple of years, and if routine STD testing hasn't been done, you should check with your provider about it.
Assuming you and your partner have been having sex in the weeks or months (or years) before your dysplasia was diagnosed, you can be certain he already has (or has had) the HPV infection causing your dysplasia. At this point, there is no reason whatsoever for you to use condoms. Your dysplasia does not require any change in your sexual practices.
Good for you for trying to keep your perspective. Aside from the inconvenience, this truly is a minor health problem. As long as you follow your provider's advice about treatment and follow-up, the likelihood of invasive cervical cancer is virtually zero. Within a few months it will fade into an insignificant event in your life. Don't make things worse by overreacting in terms of your sexual fulfillment!
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Assuming you and your partner have been having sex in the weeks or months (or years) before your dysplasia was diagnosed, you can be certain he already has (or has had) the HPV infection causing your dysplasia. At this point, there is no reason whatsoever for you to use condoms. Your dysplasia does not require any change in your sexual practices.
Good for you for trying to keep your perspective. Aside from the inconvenience, this truly is a minor health problem. As long as you follow your provider's advice about treatment and follow-up, the likelihood of invasive cervical cancer is virtually zero. Within a few months it will fade into an insignificant event in your life. Don't make things worse by overreacting in terms of your sexual fulfillment!
Good luck-- HHH, MD
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.
