HPV - Exposure Length

I just got a call from my gyn saying I had an abnormal pap test, and that I might have HPV.  They want to re-do the pap test, and then possibly do a colpscopy/biopsy.  I read that HPV is sexually transmitted.  I have not had sex at all for over 10 years, but in my 20s I did have multiple sexual partners.  In my 30s and 40s I had only one sexual partner.  Is it possible that the HPV has been there for more than 10 years?   If do test positive, do I need to contact partners from 10 to 20 years ago?

[Jeffrey S Guy, M.D., M. Sc.]

This is a common viral disease, and about 20 million people in the US have HPV.  I would post your question in the STD forum, they will liklely give you better information that I can provide.