Very Worried - Can HPV Cause Lichen Sclerosis?

[mich2000]

Around 3 years ago I was in a relationship with a girl that recently informed me that she has cervical cancer, and I’m aware that a high-risk HPV causes it. We had a brief relationship and I always used condoms during intercourse, however, we were also quite active with oral sex (unprotected). I have never had any STD symptoms. But I have no idea if I have HPV since there are no tests for men.

Very shortly after my relationship with her, I started another relationship and we didn’t use condoms. About 1 year into my new relationship, my current girlfriend was getting her regular PAP and the doctor told her he thinks she has Lichen Sclerosis based on the color of her skin surrounding her vagina. He did a biopsy and she indeed does have Lichen Sclerosis, and we were told the cause for this condition is unknown.

Since recently being informed that my previous girlfriend has cervical cancer, my current girlfriend has gone back to the doctor for another PAP as well as an HPV test. The PAP result came back normal and the HPV test came back negative. But she still has Lichen Sclerosis. We had a child together about a year ago and her Lichen Sclerosis seems to have gotten worse since the baby’s birth. By the way, we’re both in our early 30s.

I understand that most people that get HPV clear it. But my question is, even though my current girlfriend tested negative for HPV, could I have passed a high-risk HPV to her, and perhaps her immune system cleared it, but before the HPV was cleared by her immune system, could the HPV have caused or triggered her Lichen Sclerosis?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Lichen sclerosis has nothing to do with HPV.  Clearly you and your partner have no current HPV problem.  Your partner should follow her provider's advice about the lichen sclerosis; or if uncertain about his/her expertise, she might ask for referral to a dermatologist.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[monkeyflower]

Where on earth did you get the idea that HPV causes lichen sclerosis? As far as I know, they don't know what causes LS (autoimmune? result of injury?). It's not an infection, and I've never read that HPV was in any way involved.

Besides, your gf doesn't even have HPV. I think it stands to reason that if she had cleared the virus, then she would have cleared any related symptoms.