Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

sil

I received a phone call last week from my doctor that I was diagnosed with LSIL and I will be needing a colposcopy.  Never thought that something like that would happen to me!!!

Had two male partners over the past two months
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Almost all low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) on pap smear are due to HPV, but often to the low-risk types (e.g., HPV-6 or -11) that do not lead to cancer.

Everybody gets genital HPV somewhere along the line.  Well, almost eveybody, probably ~80% of American women.  It usually is not possible to trace it to any particular sex partner, and I suggest you not try.  Since progression to serious disease (even with the high-risk HPV types) is very rare and transmission really isn't preventable (without becoming completely abstinent), if your partner has no genital warts or other symptoms, he doesn't need to be examined or treated.

Lots of information is available.  Start with the article on HPV/warts in the link "STD Quick Facts and Articless" at the top of this forum, and with the information provided by CDC at www.cdc.gov/STD.  Also, you might want to learn more about the coming new vaccines to prevent HPV (although it won't help your current infection).  Google "Gardasil", the trade name for Merck's vaccine, just approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

In any case, follow your provider's advice.  But don't lose a lot of sleep over this. It's an inconvenience more than a serious health risk.

Good luck--  HHH, MD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Should I even say anything to my ex in case he gets involved in a new relationship or just leave him alone?  I don't want to be pester him or upset him needlessly especially if he can't get tested (or can he?  What would you advise?  I wish that vaccine came out years ago and I didn't need to worry.  Thanks for your advice.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, you definitely should tell him.  Although he cannot get tested, he can be on the lookout for warts, most exposed people would want to know.  If he is the panicky sort, be prepared with reassuring information, including the resources I mentioned above.

So this reply doesn't confuse some STD forum regulars:  Don't mix up this reply with comments I have made before about telling all partners in the future, or about telling new partners long after an HPV infection has cleared up.  I have always said that people who know for sure they are infected should tell their recent and current partners.

HHH, MD
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum

Popular Resources
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.