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HPV Questions
I'm surprised to find no discussions about HPV here. I am a 58 year old woman who was recently diagnosed with HPV-18, one of the two strains of HPV that can lead to cancer. Luckily my pap was clear so no problems yet. I have done lots of reading to get my questions answered, but I haven't found definitive answers to some of my questions. Experts talk about HPV being so common that the vast majority of adults will have it at some point, so it is not worth worrying about, but that advice seems problematic with HPV-16 and 18. Women can get regular testing along with pap smears to see if there are cellular changes but there isn't testing for men. My boyfriend is scared by the possibility of getting cancer, so he broke up with me. I can understand his reaction, although I think it is likely he gave it to me and/or that I have already transmitted it to him. So while many strains of HPV are "no big deal," HPV-18 is a very big deal to me. I have read repeatedly that HPV usually clears from the body within two years. Here are my questions: 1) If I find that my HPV-18 has cleared and I have negative results, does this mean that I won't transmit it to someone else? 2) Is it gone or just dormant, and I may have a recurrence? 3) Am I still more likely to develop cervical (or other) cancer? 4) What are my ethical obligations to tell a partner, both while I test positive and later if I test negative? I feel like this diagnosis means an end to my sexual life, as I wouldn't want to give this to anyone. And the kicker is that safe sex doesn't even prevent HPV transmission, as it is transmitted by skin contact. I hope someone can point me to peer-reviewed studies or other credible resources that answer my questions. Thanks.
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Hi @anita1954, welcome. I noticed that you wish to post a link to an article with your message. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Allow me to post it for you.
- Common Types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/hpv-types
I need more information please.
Hi @brittg2019 There’s no shortage of information online regarding HPV or Human Papilloma Virus. It’s a very common virus with over 100 forms. Most are harmless and can cause warts on hands, face, feet, etc. There are also about 30 strains which can cause infections in the genital area; They’re considered venereal diseases and very easily spread between partners. Some strains of the virus are also responsible for causing cancer. So it’s important if you think you have HPV to have the areas examined to determine if they are considered ‘at risk’ subtypes.
Here are a few articles for you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus
There are vaccines available for HPV. Have you been vaccinated?
SCARED
Not had sex for close to 5 years but recently Diagnosed with high risk HPV. I feel my whole life has been shattered. I don't know what to do right now because I have no one.
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3 ReactionsSorry for your sad state of events. However, that being said consider that you just got bad news and it takes time to process it. Right now you need to take time to spoil yourself. Go shopping and buy something nice, buy a parakeet or kitten, eat out at a fancy restaurant, try to life your spirits and then when things settle down you might want to talk to a professional about "Next Steps". The important thing is to get through the next week or two with the least amount of sadness...time does help to heal...good luck !
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5 ReactionsHi @tee247, I can imagine you're scared. But you are not alone. I moved you message about being diagnosed with high risk HPV to this existing discussion:
- HPV Questions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hpv-questions/
I did this so you can read through previous posts and connect easily with members like @loribmt @brittg2019 @betsyp @flowerpetals123 @paulette66 @quirkygirl35 and others.
I agree with @casey1329 that this is all new. It's important to gather your thoughts and your questions for when you consult with your doctor next. What are next steps for you? Will you have more testing?
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2 Reactions@tee247 Getting news like this is very frightening and shocking. As @colleenyoung suggested it will take you some time to settle down into this new reality for yourself. Please give yourself the gift of time for yourself. Here's the thing. Stress and anxiety make people want to get up and do something like avoid or run away. It's actually better not to make any big decisions when you're under this much stress. How do I know this? Lots and lots of life experiences (I'm 71-years-old, been through many heartaches in the past, diagnosed with cancer in 2019, and have lots of personal experience with anxiety and depression). This is a time to take care of you. It's likely not a good time to be taking care of another living being such as a new pet. Maybe you already have companion animals that are a great source of solace for you?
What does your doctor say about what to do? Is there a plan in place for your next steps? I know for me that having a medical team that consults with me and follows through with making plans for treatment is really important in reducing my stress.
How are you feeling today?
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3 ReactionsI can help you with your questions. Some answers are sensitive and personal.
I am the husband of a wife who had HPV 16.
I have also spent the past year and a half researching HPV. It can be frustrating when people look at you and say “oh, it’s no big deal, everyone gets it”. Then you have to explain the difference with 16/18 . Most of the time they seem like they still don’t believe me after I explain.
I fully understand your husband’s concerns and I have a understanding on the odds of reoccurrence .
I don’t know if this allows for giving out my email, but if you or your husband want to know my experience, just reply here and I will leave my email address.
Hope you both well.
@cbarton It's very kind of you to offer to share your experience.
Mayo Clinic Connect advises against sharing personal information here such as email addresses, names, and phone numbers. If you'd like to have a private conversation please consider using the Personal Message function of Mayo Clinic Connect. You will find it at the top right of your screen. It appears as a little envelope icon and when you click on it you will be taken to the Private Messaging area.
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1 ReactionI came across your post from last year and wanted to see how you are doing.
What are your next steps? Do you have a follow up appointment with a GP or Gyn Doctor? I think you need to seek more information and next steps to formulate a plan. I typically feel better about my ongoing health issues including cancer when I have a plan. Also, journaling your feelings can be a helpful outlet especially when on your own. I hope you are well.