My pap came back abnormal and I tested positive for HPV. Going in next week for a biopsy and am extremely upset now. 10 years ago I had an abnormal pap and had to get cryosurgery. Back then they didn't test for HPV but most likely that's probably what caused my cell changes. So it's possible that I've had this virus all along. I've read that though there is no cure for it that your body can get rid of it and that 50-80% of women have had this virus at one time. It causes gential warps but I've never had any warts or any other symptoms except for the abonormal pap. I am curious to know if anyone has had this and what their personal experience is. I am so worried.

By Mom2three1968 on Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 06:02 pm:

I don't have anything to add except that it must be a worrisome experience for you to have to go through and I feel for you! I hope that you get more answers soon...

By Anonymous on Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 06:04 pm:

Had an abnormal pap and tested positive for hpv. Did nothing about it and have not had another abnormal pas since. Have had two children and no trouble.

By Vicki on Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 08:37 pm:

I have no advice or experience, but will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you get answers soon!

By Anonymous on Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 09:39 pm:

I had HPV in my early 20s, at that time they had no idea that it could cause cancer or abnormal cells. I did have physical symptoms with plenty of warts. It was a very scary experience for me. The warts were treated and I thought everything was fine.

That same year I had an abnormal pap and they called me to come back in, they said my pap was a class 4. I had no idea what that meant and told them I was too busy that I was moving across the country but would find a doctor when I got there and I'd have another pap done.

I did eventually, like I said I had no idea what any of this meant. My pap was normal for 10 years after that. I wonder though if my doctor even did my pap properly.

10 after moving across the country I moved to another city and had my annual pap, the doctors office called me back in and told me I had an abnormal pap and sent to a specialist. I had a colposcpy which was done in the doctor's office and was relatively painless. He removed what cells he could see and I went back for a check-up a few months later and was completely fine. Six months later I went to another specialist and he said I was fine (I just changed doctors as the other one was too far away).

I am now in my early 40s and have had 2 children. I go every year for my pap and everything is just fine.

I was quite ashamed about having a STD and never told anyone about it. I am happy to know however that this is a very common virus (not happy to have had it, or that others have it), just happy that we now know what the potential side effects are and honestly I know that this is a hot topic but if I had daughters I would have them vaccinated as soon as they are old enough. You don't realize how scary this is until you've experience it yourself.

I know that you are worried, my best advice is too keep on top of this with your doctors.

Lastly, ladies please if you have not had a pap in years please go, it really can save your life.

By Tklinreston on Friday, January 4, 2008 - 01:34 pm:

Thanks for the feedback! I kept checking yesterday for responses at work and when I didn't get any responses my worry just intensified. Thank you again for sharing your experiences. For the 1st anon who tested positive for HVP. How long ago was that? Have you had a follow up test for HVP and if yes what were the results? For the 2nd anon, I'm so glad to hear that you are ok now. Have you tested neg for HVP since your procedure? I've been doing alot of research and found out that this virus is very common. It's asymptomatic for most men and women and so most people don't know they even have it or had it. I've read that once you have it you have it for life but have also read that your body can get rid of it. I'm confused about that. The bottom line is to make sure you get regular paps because cervical cancer is preventable. I have my biopsy next week and keep you guys informed as I learn more.

By Anonymous on Friday, January 4, 2008 - 03:27 pm:

1st Anon, here. Tested positive @ 10 yrs. ago. Had a colposcopy as a test, not a treatment (like a biopsy). Colposcopy results came back HPV (atypical squamous cells). Had another abnormal pap six months after that. Then had no more abnormal paps. Had two children and have a pap yearly, all normal. Also, I had no symptoms at all.
It is a virus. Your body will always carry the virus (like chicken pox) but your immune system can overcome the symptoms - at least that's how I understand it.
Keep on top of it with regular paps. Good luck.

By Anonymous on Friday, January 4, 2008 - 03:54 pm:

Anon 2 here, I have not been retested; I assumed that I had it for life. Good question though, I'll check with the doctor next time I see him.

Good to hear you are feeling a little less worried.