HPV Support Group

Human papillomavirus is a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted...

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Women's Health
/ HPV Support Group

Understanding?

reneelouise1
reneelouise1
Had a Pap smear came back abnormal & gym office said when a pap comes back abnormal they run a test for HPV and it came back a possibility. I have to go in for a a test to have a closer look think it started w a c and said it magnifies cells and they use vinegar to help cells show if or what might be there. I am confused as all I read points to this virus as a sexual disease that is passed through intercourse. My husband and I have been married for 41 years and we are the only sexual partners we've ever had since age 18, started dating at 15 & 16. People talk about cheating and sex with other partners spreading this. I know I have never been unfaithful for sure, I am feeling a great deal fear and anxiety over this. Does the test hurt? And am I right in worrying if I am in the dark about this?
deleted_user
deleted_user
the test is a colcoscopy if i spelled that right. they will take a small tissue sample and does not generally hurt. this does not mean you def have hpv. wait this out and see what your doctor says first. wish u the best of luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
Your doctor should be able to tell you if you are positive for HPV through the results of the HPV test. The purpose of the colposcopy is to detected pre-cancerous cells to prevent cervical cancer. Even if your pap came up abnormal it does not mean that you have pre-cancerous cells.

I have had 3 colposcopies and none have hurt me any more than a regular pap. The doctor basically examimes you and if they find anything they think is abnormal they will take a sample of the area to biopsy. You may feel mild discomfort if samples are taken which is likely. Aspirin should help with that if it bothers you.

Good luck I hope everything goes well.
lonalena41
lonalena41
just had colposcopy done a few weeks ago and the it didn't hurt. like you I was scared of what to expect. I tested positive for hpv before the colposcopy was done and so this procedure just needed to take a closer look at the cervix and to take samples. like you, I felt and still the feel the same way about this diagnosis. and it didn't help that I overloaded myself on info that I found on the internet. it just made it worse for me. this group here have helped me more than anything. I hope it works out and don't be nervous about the procedure. my doctor told me what she was doing each step of the way and it calmed me a lot.
deleted_user
deleted_user
First of all, it does not mean that you cheated. Apparently it can lay dormant for a long time and appear whenever. Also, many men don't show symptoms and from what I've heard, there isn't yet a test to find out if a man has it (unless they have warts).

Secondly, just as a bit of a warning, it can hurt. I don't know why everyone else says it didn't lol. I'm a bit smaller, so that could be why, but what i experienced was pinching discomfort and then, the worst part of all were instantaneous cramps. I don't usually get period cramps, but these were really ... heavy is the word I would use to describe it. I also bled for two days and the cramps lasted 3. It was definitely not anything I would be very nervous to do again, but it wasn't painfree!