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Abnormal Paps and HPV in Young Women
I know this isn't about pregnancy, but every now and then I feel the need to comment on noteworthy news for the vast majority of women who are not pregnant...
This month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a Committee Opinion on the Evaluation and Management of Abnormal Cervical Cytology and Histology in the Adolescent. In plain English, that means that there are new guidelines about how to deal with abnormal Pap smears and cervix biopsies in young women.
The new guidelines have come about because of improved understanding of the natural history and cancer-causing potential of human papilloma virus (HPV), and because we have improved Pap smears (liquid-based) and high-risk HPV DNA testing available to us now. The net result is that we are finally able to say that most HPV-related problems in young women are unlikely to cause cancer, and we are comfortable using the new tools to follow the abnormalities conservatively rather than treat them aggressively unnecessarily.
This is good news, because most HPV infections and their resulting abnormalities will resolve on their own without treatment. The treatments (cryotherapy, laser, and LEEP) are known to increase the risk of damage to the cervix, and it seems prudent to limit these procedures in the relatively young.
The bottom line here is that if you or your young daughter's Pap smear is abnormal, it is now reasonable to take a more conservative approach to managing these lesions without a fear of cancer developing. Such observation requires good compliance with follow-up, however, and only well-informed, reliable young women should take advantage of these relaxed guidelines.
RW, MD
Related Topics: WebMD Video: Cervical Cancer Vaccine, New Guidelines for Cancer Screening
Technorati Tags: papsmear, guidelinesforpaptests, HPV
This month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a Committee Opinion on the Evaluation and Management of Abnormal Cervical Cytology and Histology in the Adolescent. In plain English, that means that there are new guidelines about how to deal with abnormal Pap smears and cervix biopsies in young women.
The new guidelines have come about because of improved understanding of the natural history and cancer-causing potential of human papilloma virus (HPV), and because we have improved Pap smears (liquid-based) and high-risk HPV DNA testing available to us now. The net result is that we are finally able to say that most HPV-related problems in young women are unlikely to cause cancer, and we are comfortable using the new tools to follow the abnormalities conservatively rather than treat them aggressively unnecessarily.
This is good news, because most HPV infections and their resulting abnormalities will resolve on their own without treatment. The treatments (cryotherapy, laser, and LEEP) are known to increase the risk of damage to the cervix, and it seems prudent to limit these procedures in the relatively young.
The bottom line here is that if you or your young daughter's Pap smear is abnormal, it is now reasonable to take a more conservative approach to managing these lesions without a fear of cancer developing. Such observation requires good compliance with follow-up, however, and only well-informed, reliable young women should take advantage of these relaxed guidelines.
RW, MD
Related Topics: WebMD Video: Cervical Cancer Vaccine, New Guidelines for Cancer Screening
Technorati Tags: papsmear, guidelinesforpaptests, HPV
331 Comments:
Can a colposcopy cause any cervical damage? 18 months ago, when I went for my 'rush colposcopy' my doctor, told me he was going to take "chunks from 12, 3, 6, and 9." I tried asking questions through my sobs, but without waiting for me to stop hyperventilating (ab muscles quivering), he pushed my legs apart, shoved in the instrument, and warned me to stop moving or I would get hurt. My cervix has been extra sensitive and tender, since, and I'm terrified of letting anyone near there. Since I have no idea when I'll stop being terrified, I was just wondering if you could tell me what complications could be possible.
Do you have a special alert that goes directly to all physicians/OB/GYNs, so they know what the new guidelines are?
Do you think there are any doctors, OB/GYN who will resist this based on the income they receive for performing such procedures?
Can I still conceive and go through a full term pregnancy after cryotherapy? And are there any risks to my baby if I do get pregnant?
Since I'm not a medical doctor, I can't answer any of the medical questions but as a woman and a future social worker, I can't help but be extremely disturbed by the report of this young woman's experience with her doctor during a colposcopy. The behavior of the doctor at best has to be unethical. First of all, an ethical doctor would have taken the time to answer any questions, discuss risks, options, and reassure her about the procedure. Second, this post reads almost like a rape. "he pushed my legs apart, shoved in the instrument, and warned me to stop moving or I would get hurt." Now correct me if I'm wrong but this woman was not unconscious with a life threatening condition so that a colposcopy needed to be performed right then and there to save her life. I believe that under the law any person has the right to refuse medical treatment even if its something like a heart attack as long as the patient is conscious. So if the doctor had to pull her legs apart and shove the instrument inside of her, that doesn't sound to me as if she had consented to the particualr procedure at that particular moment. This young woman reports being upset and asking questions and she had the right to have those questions answered before she made her final decision. She also had the right to decide whether to consent to treatment which it seems to me she wasn't exactly given. Am I wrong on this?
To the young woman: I certainly hope that you can find a doctor you can work with that listens to you. I also hope that if you feel that it would be helpful at some point, that perhaps you can seek counseling. It sounds like this may have been a traumatic experience-at least it certainly would have been for me-and seek someone who will listen to you.
That was no doctor that was a rapist !
What if I alread had the LEEP procedure?
Hi, I just want to share my experience. When I had an abnormal pap, yes every woman should religiously have one every year!!!!! I was devastated. I found that many other women I knew had the same experience, just never shared it with me before. I had to have two leep procedures and many repeat paps and coposcopy's to make me and my doctor comfortable that I was in the clear. Since then I have concieved and had two beautiful daughters. I do believe that the damaged part of my cervix caused some pain management problems during labor, but it was worth it to look into my babie's faces. So it is possible to still have children after these procedures. What we all have to do is start educating young women about HPV and other STD's!!!!! I got HPV and Herpes one from a partner with a wart on his hand and the other from a cold sore on my partners mouth. No one tells young women about these dangers and what can happen to thier bodies!!!!! I wish that I had some one tell me before I ever consented to having sex all of the dangers and I would have taken better care of myself and insisted on condoms, safe practices, and possibly abstinence till I was really ready. For those of you going through HPV now, listen to your doctor if you have a good one, find a caring doctor if you don't, start taking care of yourself, don't loose hope for your situation, and share your experience with the women around you and encourage them to share it with everyone they know so that hopefully we can prevent this condition in all women in the future.
The only thing that bothers me about going to the OBGYN is that most of them are men..I'm married and I know that I'm not doing anything wrong but it just doesnt feel right having another man poking and proding at me down there unless it's my husband, doctor or not..And going to a woman OBGYN (in my past experience) she was very rough on me. Any suggestions when looking for one?
this is in regards to the comment made on 2:22 pm. I am very similiar to you. I'm not married but as I have been going to a gynecologist for many years, I always insisted on having a female doctor. Yes, in my experience they were all rough and more of an in and out procedure.
However, I had an appointment scheduled for the following year and the office called on short notice and said that the doctor that was replacing my doctor who was on vacation is a male and if I would still like to come in. Well, I was already heading over to the office so I decided to take the chance. He was very thorough and polite. Any questions I had he answered.
It does seem odd to have a man other than the one you are dating to touch or see you in that way but we must rememeber that they are well educated and want to help. Hope everything works out for you!
i have had clean paps for 2 1/2 years after a cryo yet the dr. wants me to do another biopsy? does this seem right? I left the office w/o even getting the follow up Pap I was so upset. Now it has been 8 months and i am worried that i have been risky with my health. Does anyone have any similar stories or suggestions?
sometimes we must take precautions in having these pap smear did. This is to me a monies gain for the doctor. I am 62 years old, I choose when I am to have a pap smear not the doctor, because who tke notice any better than you Be cautious when a doctor will not listen to you, get up from the table and spek stern and agressive to him/her and let them know yiu are in charge of your body and not them.
To the woman that had the horrible colposcopy...I would first call a lawyer, second file a formal complaint with the hospital you were at, third file a complaint with the medical board. You have rights, so be sure to exercise them before the statue of limitations runs out. It differs by state. This doctor forced you to do something that you did not want to, or were not ready to do. There is no such thing as a "rush" or "emergency" colposcopy. If anything is that urget, then they would have wheeled you into the operating room. In answering your question...generally no, colposcopys do not cause cervical damage, but seeing the manner in which you were handled, I would think that you have been damaged, which is all the more reason to file suit. From your comments, I gather that you haven't seen another physician since. What if you cannot have sex comfortably again? What if you cannot carry a child to term because of the damage? What if the damage is very severe and it damaged other parts, such as your uterus? It is imperative that you see a physician as soon as possible to assess the damage to your cervix. First and foremost, I as a woman and a physician would contact a lawyer. Never, never go through a procedure where you do not have all the information you have a RIGHT to have! You should have walked out and found someone to look at you. Even an ER doctor would have looked at you to see if there was an "emergency." Keep your head up and empower yourself to do something about it before he does something to another patient.
I have always hated going in for my paps...I havent been in for about 4-6 mths now. Every time I had an appt with my original OBGYN "something would come up" I would say and not go to my appt. Or I would conviently forget. My reasoning is because I'm tired of going and them trying to explain what's going on knowing that I'm only 20 years old and without a Medical Degree. So, when my husband asks me "What did he say?" whenever I do go, I just say that I'm fine. When I ask the doctor to explain it to me to where I would understand he gets frustrated. I just stopped going to that OBGYN and they terminated me from the practice recently because of "delinquncy". I'm going to my new OBGYN this week on the 15th for a pap and to discuss my birthcontrol I've had such bad luck with that too. When's it ever going to end?
For the person who said they got HPV from a boyfriend with a wart on his hand, I am 99% certain that is not HPV. HPV as a sexually transmitted disease, is from genital warts, which are different than other body warts. It is possible to still have the virus if the warts are removed, so not seeing one doesn't guarantee you can't catch it from someone.
For the woman who had the tragic experience, my heart goes out to her.I don't want her to end up being afraid of "letting anyone near there" forever.This doctor is an ass.He tried to make you powerless with his ego trip and you have every right to pursue legal action against him. It could be a way for you to feel like you gained some of your power back. At least get counseling. I was raped when I was young, and I agree with the others, this sounds exactly like rape to me.
It is your body and nobody, I mean nobody, has the right to do something you don't want. I hope you get help so you won't develop a fear of necessary exams; please know that if you are scared during a pelvic exam, your muscles tighten up and it hurts more. Please find out how to do deep diaphramatic breathing to calm yourself for next time so you won't hyperventilate.
Bless you.
Is HPV a form of Herpies?
IF YOU'VE HAD AN ABNORAL PAP - BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO LOSE ANY CONTINUITY OF HEALTH INSURANCE.
I HAVE JUST BEEN DENIED COVERAGE ACROSS THE BOARD UNDER ANY BLUE CROSS PLAN BECAUSE OF A 3 YEAR OLD PAP TEST THAT DETECTED HPV.
They used the details of the 2003 thin prep test as their guidelines for determining their inability to underwrite me under any circumstances. All I had was a colposcopy in 2003 - no treatment and clear paps since then.
I don't drink or smoke. I weigh 110 pounds at 5'3". I have never had kids. I'm 33. But I am having a hard time getting insured. I was looking at a $200 PPO plan at that.
I NOW ACTUALLY REGRET HAVING BEEN SCREENED. THE INSURERS MADE ME OUT TO BE SOME SORT OF LEPER - WHEN I CAN COUNT MY PARTNERS ON ONE HAND WITH FINGERS TO SPARE AND I WAS JUST GETTTING A YEARLY CHECK UP AS I WAS TOLD.
I'm with Cigna and they've been great through this whole ordeal.
I have had abnormal pap smears every three months for the last year. Does this sound normal? I am thinking about having a hysterectomy. Does this sound like a good idea?
To the one thinking of a historectomy...I dont think it's worth that...I have also thought about that then I went through the LEEP procedure...I went to my OBGYN this past Thursday and he said my Cervix looks like nothing has ever happened...:-) I think you should wait, but that's just my two cents.
Last year I had an abnormal pap smear and I had the LEEP procedure. It was the worst ever but now I've noticed sex hurts more. Also, my doctor just told me I have a retroverted uterus, I don't think I've had it forever because I researched it and I never had problmes with missionary or tampons but since LEEP I have. Could this be a cause of my pain?
Something I never see mentioned with HPV is that even if you had a historectomy you can still get it! I had one 6 yrs ago and I just found out 4mo ago that I have HPV. I just went for my 3mo f/u Pap and it is back or they never got it all with the lazer. OB said this is out of his hands now. Next stop the oncoligist (even though I dont have cancer yet). Has anyone heard of this happening? What happens next. I'm freaking out! Can this monster be stopped?
I also have been denied health insurance based on an abnormal pap smear (due to HPV), and am trying to go through the appeals process with Kaiser. any advice?
I also have been denied health insurance based on an abnormal pap smear (due to HPV), and am trying to go through the appeals process with Kaiser. any advice?
Just got my results from my pap after having the LEEP procedure in April...I FINALLY GOT A NORMAL PAPSMEAR!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!
For those who are thinking of having a historecomy (excuse my spelling) It's not worth it...Get the LEEP procedure and just wait it out...That's what I did and I'm all better now...Much luck and many prayers from me to you.
to the peson who is worried about being referred to an oncologist. dont worry about anything until there is something to worry about. this is probably your physicians recommendation for better service, he must feel that an ocologist will better serve you, and possibly prevent you from getting cancer since you have HPV. Hang in there.
I have been diagnosed with HPV three strands that lead to cancer, I have several bad cells and a partial vaginectomy, I did see an oncologist and he said this may be coming and going for the rest of my life. I was diagnosed 14 yrs ago when I had the Hyster. Stress apparently brought the cells change?
I am now 40 treatments done and waiting 3 months in hopes of a clear pap. I will then have choice of radiation, or vaginectomy, and possible replacment. Has anyone heard of a successful vaginal replacement? I am not open to radiation as it appears it may lead to colostomy.
any suggestions are welcomed. I am also on a macrobiatic diet which is known to cure cancer.
concerned in FL
I had an abnormal pap about 3 and a half years ago while I was pregnant w/ my first and only child. I am almost 22 years old. I was told that I have HPV and pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. As a result they performed a colposcopy. It was pretty horrible, but I did my best to relax and try to laugh quietly to deal w/ the awkwardness and pain. After we received the results they recommended that I schedule an appt to get the cryotherapy. I believe that cancer must at least be partially caused by stress. Stress in our lives, stress on our bodies... I believed I could heal myself and that cryotherapy was unnecessary. I began to focus daily on healing myself in that whole area. Imagining that a ball of healing light is running through me pulling out the negativity. About 9 months after I had my daughter (she will be 3 in Sept!) I received 2 PAPS will normal results. Both performed by a very caring and thorough female doctor that I had recently found in a little clinic. I explained that I had HPV and that I had received an abnormal PAP before but that I knew I could heal myself. She was very understanding and encouraging of my views. I knew she was thorough and w/ those 2 tests I have even more faith in the power of my mind to heal myself. Eat better! Drink water! It is life! and try to realize that everything in life is ever changing...it may not be so great now, but it will change! Enjoy the good times and do your best in the bad times. Bless you all! I hope my advice helps...it certainly can't hurt and won't interfere w/ any other treatment you feel is necessary. Just have faith in yourself!
Check out this introduction article on Cryotherapy:
Cryotherapy
I am scared and unsure if I should
change doctors, or just trust...
I was diagnosed with HPV in 1999.
But then changed drs due to health
coverage. My new dr. never mentioned my HPV. I had a pregnancy
and normal paps, then came abnormal
pap, then another normal. Then
suddenly in the office he started
ruffling through papers, almost
flustered, and seemed like he never
even knew that I had the HPV. He
started asking ME when I had it, instead of looking at my transfered
files. He performed a colpolscopy, then a leep, and then HE consulted with a cancer specialist who I never met or spoke
to. Now he wants to do another leep only 3 months later. I asked
for my files in case I wanted a 2nd
opinion, and he said that he would
just transfer them. Can't I have
a copy of my own files, and what was with all the flustering and procedures so quickly after so many years of nothing?? He also said to me "Don't worry, trust me,
I won't let you die" What dr. says
that? I never mentioned death.
HELP!
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HPV A FEW YEARS AGO. I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY WITS KNOWING THAT I MAY HAVE GOTTEN IT FROM SOMEONE I HAD CARED ABOUT IN THE PAST. I AM VERY SERIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO SAFE SEX BUT THERE HAS BEEN THOSE COUPLE TIMES. ALSO THE THOUGHT THAT THE CHANCES OF ME GETTING PREGNANT WERE VERY SLIM HURT THE MOST. BACK TO WHAT I WAS SAYIN, THE CLINIC I WENT TO HAD SUGGESTED CRYOTHERAPY SOMETHING HAPPENED ITS BEEN AWHILE I DIDN'T GO AND WHEN I WENT BACK THEY SAID IT GOT WORSE AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE LEEP. BEING SCARED I NEVER WENT. MARCH OF 2005 I FOUND OUT THAT I WAS PREGNANT I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND LONG AND BEHOLD HE FOUND NO SIGNS OF HPV. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT? DID THE CLINIC MISDIAGNOSE ME. HE SAID EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE? HOWEVER MY LAST PAP CAME BACK WITH NO SIGNS OF HPV BUT SWELLING AND I NEED TO CHECK BACK TO DO FURTHER TESTING. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN? PLEASE TELL ME SOMEONE HAS BEEN IN MY SHOES.
In March 2005 i had a cone biopsy to remove stage 3 precancerous cervical cells caused by the hpv i was told i had shortly after the surgery i became pregnant on april 26 2006 i had a little girl now 2 1/2 mths old its been over a year since ive had a pap should i be worried
When I was 18 I had my first child, when it was time for my 6 wk check up I had a abnormal pap. I turned out to be squamous dysplasia w/HPV. I struggled with the medication they had me on. It didn't work. I had several biopies.
I had gotten worse. I turned to severe dysplasia. I had the LEEP procedure in Nov 99 with no complications and have 2 other children. The pap smears since then I have been normal. Can a vaccine still help me even though I had the LEEP procedure almost 7 years ago and the4 paps are normal.
Has anyone had a Cone Biopsy?
I had a colcoscopy done because of an abnormal pap. Everything seemed fine then I went back for a 6 month check up and the pap came back abnormal again. Now my Dr. wants to do a Cone Biopsy. I am very nervous. I am 26 and want children. He had made the comment that he does not like to do this procedure on girls my age because it can make it hard to carry a baby. Has anyone had this done and then had children?
I am in the same situation. my doc told me yesterday that i have to have a cone biopsy done in 2 wks (requires outpatient surgery) after seeing my colposcopy results. I WANT CHILDREN! i am so scared that my cervix is going to be damaged and i will have problems having children. DOes anyone know the answer??!!
Good luck on your cone Biopsy Anonyomous at 9:55 AM
I go in for my Cone Biopsy tomorrow at 6 am. I will let you know how it goes. I wish we could have got a response that we were looking for for peace of mind before this procedure is done. Hopefully you will get a response before your procedure. Anyway I will think of you and pray for you. I sure there are ways to have children after this procedure is said and done. It seems very common. It is just the idea makes it scary. As I said before good luck. I hope all goes well. I am sure it will. Take care!
Attention anonymous,
I had a colposcopy back in 2003 and followed to a LEEP. Now I am 25,married and having trouble getting pregnant due to scaring of my cervix. I am now fully aware of the side effects of having a LEEP but back when I had this procedure my OBGYM had said I "would have no problem getting pregnant". Now I have had my new OBGYM who is wonderful and did X-rays to make sure my tubes were open and everything looked GREAT!!! He said my CERVIX is slightly closed can anyone relate????????
I am a scared mother of a 8 year old girl. I just had a pap and the doctor told me that I tested positive for HPV and that I needed a colposcopy. I just went yesterday and I am scared to death. The doctor has not really said anything to me. He just said that he will call me when the results come back in a week. I am so scared that this is a deadly thing and I do not want to die. Am I the only one who feels this way. I have been doing nothing but crying since the doctor called me with the abnormal pap results. And the crying has gotten worse since the colposcopy. Waiting for these results is horrible and it causes all sorts of things to go through your head. And reading up on things on the net confuses me even more. Can someone help me along on this?
Have had abnormal PAPs since 1997, with a few normal paps. Have kept myself out of the operating room and away from oncologists with natural therapies ... herbal remedies I made myself and now that my dr. orders for me, and healing prayer (the normal paps were after healing prayer). Highly recommend folks to fine their way to holistic ob/gyns or naturopathic physicians.
i skiped my period for the whole month of august and last month i was 2 weeks late and only had a period for one day i took pregnancy test some came up pos and some neg more pos than neg what do u think could i be pregnat or is sumthing wrong ??????? please help me i am so confused!!!!
I was told I have HPV two days ago and am looking for ways to best fight the virus out of my body. From my understandings that you can clear it up and stay healthy and theres a good chance it wont come back. Now that I have read this web site it makes me more worried than ever because the docters said if you stay healthy and have reg checks its not so bad. So whats the down low with this is HPV going to be the end of a helthy life or what?
I am not sure what the doc said I have or had but I had a daughter 2 yrs ago and when I went back for my 6wk check up they wouldn't do it because my ins fell within the same year. Anyway I came back the next feb and the doc said I had an abnormal pap. THe levels for hpv were very high but went he did the bio the levels were very low. i have had a cryo and many bios done but still nothing I go back in 2 months for a check up. THe bad part is My menstral bleeding has been really messed up since I had my daughter. Is it possible that hormones play a big part in this hpv and not just std's?
For all those out there also struggling with insurance...I can relate.
I was just denied coverage from Blue Shield, automatically based on my abnormal pap. And, they don't even know the details. THey don't know that I've had HPV (I'm now negative) and that I've had abnormal paps for almost a year. They don't know this and they STILL automatically denied me coverage.
Otherwise I'm super healthy. 23, normal weight, non-smoker, etc.
Any advice, I'm totally devastated by the long term implications.
To the others who seem to have suffered at the hands of doctors, I am so sorry for your experiences.
I believe healthy eating such as alot of fruits, vegetables and water play a big part in fighting off diseases. I started eating apples, pears, bananas, Kiwi's, watermelon and melon and all of a sudden the next pap was normal. I believe God gave us this land to eat of the fruits and veggies to keep us healthy. Be encouraged and by prayer, which is the key to all answered prayers.
i'm 18,married, and i just had a cryosurgery done a week ago. my husband knows that i had pre-cancerous cells on my cevix but i don't think he knows its related to hpv,he wouldnt understand,is it only caused by a std? or is there another cause? i'm afraid to tell him that i have hpv & its a std. he'd divorce me, he's 10 years older than me.
About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with HPV. I then had a colposcopy done and come to find out my doctor thold me on a scale of 1-10 (1 being not bad and 10 being cancer) I was at about and 8-9. Immediately after I had a LEEP done where 1/3 of my cervix was taken off. I have been having Pap tests every 3 months since. I think I have only had 1 that came back normal. I just went back in for my 3rd colposcopy and now my doctor want to do a CRYO because I still have displaysia (he said not severe but enough to give me abnormal pap tests). I was just wondering if all this hell I have been going through will affect my chances of getting pregnant. I am only 21 and still plan on waiting a few years before wanting one but I'm unsure if all this "work" will prevent me from having children.
2 years ago, I had my first abnormal pap smear. My doc decided to wait 6 months, retest and see if it had taken care of itself. So, 6 months later, we retested and it came back abnormal again. My doc kept me doing these repeated pap tests for 2 years with no follow up!!! Then, 3 months ago, I moved out of state and had to do my 6 month pap test at a different doctor's office. It came back abnormal again, so the new doctor did a colcoscopy/biopsy to see what was going on. It came back with HPV and high grade cell changes. So, I am scheduled for the LEEP procedure in just a few days. The point of my story is... if you feel like your doctor is waiting too long to do anything about your abnormal results, get a second opinion. If the biopsy had been done within the first two years of the abnormal pap results, it never would have progressed this far.
Last year at 22 I had my first abnormal pap. It showed low grade dysplasia. My then doctor wanted to do the cryotherapy, but after extensive research and statistics I learned "cryo" wasn't a very safe treatment plan because doctors can freeze deep tissue that can cause problems. I decided to do the "watch & wait" method. After 3months my pap came back high grade dysplasia, which is very rare. I then had a colposcopy done which results came back low grade dysplasia. I sought a second opinion over these results and was told by a specialist that there was a chance my 2nd pap was over read. I then had another colposcopy done that confirmed the first one. Low grade dysplasia. Treatment is inevitable but I am choosing the treatment plan! The doctor I saw last wanted to do the LEEP procedure but after extensively researching this treatment as well, I have come to the conclusion that Laser Ablation is the safest treatment for me and my future child-bearing days. It is the most controlled treatment and only removes the abnormal cells versus abnormal and normal cells. I'm still terrified though! Has anyone had the Laser Ablation done? How painful is it? How long did it take for you to recover? How were your paps after treatment?
to the 18 year old who doesn't want to tell her husband...
I don't know your sexual history, but by the mere fact that he's 10 years older than you I'm suspecting he's had more sexual partners and thus HE may have given you HPV. Men have NO WAY of knowing if they have it, so even if he didn't give it to you, he could have HPV (the same or a different strain).
Furthermore, do you know if you have high risk or low risk? If you have high risk you will have no warts, if you have low risk you will. Usually in high risk you only find out through abnormal paps. If it's the case that you have high risk then your diagnosis will not affect him at all. He won't have any symptoms, just like you won't if you have high risk. (It's called high risk because the strain that causes it is more likely (only slightly) to cause cervical cancer, BUT this can successfully be avoided if you get regular paps so they can note changes as early as possible).
What are you afraid will happen if you tell him? Is there an expectation that you didn't have any sexual partners before him? If not, then you may be able to explain that it's VERY common (some estimates predict over 90%) and that since men have no way of knowing in some cases they can't warn the women their with (hence it's NOT your fault). And, even if they could, condoms are not nearly as effective with HPV as with other STDs because HPV is not spread through fluid transmission, rather it's spread through skin contact (best estimates for condom efficacy is 70%).
And, finally, I do believe cervical cell abnormalities can be caused by other things, but HPV is almost always the culprit.
I wish you the best in communicating about this in the best way you can with your husband. Take care of yoruself.
I am 5 months pregnant and am very frustrated. I had an abnormal PAP, then another one a month later, then a colposcopy the next month that showed no abnormal areas, and now my doctor wants to do another PAP. He says that an abnormal PAP is not uncommon during pregnancy, and may clear up on its own after the pregnancy. He wanted to do another PAP this month. Here's the thing: I am paying for this out of my own pocket, he says they are basically keeping an eye on things, and there is not much they can do but watch unless there are changes. When I brought up that I was paying for this myself, he said that it would be OK to have the next PAP after the pregnancy. So what do I do? Do I wait until after the pregnancy is over to get another PAP, or do I have a PAP every month from now until eternity. Am I being irrational or irresponsible? Are my financial concerns influencing the doctor's decisions, or are his financial considerations influencing how many times I have this test? If the are just doing a "lookie-loo" and there is nothing they can do, why do I have to have it every month?
I am 33 and have the HPV Virus. When I was given the result, I also had Trich(STD) I am having the LEEP procedure next week. My sex drive with my husband has come to a complete stop! I'm scared to death to have sex with him. Is that normal? HEck, I'm scared to have any type of sex with anyone How should I be feeling? I have to children 18mos and 6mos, sex does not seem to phase me right now. But I do think about it because my drive use to be very high with my husband of 5 years. I feel lost. Any sugg.?
Had Leep and first pap came back abnormal. Have had two normal paps since. The whole experience is very unnerving and often the HPV remains.
I am 28 and this is my second abnormal pap smear within the last year and that I tested positive for the HPV virus this time and now my doctor wants me to come in to have a colpscopy and I am scared because I don't know what to expect. I was told that the procedure would be painful. I have an 8 year old daughter and I'm planning on getting married in the next year. Will this affect my chances on becoming pregnant in the future? Will the procedure be as painful as I was told? Please will someone who has been in this situation please tell me what to expect?
I am 21 years old and contracted HPV from my last partner. He told me after the fact that his last girlfriend had it, so I know for a fact that he gave it to me. I have had irritation, bumps, and redness on my private area and it is very uncomfortable. This has been going on for 8 months, and I don't know what to do. I haven't been to the doctor or got a pap done, but don't know the best plan of action or what to do. No one knows except the guy I finally confronted, I was even to embarrassed to talk to him about it bc when he told me he swore up and down he didn't have it. I really don't know what to do, I am in college and now my dating life has come to a hault. I'm mortified and hurt, what should I do? Is this dangerous, I've seen commercials on TV that said infections can clear up on their own. What does that mean, it doesn't seem likely.
About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with HPV and my doctor used the LEEP procedure on me, not for removing warts but to (for lack of better words) take chunks out of my cervix that had "bad" cells in them. If my cervix was damaged during this proccess, will that cause problems later if I decide to have children?
I also got automatically denied insurance when applying for it because of my abnormal pap smears (because of HPV, which I also had never heard of until I got my first abnormal pap) and the one colposcopy. I am actually due back to have another colposcopy but because of no insurance I am not able.
My advice to others:
1) DO NOT LET YOUR INSURANCE LAPSE. Apply for new insurance before or as soon as your old insurance runs out.
2) FIGHT FOR MORE DISEASE RECOGNITION. HPV is a virus that is spread to us by men. While it does not effect them the way it effects us (necessarily) we are the ones taking the brunt of the force of misunderstanding (emotional, physical and financial).
There is a new vaccine for young girls that we need to fight and vote for their ability to use it. Don't let others tell you that it is bad because it promotes sex. It may help save them from an uncertain emotional, physical and financial toll. As unwitting pioneers we owe it to the women of the future.
Fight your insurance agencies. Find articles that support the idea that just because you have abnormal paps does not mean you are going to be more of a financial risk to them. With monitoring cervical cancer can be caught right away and dealt with. Your health is at risk...do whatever it takes to figure out a way to get those regular check-ups so that you can track the progress of HPV.
3) FIGHT FOR NATIONAL HEALTH CARE. Even though this is a tough fight the benefits to national healthcare would be outstanding. Right now there are millions of middle-class women who can not afford insurance but who make more than the requirements for government aid and therefore are left harboring complications that they cannt take care of.
The government would have to help all women with health problems which is significantly better than having women be totally unsure if they have cervical cancer because they can't afford insurance and/or their insurance turns them down because of virus that they don't understand.
Also, if the government had to pay for all of the uninsured and insured people in this country you can bet your dollars that they would try to figure out a way for this virus to be fought in the most efficient way possible.
4) SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES. The more that we talk about the injustices of prejudice against HPV the more we raise public awareness about it. This benefits women who may make choices to have unprotected sex. Public awareness of this vital to the movement of increased knowledge and action against it. For instance, the virus which actually has a lot of different strains but only a small number react badly when transported into your body making your cervix think that it is superhuman thereby producing cells that think they can live forever (cancer). A small number of different strains of HPV cause genital warts. That means that even after marrying, even if your husband is clean of (normal) STDs and shows no signs of genital warts he may be carrying HPV (the high risk, no visible sign versions) and give it to you, thereby giving you abnormal paps, colposcopies and possibly cervical cancer. That is not ok. Awareness needs to be raised to help curb this growing virus.
I am 40 years olad and about to be 41. I had a partial hysterectomy and I still have 1 ovary. I want to have a child. Are there any procedures out there that can help me have a baby
I just rec'd my pap result and it was normal. But written just below that was HPV positive. I'm confused. I do not understand how you can have a normal pap and be diagnosed with HPV. I visit my gyn regularly and never have been told this before. My gyn now says its' part of the pap testing. More woman are going to become aware that they test positive for HPV. Where can I find more information? I'm confused and hurt right now. I'm married and just can't seem to cope.
I am 22 yrs old and do not currently have children. I had noticed many changes in my body and its cycles about 1 1/2 yr ago and had abnormal paps. I was diagnosed with HPV and I am just struggling with the idea that I am young and might never be able to concieve. I realize that it is a common virus, but at what point in time should you seek having a LEEP procedure? I use government medical provider so it is likely less thorough because when I was diagnosed, there was no mention of the LEEP or cyrotherapy. How important and effective is the procedure and will it be difficult to have children afterword?
It makes me sick to my heart to see all of the pain and confusion that arises from a backwards medical system! In the last few months I've had far too many people looking up my vagina only to give me no clear responses on exactly what was going on! But since then I have done a lot of research, and dating a naturopathic doctor has certainly helped! So here is what I've discovered:
- An abnormal Pap means the detection of abnormal cells in the cervix. This can be caused by the HPV virus, or by the recent presence of other infections (bacterial vaginosis, Trich...), or other factors (even cigarette smoking is known to cause the presence of abnormal cells)
- 80% or more of all people probably carry the HPV virus (although it is mainly detectable in women due to pap testing).
- There are hundreds of strains of this virus, only about 5 of them, can possibly lead to cancer. Most of the time, the infection resolves itself on its own.
- HPV cannot be 'cured', it is carried for the lifetime, but problems arising from the presence of the virus can be treated, and preventative steps can be taken to keep the vagina healthy despite the presence of the virus.
- the outbreak of warts, or presence of abnormal cells due to the presence of this virus stems from immune system weakness - stress, poor diet, emotional state of mind and lifestyle. Often addressing these factors will result in healing of the body without more extreme measures.
- The various treatments reccommended: cone biopsies, freezing etc., do NOT address the underlying reasons for why this disease has manifested in the body. If stress, poor diet and lifestyle continue, the immune system will not be able to keep the virus in check and problems will keep reoccurring.
- Natural remedies do exist! They represent a commitment: several months of taking immune system boosting herbs and inserting nightly suppositories into the vagina as well as addressing diet and lifestyle on a deep level. Avoiding stimulants, alcohol, caffiene, cigarettes, as well as trying for an organic, whole foods diet. But is this really such a chore? Shouldn't our bodies be our top priority? I certainly thought I was healthy before all of this abnormal pap business, but in retrospect, I see the huge level of stress I was opperating under, the coffee consumption, and much less fruits and vegetables in my diet then, than now. I see the emotional pain I was dealing with stemming from the loss of a lover with whom I had a strong sexual connection - I tried to suppress the sadness I was feeling, and so guess what? The pain manifested elsewhere, attacking my sexuality, where I was already feeling wounded.
So beautiful women! Let's empower ourselves! This is not a shameful, or uncommon experience. I am not happy with the way the medical system has treated me (I too was denied coverage based on my pap results). But there are alternatives, and I think I prefer them. I will heal myself! Love myself and have compassion for myself.
If you can afford it, see a naturopath. If not, take yourself to your local alternative bookstore and check out some books on natural remedies or herbs for women. Many of them have prescribed treatment regimens - Copy them out of the books if you can't afford to buy them! At least begin to look at alternatives and understand yourself better what is going on. Is a biopsy necessary? Am I freaking myself out without cause? I could go on I am so frustrated with how women are treated, especially in relation to HPV diognosis! But anyway, good on ya for seeking more info on your own. Keep visualizing a healthy, beautiful cervix and loving yourself and your vagina and get healthy!
I'm 21 years old and 21 weeks pregnant. My ob/gyn wants to do a Colposcopy when I reach my 23rd week. Is it safe to do while I'm pregnant or should I wait til after the birth? If they do it is there anything they can do while I'm pregnant?
im 18 going on 19 in april. I got married in august of 06 To the male who gave me HPV. we had no clue He had it when we met. He was dateing a girl. ( his first sexual Relationship) and she fooled around on him and he didnt know, Well about 6 months after we got togeather and started haveing sexual intercourse she spread rumors around his town that he had HPV about 5 months after that. well of course we found out the guy she was fooling around with had it and told her it was something he took medication for and he got rid of it. So she got it, Gave it to Him and when we hooked up he had no idea that he had it and gave it to me. Well They had been togeather for three and a half years and she messed around with this guy the first year... he never showed signs of warts or anything at all.well I found out i had it i was Devistated, so was he. He thought he was the worst person in the world. we got through it but we have been having unprotected sex as long as we have been togeather and we have never concieved. Yes we have a beautiful house, Doggs, and we are sort of like the "Dream Newlyweds" i mean the only thing that can make it better would be kids. im scared to go back to the doctor, I dont want to hear the words ... "Im sorry but your Pap test is abnormal" again. Im just Scared. The only bad thing is.... I was on my parents insurance when we found out, and when we got married he was getting layed off work so we didnt have insurance. i recently had a job at a grocery store where I didnt "qulify" for insurance( i guess i didnt work enough hours) and hes getting ready to switch jobs so I guess im saying i havent had insurance since they found it and im scared That Im not going to be able to get any. I live in Ohio, is there any Insurance that will accept you even if you have it?
question?
does anybody know if the hpv virus is sexually transmitted? my 18 year old daughter was just diagnosed but i dont believe she is sexually active yet. can it be transmitted through kissing her boyfriend who did have mononuecleosis this past year. thanks for any help...:)
puzzled dad, yes hpv is sexually transmitted. it has nothing to do with mono. Look up hpv and read about it. It's a virus that sometimes causes genital warts and sometimes causes cervical cancer.
I am 19 years old, and when I was 18 i had a pap done. the test came back saying i had clymedia. i was scared. I got treated for it. I didn't have sex any more after that for three months. I went back and they said that i had it again. i thought that was strange. they gave me another shot and some nasty meds to drink. after that i have had really really bad pain in my pelvis area. i only get the real sharp pain about once a week. i am scared to go to the dr pluse i have no job or insurance.
After i went to the dr the second time i told my boyfriend and he went to the dr. they showed him having no signs of anything. what could be wrong with me?
Cynthia and others with questions:
The best source to answer your question is your own doctor, but for general information and answers, try a visit to our message boards, where our experts and members will help as much as possible to guide you to an answer to your question.
I am 19 years old, when I was 18 I went in to the OB/Gyn to have my first pap. Well two weeks later my results came in and I had abnormal pap smear. The doctor suggested that I went in for a biopsy. After the biopsy the doctor said I needed treatment because the two pre cancerous cells were progressive. I did the treatment two weeks after and now i have the appt. for the follow-up pap next month. I am very nervous and praying that everything goes right.
to the many young women who are concerned about concieving after a LEEP or cryo...chances are you will have no problems (these procedures only remove small thin layers of tissue), you will be able to carry full term, you might experience some more pain upon delivary, but that is due to scar tissue. if you have had a cone biopsy you should also have no issues with concieving, however dues to the larger tissue removal you doctor may decide you need cerclage (suturing the cervix shut during pregnancy) it is a minor complication and nothing to be overly concerned with.
what is more alarming are the amount of wome who willfully skip follow ups and paps. these are life saving and organ saving procedures, in the end by not taking care of the problem you are only making things worse for yourself.
i have type 16 hpv...which turned into HSIL/CIS, i've had a leep and conization...i'm getting ready for another leep on the 19th. i would rather do all these procedures than chemo, brachytherapy or a hysterectomy (which i may not end up avoiding).
First off, I would like to give a gigantic THANK YOU to all of the women who have posted on this webpage. The courage to talk about having been diagnosed with HPV is superhuman- and something I have a problem doing.
Secondly, I relate to a lot of you. Every time I fill out medical papers and they ask "have you ever had an abnormal pap?" I always think to myself "Ha, I've never had anything but abnormal paps." I know its not something to actually say "ha" about and trust me, every time I think about how I ended up with this it brings me to tears.
The thing that really puts the hurt and distrust in me is that I didn't even know what the heck HPV was until my doctor told me I had it. And after I hear that I have it, I'm like "Why the F didn't anyone tell me about this? Why do we talk about AIDS, Ghonnorea, Climitia, and pregnancy but not HPV- the cancer causing virus?" And why weren't there public service announcements on TV until AFTER Merck had a vaccine for it?! I swear... I knew the drug companies could do some underhanded crap, but this... Well, thats the drug companies for you. I don't understand how they can live with themselves and I don't feel one bit sorry for their scum-sucking, money-grubbing butts.
To the women that have HPV;
Be strong. Take it one day at a time. Know that you are NOT alone- Even if that means looking at this page every time you get discouraged. I think that knowing I'm not the only one who feels they didn't get fair warning about this STD is what helps me get through the day sometimes.
Bless you all and God keep you in his hands. Thank you for your strength.
i found out i had HPV 8 months ago. after my boyfriend and i broke up and i learned of the possibilites that he had cheated, i decided that i should be tested for any and everything though we ALWAYS used protection. i had my first colposcopy about 1 month later and a few months after that had the cryotherapy. my f/u pap was normal, and i was so incredibly relieved. about a month ago i had another pap and to my complete shock it was abnormal. my doctor told me i had gone from mild changes to serious and aggressive, meaning i had a new strand. because of this i had another colposcopy and am getting ready to have the LEEP procedure. for a girl who waited until she was 21 to have sex and has only been with 2 guys, this is a lot to handle. my friends who have been having sex since we were in high school have never had any problems and i have been plagued with them. and i really feel that men need to be better educated on this virus. my 2nd partner assures me that i didn't get it from him, though he was the only person i was with and has resulted to calling me a whore, slut, dirty hooker and whatever other awful things he can think of because he doesn't understand that if he has no warts then there is no way for him to possibly know that he is carrying this virus. and he certainly doesn't believe that he can't be tested, "there's a test for everything," he assures me. i'm not exactly a weak minded person so his words dont affect me, especially since he's a scumbag and did cheat on me. however, i know i'm not the only person this will or has happened to so more information for men is needed!
i found out i have hpv 18 months ago and only had an outbreak that on time. i started dating someone 2 months later. 6 months later i notice he started to break out with bumps on his private part. it went away a week later with no treatment but would go on like that every two months. i haven't broke out with anything since that first time i was dianosed with it. what could this mean? could i have been missed diagnosed? or would i have a high risk or a low risk? what should i do? what are my options?
If you already had sex before, can you still take the hpv vaccination?
I AM 16. On 1-15-07 I went to get the results of my second ever pap and I was told by the doc that i tested positive for HPV but had no lesions. She siad it was a mistake that it was not possible to have the HPV with no cell changes. I nervously joked about having a kind she had not heard of. They retested my pap and Two weeks later she calls me to tell me that she was wronge it was possible. I have high risk HPV with no cell changes. I have been fortunate but cell changes can develope for me at any time. People can not spread HPV if they do not activly have cell changes but the only way to tell is to get a pap. GET TESTED. Not all cell changes are linked to HPV. Yes u can get the vaccine if u are not a vergin. It can prevent HPV if u do not already have it. The vaccine may alos decrease the severity of already present HVP but it is only a chance. After the shock and grief and shame I have tried to learn everthing i can about my condition. It is not a death threat. 1% of people with HVP get cervical cancer. As of 2005 20 million Americans had HPV.
Hope for the future and comfort of not being alone has alloud me to come this far.
Im 20 and was told this morning that i have hpv.i am also 14 to 15 weeks pregnant i am trying to read through all this information and none of it is making since to me is hpv warts or something else. and also can it or will it be harmful to my unborn baby? can some please help me sort this out?
To the girl who was rediagnosied with claymidia, maybe it was Pelvic Inflamatory Disease. It happened to me many years ago.
Good Luck to you hun
I am 24 years old and i was diagnosed with HPV about 6 months ago i was pretified i had no idea what this was not even my friends or doctor had mention it to me.Supposely it was high risk so t my gynecologyst did a biopsy as soon as possible then he told me that one of the safest way to prevent abnormal cells to become cancerous was the LOOP wich in my case was great i had it done but i still had no idea what type of pain or discomfort this may cause but it wasent that bad it was a bit uncorfortable. you may want to take the day of school or work to be able to relax and recuperate faster you may expect brownish discharge some bleeding and cramps and your period may be heavier than usual but always ask your gyno if you have any abnormal side effects. Also he recommended for me to rest eat very healthy like vegetables lots of fruits and after a couple of weeks to start working out and keep active not to definaly smoke this may increase your chances of obtaining cancer.
he also mention that i should take echinaccea wich is a natural supplement that BOOST UP my immune system, and to stay away from sexual intercouse for 3-4 weeks to use a condom for a couple of mothns to avoid any bacteria. no to use tampons for a while to.
AND MOST IMPORTANT DO NO STREES OUT AT ALL TAKE IT EASY AND DO NOT FORGET REGULAR PAPS EVERY 6 MOTHNS TO A YEAR THIS MAY HELP YOU AND THE DOCTOR FIND A BETTER WAY TO HELP YOU WITH THIS PROBLEM AND AVOID CANCER. i returned this month for a follow up PAP and thanks god it was normal i guess all the vitamins and the prayers help me out alot. i hope my advise would help you out may god bless you all.
Hey, I'm really new to posting up messages and reading messages. I've been making myself real nervous as i read about these biopsy's and the reason is because i had one last year. I had a horrible experience as well. All i was told by my Ob/GYN is that i had abnormal cells and that i would have to take care of it. I came in for another appointment, the nurses or the doctor wouldn't answer any of my questions, i just started having sex a few weeks before this. So the whole procedure was very painful. She laid me down, with no anestesia and started this biopsy. I told them i was in pain, and soon as i saw all the blood flowing, i started to pass out. They wouldnt stop and i was about to vomit. She slapped my legs told me to stop moving, i was crying for her to stop for just one second so i can breathe or something, she had another nurse come in an hold me down and they were both screaming at me to shut up. I am not exaggerating any part of this. I was too scared to go back, and i still am. I just read that there were other options. Im afraid i might have a damages cervix and im scared what should i do? (im literally shaking and tearing writing this all here, im very newvous about telling anyone.)
To all of you with specific GYN questions, please post to our GYN Issues board to have your questions answered.
In response to the question about having a cone biopsy and still being able to have children. I had a cone biospy performed in April of 2006. I have HPV, which was causing precancerous cells. I had a short cervix to begin with and so the cone biospy removed the remainder of my cervix. Luckily I had my daughter at 26 because now I cannot have any more. You really need to discuss other options with your doctor before you decide on a cone biopsy.
I had a colopscopy and biopsy done about a week ago.....i ended up having sex within 5 days of the procedure. I feel fine and it didnt hurt at all ...wats happening now is that im spotting a little. I dont know if now im paranoid but im extrememly scared of any complications. Please let me know if i should contact the doctor.
Ok Ladies...All of you with HPV and are scared to tell your boyfriends/husbands grow up! They need to know and shouldn't judge you for it considering it's something they unknowingly carry. And if they do judge you, you shouldn't be with them! Anyway, I am 28 with one 4 year old daughter. I'm single and in college (just returned so I still have four years to go). I do not have HPV however I've had more abnormal paps since I was 18 than normal ones. Two years ago I had a leep procedure done. Now that my pap is still abnormal, my doctor wants to do an agressive leep procedure on me. I was told that I will not be able to carry any more children after this because my cervix will be so damaged that it would never hold a pregnancy. I'm about 90% sure I don't want more kids, but there's still that small percentage that I might. I was told that if I do want more to have them soon! So basically I'm kind of questioning what to do. I doubt I'll really want more kids, but there's still that slight bit of doubt. I was told there is still a slim chance that I'll be able to have more kids after the fact but very slim. Anyway, I think I'm going to do it. Another doctor of mine told me that I need to worry about the child I have now and be there for her. I agree and think I'm going to have it done. Also anyone worried about a colposcopy shouldn't be. It's no worse than a pap. Basically, a colpo is a microscope for your cervix. They put some dye on your cervix and look at it. If a biopsy is involved (and you have a good doctor) you wont even feel it. I've had 3 biopsys done and a leep procedure and the most discomfort I had was mild (very mild) cramping. Ask your doctor about it. It's really nothing to worry about. And it's your life you're looking out for! Anyway, good luck to everyone!
I just found out that I have High Risk HPV. I have been trying for over a year to concieve with my husband. I am even taking prenatal vitamins. Is there something else I can do or something I am doing wrong?
I was diagnosed with HPV about four years ago. So far I've had numerous colposcopy the LEEP procedure and more Pap's smears then i can remember. This last year I was doing better, every pap was normal. Today, I just got the call that I again had an abnormal one and now I have to have another biopsy. I'm worried that it will lead to another LEEP or worse. Has anyone had repeated procedures? What were the complications? What procedures seemed to work best. Will I be going through this forever???
And the insurance companies should be ashamed of themselves! I wonder if they would drop a man just because he had a colonoscopy?
My husband and I ar trying to concieve a child. Is it possible to concieve after having cryotherapy about 2 years ago? Will there be any scar tissue affecting our chances. We tried last month duing my fertile time (as I was thinking) and nothing happened. Could it be due to my cryosurgery? Please help I am sad! He is sad too! :-(
Hi after reading some comments posted on this website I feel like I'm not alone.
I'm a 24F Physician Assistant and I know alot about HPV but its scarry when it happens to you.
I had a abnormal Pap with ASCUS and a +high risk HPV...I am going for a follow up colposcopy in 2 weeks and I'm freaking out!!!!!
Yes I've done many paps and Colps on women,But never thought it could happen to me.
To all you women who are as nervous as I am, I understand you completely! From a women who not only can relate to you, but also who knows medicine...HPV is not very understood yet by Docs, all they know is that you at high risk for cervial cancer and its being treated very aggresive. WHY? B/c we still don't know who mean this virus can be!! And we can't afford to treat our patients like if theres nothing wrong...
My advise is to do all the procedures early!!! never skip PAPS!!! Take your condition seriously but know that its not cancer!!!! Theres alot of new clinical trials out there fighting this new Moster (HPV).
-FL PA-C
When I was 16 I had (2) abnormal paps, before I was told that I had Cervical Dysplasia(pre-cancer cells). That was the scariest day of my life.I made the appointment for the colposcopy, which was one of the most painful things in my life, then came the results, which were positive. I later had the Cryotheraphy and evrtything was thought to be normal. I had pap smears every (4) months for a year and those were fine. Everything was fine until I wasn't able to have a baby.I'm 20 now and will be 21 in april and I have been trying to conceive since I was 17 with no success. I'm just now finding out information that could have saved me from so much PAIN. I never knew that the Cryo would cause enough scarring to keep me from conceiving. The clinic that I went to did not inform me of any long- term effects, they told me what I had,how to fix it even how I got it , but they did not tell me that this one procedure, would take away my ability to have a baby and for that, I will always be Hurt & Angry. I will be having to procedure tomorrow to unblock the scar tissue in my Tubes and Cervix. I hope this corrects the problem. For everybody out there, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND EACH OTHER. GET TESTED,TELL SOMEONE ABOUT CANCER CAUSING VIRUS AND ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS WHETHER THEY'RE SILLY TO YOU OR NOT. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH.
Hi everyone, Just wanted to tell everyone that if you can get the shot for hpv do so. I
am a late one on that I have hpv I am a 31 year old mother of 3 and I am getting ready to go in for a full Hysterectomy. Because that is the only way to get reed of this for me at this time. It is sad that I have to be so young and go through this.But I am glad that we cought I just in time. There is no cancer at this time.My ? is do I still need the shot after this surgery?
you can not get hpv from a wart on someones hand i assure if someone told you that they are wrong
To those of you that have been denied health insurance, is there an answer? Have you been excepted through any other companys? One more question, is it possible to remove the HPV medical record from your file before applying for insurance? I know that we are able to view our medical records, but I'm unsure about removing items. Thanks MN! And good luck to everyone.
I just had a colposcopy yesterday. Now I am feellin really scared. I cannot stop wondering what results I will recieve. I just got engaged in February and we are getting married in July. Our plan was to start having kids...starting on the night of our honeymoon. Now I feel like the freedom of what to do with my body is gone. I have to wait for a normal pap and a normal results from the colp, right?
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the girl who suffered through that horrible situation. I am going to assume you are very young lady and this should teach you to trust you instincts; don't ever let anyone push you into something you are not comfortable with. Get up and leave, run if you have to. That doctor should be reported to the appropriate athorities so he can't do something like that again. I also think you should involve your parents and get their advice to determine whether you have legal recourse and also if you should see a therapist. In regard to HPV and cryosurgery I can speak from personal experience and had many biopsies before finally getting the cryosurgery. Ultimately my paps were clear but I did have problems conceiving naturally because of changes to my cervical mucas. We were able to use artificial insemination and had two children that way and then our third was a suprise. So I guess eventually everything goes back to normal.
Without going into too much detail I am 19yrs old and have had 2 sexual partners...in AUG 2006 i went to the GYN only trying to find out why i was having abnormal periods....i find out that i have HPV...completely broken and torn apart by this news i started freaking out...SEP i had my colposcopy...and NOV had my LEEP. Because i am so young and i just wanted the feeling of being ok i just agreed with everything that the doctors told me...i did do research but it was the things that i read AFTER i got the procedure that scared me. I want to be a mother so badly and i am terrified that because i got this procedure that i will not be able to. My question is to ANYONE OUT THERE IS....
WHAT ARE SOME QUESTIONS I CAN ASK MY DOCTOR ABOUT MY CHANCES OF BEING ABLE TO CONCIEVE AFTER HAVING THE LEEP?
IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THE LEEP DONE AND HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS CONCIEVING?
I'd love a response...after reading some of these I am a little heartbroken and scared.
Like 2:09, I am only 19 years old and have had very few sexual partners. Alas, my last PAP was abnormal and the subsequent colposcopy proved what doctors suspected: stage 3 precancerous cells. I have a LEEP scheduled in three days. In addition to a tilted cervix and T-shaped uterus, I'm worried the LEEP procedure will secure one of my worst fears: that I won't be able to concieve. Im terrified, angry, upset, and confused- I would love to take a natural route but fear that, as a sophmore in college, it won't be easy to be dilligent in avoiding stress and living a completely healthy lifestyle. Any suggestions? Tips? Words of advice or heeds of caution before I get the LEEP procedure in 3 days?
Hello everyone, im a 23 year old female who went thru a leep and cone biopsy about 4 years ago (cin-3 at 12 and 3 oclock) It was a very scary experience.I kept my annual appts. and have normal paps since.My question today would be since im about 8wks pregnant should i get or need a cervical cerclage (stitches).Im kinda worried about having an incompetent cervix , and i was told i might need one done.Being that it has been so long and a gyn doc said she couldnt even tell i had that biopsy done should i even consider it knowing the risks?
Hi everyone, I am 20 years old and i just found out that i have HPV and i am in the first stage of cervical cancer. I am very scared and worried about everything. My boyfriend is real supportive and all but i can't help worry about it. I was wanting to ask you all a question cause i can't seem to find the answer on any web site. Is it ok to have sex still or will it make the HPV and cervical cancer spread or what. I really don't know that much about it like i said i just found out. My boyfriend has been thru HPV already with his ex so he knows about that and he still wants to have sex but i am worried that it will makes things worse. I mean i know he would be ok with it if i said no but i just don't want to make anything spread or anything worse....Can anyone help me.....Please...thanx
To those of you who have questions about your own HPV status and/or cervical cancer, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
In the meantime, please post to our Genital Warts/HPV: Support Group and/or on our GYN Issues message boards.
I am 19 and have already had a colposcopy, biopsy, and removal of my precancerous cells. I've been noticing the appearance of genital warts. I am wondering whether or not to beat up my boyfriend: could my doctor have missed some cells? would that cause warts? did I sit on the wrong toilet seat? OR is he cheating on me?
Hpv is scary I was diagnosed about a year and a half sgo, and I've been through 2 colposcopy exams, the first one I had low grade lesions and on the second the doctor said everything is pretty much the same. In my mind i'm thinking lesions how did they get there? I'm worried if this is at at all related to herpes.. In spite of all that I've been diagnosed with cysts on my ovaries, and a degenerated fibroid, I'm 24 and want to soon have children. For those who read this please be careful sex is really a serious matter, I wish I had known about std's before i was diagnosed with chlamydia at age 17. I think that reading everybody's shared exoerience helps me understand that I'm not the only one with health concerns.
I am 25 years old. Last April I had my first abnormal PAP. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. The results to my PAP also came back abnormal. My GYN said I had low grade sqamous cells on my cervix. He wanted to do a COLPO then but I wasn pregnant. I ended up having a miscarriage a day before I was going to start my 2nd trimester. I got a D&C done after the miscarriage and they found a tumor on my left ovary. Now am finally healed from that surgery and I went in 2 days ago for my first PAP since surgery and my doctor did a COLPO. It was very uncomfortable! I have never been in so much pain. I felt sick to my stomach when he was doing it, like I was seriously going to vomit. Is it supposed to feel like that?
My doctor said that if i have a clear pap test for a year i won't be able to pass hpv on to anyone else.... Is this true because I know you have it for life when you get it. I just don't want to pass it on to anyone else and put them through this!!!!
I went to the dr for a colpo last week and got the results on friday. There is no signs of cancerous cells but she said that my cervix was irrated what can cause this. I had so many question but didnt get many answers. can anyone help ?
A reminder to those of you with specific questions about your own conditions, please post to our GYN Issues message board. :-)
I had a LEEP done in 2001. In 2004 I got pregnant, so there is hope ladies. Since then I've only had two abnormal paps. One came back abnormal due to HPV this past February. I had a Colpo done last month. I spoke with my doctor about this vaccine for HPV and he advised strongly against it. He stated this vaccine can cause a more agressive type of HPV. Also it only protects against a few strands and once you've had those strands .A. you can't get it again and .B. the vaccine would be completely useless. Ladies please speak with your doctors. Any and all questions SHOULD be answered. If your doctor is not answering your questions, find a new doctor that will. I had a doctor that would not listen to any of my concerns or complaints. At 21-22 years old I had to bring my mother with me so she could talk to him, of course he listened to her. I can't even tell you how quickly I switched doctors. The office I go to now has two OB/GYNs on staff, they were highly recommended by a lot of females where I live. I couldn't be happier. Ask around if you're looking to switch, word of mouth is more valuable than any degree posted on a wall. This is your life and your health, just because they have the degree doesn't mean they are always right. Listen to your gut feeling but get those paps done every six months or year.
Okay, so I've read all this and I am REALLY confused...I've had abnormal bleeding AND adnormal pap smears for the last year. I've also NEVER had sexual intercourse yet my Dr said I had "one of the strains of HPV" and that despite what is believed "not all strains are just sexually transmitted." So, did I not have sex for no reason? I mean it sounds like I should have just been having fun instead of holding out. It obviously didn't keep me from getting this. Also, should I be worried if I've been bleeding a lot (some months despite being on the pill I bleed all month). I am a college student and very busy...someone please just give me an answer. I've had three abnormal pap smears in the last year. SOMEONE PLEASE RESPOND B/C WHAT WORRIES ME...IS THAT NONE OF YOU MENTION ABNORMAL BLEEDING ALONG WITH YOUR ABNORMAL PAP SMEARS.
Sweetie it may be your birth control. My doctor had me on a pill a few years ago and I bled for about 4 months until I stopped taking it.
Reading all of this wants to make me cry. I feel I did not protect my daughter enough - did not tell her enough about sex. I knew, back in the 60's that having sex at an early age and with multiple partners could increase the risk of cervical cancer. I never thought to tell my daughter, now at 19 she has had two abnormal paps and a colposcopy. She has health insurance, which I pay for,but because of her age, I am not allowed to know about her condition. She will only tell me she's had abnormal paps. I would never judge her; only want to get her the best care possible. Wish she would talk with me; I love her so much.
I was diagnosed with HPV and had 2 colposcopes done and one LEEP done. I only bled for one day following the LEEP. A week later my period started. It's a usual period (considering I'm on blood thinners). But then today I started passing massive blood clots (think back to clots right after childbirth). I'm not sure if I should be worried about this or not. My doctor checked me out last week, before the period started and said I was healing fine. But these clots are getting more frequent and larger. Any advice??
This is so embarrasing but I really need to know some answers. Im 16 and about 3 weeks ago my doctor told me I had "high risk" HPV. My hair is falling out and I feel very sick. My mom does not even know I have this and I feel sicker and sicker each day. WHAT DO I DO??? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
Anonymous 1:54 AM:
Here is some basic information about HPV. Please talk to your parents. They would want to help you feel better.
i had a colposcopy done and my results came back that i have no cancer on my cervix so to every one who is worry dont be but i will need a pap in four months my doctor said and it that comes back good he said im good he will do it once a year like us females are suppose to have them done we all just have to pray thats all god answers all he dont leave no one out i went to the doctor last year in december to see if i was pregnant thats when i found out i had tumors on my uteris i was 7 weeks pregnat and pap came back showing i have HPV and i did have a misscarriage my doctor said i still can get pregnant im 37 if i get pregnant this will be my last child i have 4 kids now so all us HPV women stop worring we are going to get pass this
I had my second prenatal appointment today. I'm 13 weeks pregnant. We heard the baby's heartbeat just fine. The doctor then did a pelvic exam and said I had a lesion on my cervix. He said he hadn't seen anything like it before and that it bled a bit when touched. He said it didn't look like cancer. I have a colposcopy scheduled for Wednesday. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any advice or thoughts on what it may be? As you can assume, I'm very worried.
About 6 mos ago, my Dr. told me that I have high risk HPV. I recently went back for my 6 month pap and the results came back abnormal. I then went in for a biopsy and those results showed that I am in the precancerous stage so I am going in next week for the cryotherapy. The Dr. is reassuring and says that this procedure will kill the abnormal cells. I'm just scared. I keep thinking things will just get worse. I'm not in a relationship and this virus is not something I would ever want to pass to someone. I'm more scared that in just 6 months, I went from normal cells to precancerous; its a really drastic change and I'm not sure how to deal with all of this. Any advice?
Below is a good article to get an overview of HPV and treatment. I had a colposcopy and it wasn't that bad. It feels much better to have that peace of mind that I am keeping an eye on it. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins and lots of green tea, and take care of yourself to lower stress. Find a doctor you trust and ask questions and don't avoid getting screened. Don't take it upon yourself to find all the info on the internet. There are a lot of people who are scared and uneducated and it might just add to your stress! We are all going through this and the good thing is that these methods are lowering cervical cancer incidences where before we just didn't know where to start. This is so common, but not widely known so please reach out and educate your friends and relatives and mostly young girls about HPV.
http://www.alternativemedicine.com/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&SID_store_news=148&storeID=02AD61F001A74B5887D3BD11F6C28169&RedirShopperID=
oops that article got cut off -- go to www.alternativemedicine.com and search "heading off cervical cancer".
I went to my normal gyno appt.2 weeks ago and my Dr. called me last week and told me there was a change in my pap. I thought it was no biggie so I called her back and she said I had moderate displaysia. She said she wanted to take a closer look with a coloscopy. Then I called to make an appt. asap because I am moving to FL in less than a month...driving from WI. The nurse said I didnt need an appt and I could wait 3 months to see if it would clear up, make an appt in FL and follow up there. I felt so relieved. Then about a 1/2 hour later the other nurse called and said I needed a LEEP done. What the hell?! I feel as though they are just jumping to this. The day I went for my pap was the DAY BEFORE my period. And a month before that I had a horrible bladder infection. Could these be a cause of an abnormal pap? Im jsut so confused. Dont want to do something I shouldnt have to. Someone please give me some advice!!! email agordonmeister@gmail.com
amie,
To ask questions about your specific situation, please visit our Gyn Issues message board.
Thank you!
I have had two colposcopies and one round of cryotherapy. I was in the same boat as many of you, my doctors provided very little information and I was terrified. First - let me remind everyone that HPV does not immediately translate into cervical cancer. On top of that - cervical cancer is HIGHLY treatable.
Colposcopies are uncomfortable - but not even close to being considered overly painful. It's like having your annual exam - but then they take a small piece of tissue. To be honest, the most uncomfortable feeling during the exam was when they placed vinegar on my cervix. It didn't hurt - it just felt wrong... if that makes any sense. They've always had me cough at the same time that they take the tissue. It's like a quick pinch. Before both of my procedures, I took tylenol and was able to return to work immediately following the procedures. You will have cramps that are pretty much the same as having your period... but nothing a little pain medicine won't take care of.
The cyrotherapy was less painful than the colposcopy. It lasted a total of 5 minutes... there was cramping during the procedure and a feeling of cold - but again, nothing that was too hard to handle. I had a weird discharge for the past two weeks, and now everything seems to be normal. I'll follow up in 6 months with another pap.
Both procedures were MUCH less painful and traumatic than I imagined... I played it up in my mind so much that it was silly how horrible I thought it would be. In all honesty, the worst part of it was the feeling that it was unnatural... I hope that makes sense.
I wish you all the best of luck - remember, this is incredibly treatable and will probably be NO WHERE near as bad as you allow yourself to imagine it...
I was dignosed with HPV last year 2006 and had a biopsy. Then on October had another pap smear which came back normal. I have mentioned to my doctor that my husband and I were trying to get pregnant so she said and wouldn't have any problems. I got pregnant in February had two regular prenatal visits everything was okay then I had a breakout and week after getting the warts I had a miscarriage. I am afraid that the infection could have caused me to lose the baby. I asked the doctor and she said that having a brakout while you are pregnant doesn't cause you to have a miscarriage. Have any of you had breakouts while pregnant?? I am terrified that this can happen again. I lost my baby two weeks ago :-(
I am 23 and I had an abnormal Pap last June. I went in for a colposcopy & LEEP procedure in November (which hasnt caused any bad side effects) but my 4 month pap check up was abnormal again. I am about to go in for my 2nd colposcopy. Like many other girls that I have been reading comments about I am afraid that I will not be able to have kids when I am ready. I try to stay positive, and I have a boyfriend who is very supportive. But it doesnt take away the fact that Im 23 and at this age I have to think about never having children and possibly if things get really bad losing my uterus all together. Is anyone really ever ready to deal with that?
First I am writing in regard to the women who was mistreated during a colposcopy, I have had three and in fact just had one today at 7 months pregnant. A colposcopy and biopsy is a very unpleasent and often painful experience as it is and now you may need another one in the future for your own health , but are traumatised. I would strongly suggest discussing your situation with an educated attorney and see if there is anything you can do because if he treated you this way he will continue to do the same with other patients. Sounds like a mal-practice suit to me! In all 3 of the biopsy's I have had I have never been treated poorly and in fact today when I commented no at my Dr's comment to need a biopsy he would not have done it if I really told him I did not want to; however, I figured he would not want to do so without good reason especially during pregnancy. I agree with another comment advising you to find a Dr who will listen to you and comfort you and connect with you on a personal basis, maybe ask around to some friends to get referral. I am so sorry to hear about your unpleasent experience and I hope for your health you are able to overcome the trauma.
In regards to the women having ill feelings about getting a male OBGYN, I to have found that male Dr's are more sensitive and compassionate than any female I have ever seen, which is shocking. You should not have ill feelings about seeing a male Dr as long he is professional, find a Dr you can share these concerns with and he can offer you reassurance that feeling that way is not necessary. Take your husband with you to a visit once, that may put you at ease if he is comfortable. I have been going to the OBGYN since I was 13 and it gets easier as time passes.
Now I have a question, as stated before I went to the Dr today and had a biopsy because I have HPV and was dagnosed with mild displaysa. Well my Dr thinks that my pregnancy has made the lesions worse which he advised can happen and there is still hope it may get better. In any event if it does not I may have to be treated to prevent cervical cancer after my pregnancy. This treatment usually consist of burning off or surgically removing the lesions, I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this and if it may cause potential problems in trying to conceive a future child?
In regard to the 20 year that is 15 weeks pregnant. You will definitely want to dicuss these concerns with your DR!!! However, I too have HPV and I am 28 weeks pregnant. In very, very, very rare cases HPV can be passed to your child during birth forming in your childs throat or causing blindeness, but this is in a severe case and if your DR thinks your child is at all at risk chances are he/she will not allow a vaginal birth. There are several different strainds of HPV some strainds do cause warts; however, sometimes causes warts on the cervix which is different than external warts on your vagina. Ask your Dr about HPV and he/she will be able to explain it to you, and make sure you ask questions until you understand and are at ease about this matter. I have been advised by my DR that many women with HPV deliver babies daily and he has never seen a case of it harming the baby. HPV is a common disease, but it is different for everyone and it is very hard to deal with at times, I have been dealing with it for 7 years. Make sure you keep every prenatal appointment and trust in your Dr when they want to monitor this problem because it can lead to cervical cancer. I advise you take a deep breathe and do not worry too much because there is not much you will do but cause unnecessary stress during your pregnancy. I hope I have answered some of your questions and I hope you can put your mind at ease. Again talk to your Dr!! Good luck to you and congratulations you are going to be a mom!
In reagards to the questions is HPV a form of herpes? No it cannot cause herpes. It can cause genital warts depending on whihc type you have.
To the women who just found out she was pregnant and had HPV and now has no signs of the disaease. First of all Congrats on your miracle!! I have HPV and unfortuantely it may be getting worse due to my pregnancy, in any event I have talked to about 3-4 Dr's about my HPV and I have been told that there are strainds of HPV that actually heal themselves and go away on their own. Hopefully this is your case!! I would definitely make sure your DR does know about your past HPV if they do not already just to ensure all is well. Good luck to you!
To the two 19 year old young women about to have a loop procedure and have questions regarding future conception. I am not a Dr, but I looked up what is a LEEP procedure on web MD and it did say Risks:
* After the surgery, a small number of women (less than 10%) may have significant bleeding that requires vaginal packing or a blood transfusion.
* Infection of the cervix or uterus may develop (rare).
* Narrowing of the cervix (cervical stenosis) that can cause infertility may occur (rare).
Please talk to your Dr's regarding this matter because if they are jumping to this procedure just to try to fix the problem quick, it may not be worth it. I would also advise being so young you share your concerns with a parent if you have one you feel you can talk to. Good luck to you both HPV is no easy ride. Always, Always address your concerns with your Dr before allowing them to perform any procedures. Get a second opinion to make sure they agree this is necessary. However, if the pros of the procedure out weigh the cons it is up to you to care for your body. I hope all works out for both of you. I may need a LEEP myself once I give birth to my son. I will keep you all in my thoughts!
To the 16 year old who was diagnosed with HPV and now is very sick and loosing her hair. You need to talk to your mother about what is going on, losing your hair and feeling sick is not something you can just let go. If you are afraid to go to your mother first go to the school nurse, a counselor, even your Dr may be able to help you with this. Just please get the help you need and do not let this go I cannot stress that enough. You are in my thoughts and good luck to you!
Hello, i just stumbled upon this message board while looking up info about my cervical biopsy and HPV. I still do not know what to do. 3 days ago i had a biopsy because abnormal cells were detected. My DR found a large "mass" from 12-3 ever since then i have severe cramping, a fever of 101 and heavy bleeding. it does not look like "normal period blood" to me. I will get the results back from the biopsy in 3 more days..should i wait to talk to my DR until then or is this something i should worry about now? please help
For message posted at 6:34 I would advise you call your Dr's office and explain the symptoms you are having after your biopsy. They will tell you if there is any need for concern. I would suggest if you are having a fever and you are bleeding heavier than you would during a normal period you should contact your Dr. Cramping is normal after some biopsy's, but do not leave that out when you call your Dr. It is better to be too cautious than not cautious enough. A fever could be an inidcation of an infection, and after a biopsy you do not want to let that slide. Good luck to you, I am sure everything will be okay. You are in my thoughts! We are both fighting this war on HPV!
Do not let your annual exams go; make sure you go at least once a year. I skipped going, and always had normal paps, until I hadn't gone for over 3 years. First I had it come back abnormal, so they wanted me to go in for a colposcopy and biopsy and didn't even have any pain; the Nurse practioner was great. It came back again as moderate displasia, so they scheduled me for the LEEP/LOOP procedure and they numbed me, so it was even less painful then the initial colposcopy, and sent the tissue to the lab again. About 5 days after the LEEP was done I was having light bleeding, then heavy bleeding and my dr. was on vacation, so i had to see a male, who was the only other person that has training for the LEEP besides my nurse prac, which is ridiculous at a hospital where so many other ob's are. I finally got over my fear of having a male doctor and when he was checking to see why I was bleeding (was a piece that had healed, but scab feel off). He was wiping out the blood with a large qtip and I started cramping up so bad and told them and they said they were almost done and put some paste on the cut to stop the bleeding. I told them again how painful it was and they asked if I wanted some tylenol (what? like that will touch the pain?!)He was horrible, treated me like I shouldn't be in pain because "most women don't have pain" like that, but I have a very high tolerance for pain! I couldn't even sit up I was in so much pain and couldn't get up for at least 10 mins and was in pain until late that night. I will never go to another male ob/dr again; I have always had a horrible experience~! To make things worse, I started to feel like I had a Urinary tract infection last night. Is this why I was in so much pain 2 days ago? Has anyone experienced this? I am going back today and letting them know how much pain the dr. caused me. I really feel for all of you that are very concerned with your health; make sure you address your problems as soon as possible and find a dr you trust and can really talk to. As for the insurance companies, what a horrible thing to deny coverage! They are just making women suffer in pain!
I had my colposcopy done 3 days ago. I had a lot of pain with mine, admittedly due to the fact that the OBGYN used too big of a forcep when taking the biopsy. I had tissue takenfrom 9 and 5 o'clock.
I was told to watch for heavy bleeding and to seek medical attention if that happened. My question is this... Starting last night, I started having what looks to be tissue and mucus coming from my vagina. Is this normal and should I be worried? I hve the discharge from the swabs that were used to stop the bleeding, that I was expecting, but little clumps of this tissue looking stuff I was not. Any help?
I had my son in June 2005. Exactly one year later I was told I had HPV. I had never had a abnormal pap before then. They done the biopsy in the office and it came back that I had satge 3 precancerus cells. The doctor done a cone biopsy later that week. I was so scared. After the biopsy he told me if I want another child to try now because after the next one he wants to do a hysterectomy on me. Me and my husand has been trying to get pregnant since then but no luck. I'm only 22 and I can't stand the thought of a hysterectomy. Does any one have any thoughts of what I should do after the next child. Should I have the hysterectomy or should I wait???
the stuff coming out is normal. it is just the liquid bandade falling off.
I had a colopsyi(biopsy) and LEEP done dec. 2005. never got my follow-up b/c my doctor said everything he gathered information wise from those procedures led him to believe that i did not need to come back til sept. 2006. Well it's now almost end of may 2007, had another biopsy and now have to get another LEEP b/c my new doctor thinks that my severe dysplasa went internal and my last doctor was wrong. Yes my external biopsy came back fine but my pap was abnormal..
If you need to know. the pain from the first biopsy is normal, it should be mininal, the 1st well be painful and NEVER be done while you are awake. it took 3 phy. assistants to hold me down. But the second biopsy will be more painful due to the fact that more nurves grow back in place of the old ones.. more sensation and pain even with intercourse.
thought i would share my experiance. my next leep is scheduled at the end of june 2007
Hi ladies... I am 30 years old and 8 months pregnant with my third child. 2 weeks ago I went through a biopsy and the results came back with severe dysplatia. My family is in California and I live in Ohio, but since the diagnosis I have decided to come "home" for the duration of my pregnancy as well as for the treatment needed after delivery. I am concerned though since I fled my doctor whom I love and respect greatly. In the process of leaving Ohio, which i did in a rush due to fear and a need for my mom, I left with out fully understanding what to expect and will not meet with the new doctor for two more weeks. I am going crazy not knowing if i possibly overracted or should be legitimetly scared!! Also my diagnosis is not related to HPV. I choose to be tested for STD's every 6 months due to a bad choice when i was younger. For the past 9 years each test has been negative. Is dysplatia or cervical cancer rare with out HPV?
well my heart goes out to most of you i know how hard this can be im going through the same thing and not only is it phyiscal pain but mental as well just let you know this is how it started with me...
first of all let me just say that ive only been with three guys my whole life my hs pupply love my ex husband and my ex bf ok so...
i started getting utis it was really hard to pee and it burnt really bad so i saw the doctor they gave me meds next i found out that i had a bartholin gland cyst so then i had to get minor surgery done after that it came back again and was treated with doxicline after that it came back i had the surgery after that it came back had to have the surgery again but this time they went to my gland and opened it since then....
ive had two copos which i thought thats what caused it to come back but then found out be4 that, that i had trichamonsis and it was spreaded through sex ok so trichamonsis caused the cyst
but after having my 2 bioseys which they did two this time telling me that my cells havent changed and my paps have both been abnormal now im just waitting on results and it scared me to death thinking i wont have kids someday and what if this does turn into cancer so far its just gettting wrost its not going away what do i do? should i have the surgery in four weeks or should just get more bioseys im scared lost and confused i never thought this could happen to me i was really careful and it did i just wish there was a cure for this that liquid that they put on there is meds my doctor told me that its treating it as i go in for bioseys but when will this nightmare end im so scared
ive been single and havent even kissed a guy because i dont know how its spread if kissing would spread it i dont want to take the chance or giving it to anyone else but then again not only have a had ab normal paps and cell changes ive had really bad bladder problems and are going in for a snoyogram soon so that they can see whats the problem i had i dont have a epic pregancy i mean is this possible? ive had serveral problems since i was last with my ex we arent together anymore he never really cared and wasnt very supportive so all i have is my mom and my friends and im scared to death i hope this doesnt lead to cancer im young i just want to live a normal life
and alchol now how can this affect it? i drink because im around it i mean im 21 im just starting out and this is really scary for me someone please help me
and my heart goes out to all of you i know what your going through email me if you would like id love to hear from you because its always good to know your not alone my email is melanie_donaubauer04@yahoo.com
and thanks may god bless you all and your in my prayers please keep me in yours
ok so this may sound really not as dangerous or somthin... but im 17 & recently had my 1st pap smear come back with cancerous cells...im really scared and was wondering if anyone knew what the chances of ppl gettin back bad pap smears & nothing wrong & is it bad to have sex while waiting the 3 months to go back to have another check up??!?!?!
Anonymous at 12:23 P.M. I am a 21 year old who was diagnosed with HPV at 16 years old... It's a scary thought! (I had 4 years of Normal pap smears and on the fifth year I had another abnormal pap, repeat pap and colposcopy and it came back normal.) So yeah it can happen. I don't know what strain I have but I will find out very soon. I don't want to give you false hope, but think POSITIVE. As for the sex during your 3 month waiting period. I know it's so much easier to say don't do it, than to ACTUALLY not do it. But if you give this virus to your partner, you'll pass it back and forth. Remember this virus can lay dormant (May not show signs or symptoms and not cause abnormal pap smears.) FOCUS ON YOU right now, but SEX is the passion that got you into trouble and NO SEX can pry help you get through this... I hope I don't sound motherly or bitchy! I just want to help and wish someone had tole me this when I was younger. I hope this information helps...
Sincerely,
~Loving support
p.s. I'm in nursing school right now and plan to get a masters degree in nursing to help inform teenagers. I don't wanna this to happen to any more people if I can help it...
to the 1:11 or 10:49 sorry this confuses me...thx for the help but i still have a couple of ? & i dont know how else to get ur help or anyone elses for the next three months so here i am.....im 17 & recently had my 1st pap smear come back with cancerous cells...im really scared and was wondering if anyone knew what the chances of ppl gettin back bad pap smears & nothing wrong & is it bad to have sex while waiting the 3 months to go back to have another check up??!?!?!so ive had sex only with one person & that one person has only had sex with me so is this past sexually?? i mean i know i can give it to him now but how did i get in this mess anyways?!?!i know that i have bad cells but is there any other way that i have bad cells then sex?!?! & since ive found out about what happend ive had sex 2 times with the same as the first ive only been with one person..so im freaking out right now & i just need someone who knows what they are talkin bout & i really apperecitate all the help i can get....its all i think bout so if u can help me or give me addvise or even calm me down a bit feel free to do so i just really need someone to explain things a little more!!! thanks everyone & good luch to everyone!
anonymous above:
Here's some information on abnormal pap smears that should help answer your questions. You need to talk to your doctor about your specific situation -- that's the very best way to get answers to your questions.
If i have had an abnormal Pap test and i don`t trust my current doctor well not exactly not trust but she is very rough and i do not feel comfortable with her. Is it ok to switch doctors while this is going on to get a second opinion and i want someone not so rough..or will it be complicate since my current doctor knows what my situation is? does anyone have any suggestions? thanks and good luck to everyone!
i just found out i have genital warts and i was wondering if i would still be able to have children. i might of had the virus for awhile now so i dont know if i will be ble to or not.
To the last commenter asking about genital warts, please post your questions on our Genital Warts/HPV: Support Group message board.
I am 20 yrs old and I had my routine pap done in jan. confirming an a-typical abnormal pap and that I had HPV, and they wanted to do a colposcopy. I was totally freaked out. I really believe that many dr's these days try to milk off one's insurance for unecessary procedures for extra money, especially when one has a super health insurance plan such as blue cross, blue shield which is sad. So, I went to another gyno for a 2nd opinion four months later ( i did not go through w/ the colposcopy) for a second pap. Again it came back abnormal, this time with mild dysplasia. I am waiting for the dr to call me back and tell me which type of HPV I have, so I can figure out which treatment option to go with. I'm getting married and july and we want to have children in the future, so I'm really worried, but I really think these colposcopys they rush you to do when your pap comes back abnormal is unecessary. I really believe that god created this earth with everything we need and with proper nutrition, rest and positive thinking, that most of this crap can be resolved. I have a good reason to believe that most DR's these days aren't in it for their patients best interest, but for money. I am worried, and I want some opinions!!!!
You all made me feel so much better. I had no idea that so many women were going through the same thing I am. I just found out today that I have to have a cone biopsy, but the thing that scared the hell out of me was that my doctor told me that I am "on the borderline of cancer".
I am 47 years old, have 4 kids, and have my tubes tied, but I want to live long enough to watch my kids grow up, cuz I love all four of them with all my heart.
About 6 months ago, I had sex with a guy who hangs out at my favorite bar, and then afterwards, he talked about me like I was a prostitute, and I also found out (to my complete surprise) that he'd rather have sex with guys, and that he took viagra before he had sex with me. I'm about 90% positive that's how I got the HPV virus.
The thing I didn't read much about is how sex is after you have either the cone biopsy or the LEEP procedure (are they the same thing?).
I'm afraid my sex drive will go down the drain after I have the surgery, or that it will hurt so much, I won't want to do it.
REGARDING CULPOSCOPY: I received my first abnormal pap smear and was scheduled for a culposcopy. I was terrified but it was mostly fear of the unknown. The procedure itself is not bad. My doctor even took a biopsy, which I did not feel at all. As long as you have a gentle doctor who puts you at ease, you will be fine because it really isn't much different from a typical pap in terms of discomfort. However, you will need ibuprofen afterwards because of the cramping, which is not severe but it is present.
One thing I wish I knew was to request to speak to either a doctor or nurse about the results. I spoke to the receptionist and was very misled about the severity of the results. Because she, like many receptionists, did not understand my chart, she told me there "was nothing to worry about." Little did I know there was severe dysplasia and I needed a followup culposcopy. Get your information to which you are entitled.
Also, please know that although HPV is an STD, it has no indication as to what kind of person you are. I, too, have only been in very serious relationships and waited until I was 21 to be sexually active. This can happen to anyone due to the nature of the female body being more open. Stay strong and rely on those close to you. You are not alone.
Hi all. Mabey you can help me with some things. Im new to all this hpv and colposcopy and stuff. Im 28 yrs old and never had any children yet.I had my normal pap test in April. Soon after my doctor told me about my abnormal pap. So two weeks ago i went for a Colposcopy well he took a sample from the outside of my cervix but said my cervix was closed so he couldnt see inside so i would have to come back.So today was the day I went in and he put some kind of seaweed stick inside me he sais it will dialate my cervix. it is very painful im having alot of cramping like he warned i would.i have to go back in the morning so he can remove the stick and do another colposcopy. has anyone had this happen to them. He told me the sample for the outside of my cervix is dysplasia im not sure what that means. so if someone has any answers pleese let me know.
To 8:53
Yes, I have had abnormal paps, dysplasia and a LEEP. I would look for definitions but essentially dysplsia means your cells are abnormal. In my case I have HPV 16 and know that HPV caused me to get those abnormal cells which could have (and someday might) lead to cancer. However, there can be more than one reason for abnormal cells. Talk to your doctor about what caused it but know that there are many many treatments.
I am 20 years old and have never even thought about having children yet and it is frightening that cervical procedures can decrease my ability. However, in my case it is better than cancer. And while science isn't perfect I think women need to remember pregnancy isn't everything. As well, there are ways to have children without carrying them yourself. It may not be your dream but but that doesn't mean you can't still be happy.
Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Together we can fight this.
To hippiechick:
In regard to whether a biopsy and a LEEP are the same thing,no they are not. A biopsy is usually a very small amount of tissue they take from your cervix when you had an abnormal pap so they can test is for displaysia or cancerous cells. As to a LEEP procedure is a bit different this is the information I found out on it at web md:
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. LEEP can:
* Cut away abnormal cervical tissue that can be seen during colposcopy.
* Remove abnormal tissue high in the cervical canal that cannot be seen during colposcopy. In this situation, LEEP may be done instead of a cone biopsy. (For more information, see cone biopsy.)
LEEP is also known as large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).
A vinegar (acetic acid) or iodine solution, which makes abnormal cells more visible, may be applied to the cervix before the procedure is done.
How it is done
LEEP is usually done at your health professional's office, a clinic, or a hospital as an outpatient procedure (you do not have to spend a night in the hospital).
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups). Your health professional will insert an instrument with curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.
Medication is injected to numb the cervix (cervical block). If a cervical block is used, an oral pain medication or pain medication given into a vein (intravenous, or IV) may be used in addition to the local anesthetic.
What To Expect After Surgery
Most women are able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days after LEEP is performed. Recovery time depends on how much was done during the procedure.
After LEEP
* Mild cramping may occur for several hours after the procedure.
* A dark brown vaginal discharge during the first week is normal.
* Vaginal discharge or spotting may occur for about 3 weeks.
* Sanitary napkins should be used instead of tampons for about 3 weeks.
* Sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 3 weeks.
* Douching should not be done.
As far as with a biopsy I was always told to wait 1-2 weeks before having sex. I have never had a LEEP done, but I have had a biopsy and it did not seem to change sex for me at all;however, you should always address any concerns with your Dr.
To the 20 year old with concerns about Dr's rushing into colpo's and etc. What you are saying may be true; however, Iit seems you may not have a good relationship with your gyno and you may want to find one that you can create a trusting relationship with because if you have HPV you may need to see them often. I have had HPV since I was 19 and I am now 25 and I think it is perfectly okay for you to refuse a colpo and you also have the right to refuse any service you do not wish to take place or are not comfortable with. If you have mild displaysia (SP) You should not need a colpo or biopsy, most dr's just ask that you come back in 6 months for another PAP. If the Dr is truly concerned enough to want to give you a colpo at that point they may have a good reason for concern because moderate to severe displaysia can lead to cancer and you do not want that. Another thing just monitor your HPV and do not worry to much about it affecting you having kids because I used to fear that and I am 9 months pregnant now. GOod luck to you!
I have a boyfriend that I live with. We have been together for several years, with a year breakup where we both were with other people. I was diagnosed with HPV a year and a half ago, and had a colposcopy, but didn't need further treatment. I never told him because I thought I'd get rid of it. But in April I had another abnormal pap, and am still have HPV. I need to go back for another colposcopy. I feel guilty not telling him, and also lost because now I just moved states and am worried I will be denied insurance because of it. What should I do about telling him? And also, if anyone has any advice about insurance. I think I would have rather committed insurace fraud and been covered than denied. Thanks lovely ladies.
When I was 17 I was found to have HPV and dysplasia. It took 3 sessions of cryotherapy to get rid of all the cancerous cells, but since then I have had normal pap smears. Luckily the type of HPV I had went away along with the bad cells. Now, 3 years later, I am 32 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy has been going well and my daughter is very healthy. The only problem I have had because of the cryotherapy is a sensitive cervix. It can be very painful at times and what I find most frustrating is trying to explaine to people that my body is sensitive without revealing why. I have yet to tell family and friends about my "situation" so I really have nobody to relate to. Finding this site is really inspiring. It's nice to finally hear your not alone. Thank you to everyone who has posted and know that although we never met, I have all of you in my heart.
THIS IS FOR THE WOMAN THAT WAS DENIED MEDICAL INSURANCE. I had a kidney transplant in 1992 and was denied insurance twice, but no insurance company will deny you coverage if yiu do it through work. If you work for an employer that has more than 15 employees the insurance company will not request medical records. I have been insured and haven't had a problem. Good luck
I had my first son at 17 years old, and found out shortly after I gave birth that I had HPV-16. I had a coposcopy, cryotherapy, a leep procedure, and then had to have a conization (major surgery in the hospital). This all progressed over about 1 1/2 years. I was scared sick, though I was going to die. The last surgery removed stage 3 precancerous cells. For about 5 years after the procedures, I had wanted another child, and tried off again and on again with my exhusband. I was convinced they had taken too much of my cervix to conceive. 6 years later though, I am 4 1/2 months pregnant. I'm healthy as far as we know. I'm still a bit nervous as for what the future will hold, because my dr. has said that pregnancy can aggravate the cancerous cells, but we will see.
to the woman who posted at 7:13 pm. yes i have had it done and my little girl just turned 5. i had the cone biopsy done when i was 20 i am now 28. it is possible.
I had found out that I had HPV when I was 19. I had immediate cryotherapy. I have clean paps for about 2 or 3 years and then an abnormal one pops up. I had a son at 25 and was scared out of my mind that he would contract the disease from me. I now know that it is very rare for this to happen and if I would of had an abnormal pap at that time that they would of performed a C-section to protect the baby. HPV can be a scary thing when you're young and don't understand the disease. For the comment about contracting HPV from a boyfriend with a wart on his hand...I hate to tell you that, that is not how you contracted HPV. There are over 500 strains of HPV but only certain ones cause the STD form of HPV. The internet is a powerful source on learning about the disease. I encourage everyone with the disease to do their own research and then ask their doctor if the infomation is true. Everyone needs to educate themselves so they can educate others. Let alone sons and daughters who might be having sex. I do want to warn everyone about Gaurdisil(the vaccination for cervical cancers caused by HPV) the vaccination only protects against certain strains of the virus. Only the ones that cause a high risk of cervical cancer. I am not a doctor but educating myself on the subject has taught me a lot. That and there is an age limit for the vaccination. The highest age is 26. My doctors advised me to have the vaccination (yes, even with already carrying HPV) but because I am 28 my insurance would not cover because "You're too old." At $500.00 per shot(you need three) who can afford to pay out of pocket? The comment about colposcopy causing cervical damage, I would doubt but the cryotherapy I had done almost 10 years ago caused a scar on my cervix that can be seen during a colposcopy. Even with scar tissue I had a very uncommplicated pregnancy. So my therory on HPV is: yes it's something you'll deal with for the rest of your life, but considering the other STD's out there, this one is the least of my worries, things could be a lot worse!
I have a PERFECT OBGYN that I've been seeing for 10 years. I have sinced moved about 2 hours from his office and still make the drive to see only him for ANY OBGYN appts. I had abnormal paps for 5 years! The first year was hard having to go in every three months (or so) to get checked or for cryos and colposcopies. Thanks to his wonderful team I have had a clear paps for the last 3 years and have given birth to a beautiful, healthy, baby girl!
i am 27 years old. i have never had an abnormal pap in my life and have been having them yearly since i was 17. 2 mos ago i had an abnormal pap come back due to HPV. One of the 5 high risk cancerous strains. My original pap showed severe dysplasia. I had to have a colposcopy performed by an obgyn. This procedure was painful but not to an abnormal degree. The dr puts cotton balls soaked in viniger in ur cervix so that the abnormal cells will turn white and the dr has a better idea of where to sample from. i had 2 spots show that need biopsy. the dr took his first sample on his second try (due to being scared and tense he was unable to get a sample on the 1st pinch). i was crying b/c the pinch causes a sharp but fast pain and then a full cramp. if u can take a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds per pinch, you will be done with the cramping and pain. i have an anxiety disorder though and was very scared and became emotional during the procedure. so he decided not to sample the 2nd white spot. he also did a deep cervical pap smear and then i was dimissed and had to wait 7 days for the results. wow, that was the most stressful 7 days of my life, waiting to see if i had cancer. I did not thankfully. the results of the biopsy showed mild dysplasia only. my dr said that since i had shown signs of severe dysplasia though, a LEEP would be necessary. i go for the LEEP tomorrow. i am TERRIFIED. i have never had any surgery, never been put to sleep, never even broken a bone! i am scared to be put under even though the method i was told they will use is gas rather than to completely sedate me with local anesthetics. i know some people are able to do this procedure with a nerve pill only but b/c of my anxiety and emotionalness, they decided to put me under. this makes me a bit more comfortable but scared still. i dont know how much bleeding or cramping to expect as it varies per woman per surgery. i dont know what to expect when i awake from the gas and if i will have panic attacks or not. i do know everyone i have spoken with has been amazingly kind and understanding, including my obgyn who will be performing the surgery. i have read so many people say it came back and they had to redo the surgery. i pray this will not be my case. i am going to try to take immune boosting suppliments as my anxiety keeps me stressed and stress is a reason for reoccurance. i do want to say though that HPV is very easily transmitted and not just by men. if a woman has it and has sexual contact with another woman where bodily fluids are exchanged, she can also be infected with the strain. i pray that soon it will be manditory that women receive the Gardisil shot upon 1st pap visits. this is a lot to go through emotionally even though physically it hasn't been bothersome to me in the least. I will try to come back and update how the LEEP went. My prayers for every woman who is researching this site due to concerns.
I have had hpv for the past 7 months now, i just went in two mondays ago to have the LEEP procedure done and it wen fine i didnt feel a thing, well when i went in for the surgery i was on my period i had been on my period for 3 days before. when i was out of surgery i wasnt on my period i figured it was normal, well, just yesterday i was at work and about 130 i started bleeding, so i went to wakgreens and got some pads, about 5 oclock, i started bleeding terribally, i got up from my chair and happened to put my hand on my butt and looked at my hand and ther was blood all over it! blood was all over my hands and my pants. good thing i was just getting off work i left and didnt even think about my chair i was sittin in there was bllod all over it too. i got home sat on the toilet and blood was just streaming out of me. my pad had a huge blood clot in it like the size of a mouse. as i was sitting on the toilet another huge blood clot came out of me!!! i was filling up a pad like every 10 to 15 minutes i didnt know what to do so i just sat on the toilet. when i had my surgery i had a friend there with me because she was working that day and she was getting all my meds ready for the doc. she said she was there the whole time and it went great. but now im bleeding and i dont know why! i called my doc and didnt get ahold of him i got ahold of another ob that was oncall, she told me she couldnt see my that it wasnt normal for me to be bleed like that and that she couldnt see me that night and to go to the er, i guess 4 hours later i went. i had blood clots still coming out of me, and when the doc saw me she had a suction thing that sucked all the blood out of me so she could see my cervix, i was bleeding so bad that it took 5 minutes to actually see my cervix and she said nothing was wrong with my cervix and that she thought it was form my uturus. she was sucking even bigger clots out of me and pulling out humungus clots with tongs, it was very scary i thought i was gonna die from losing all that blood i dont know if i should go get a 2nd oppinion or not i think its just another thing wrong with me. she told me to see my ob as soon as they open in the morning, i couldnt see him today because he was in delivery and i have to see him tomorrow. im still bleeding but not bad they had to put some syrup looking stuff on my cervix to make it stop bleeding, i am so scared i dont know what to do.
To Anonymous just above this comment:
I'm sorry you've been through such a harrowing process! Try visiting our Genital Warts/HPV Message Board for support and answers to questions.
Thank you!
I have a question.. I am 35 and when I was 19 I had a bad pap. They dr said I had a typical dysplasa. I have no clue what it is.. I had a freeze done and I had three children after this. Well I am trying to figure out if this is hpv or what.. I have not had another bad pap since but does ths mean I am ok?? I really do not understand all this.. If anyone knows please help me with this
christi,
If you go to the board link posted directly above your comment, you can get more answers and support from the members on that message board. Also, here's some information about abnormal Pap Tests.
I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. I am 36 years old and this was my first abnormal pap. I also have no children. I had a colposcopy done and after that my abnormal cells were still high. So I consulted with my Gyne and they did a LEEP. It was awful for me I cried thru the whole thing the shame, how uncomfortable it was,zehb and it did hurt before they numbed me. Now I am healing hopefully, I am spotting and sometimes feel a little cramp. I hope this will be the end of this after I heal. And definitely no more UNPROTECTED SEX!!! I go for my two week exam next week and hopefully the biopsy does not show cancerous cells. So that was my experience. Hope it goes better for anyone who has to go thru this at all.
I am a 33 year old mother of 3. I have had annual paps since I was 14 years old. Last month I my pap came back abnormal and I had a colposcopy and biopsy. The results came back that I had severe dysplasia 3 (whatever that means) and am scheduled for LEEP on Dec 5. I am scared and nervous about having someone literally cut a portion of my cervix. Reading these posts make me even more nervous because it seems that this will be a never ending battle. I am grateful to Raquel for her post because I was beginning to think that I was the oldest person around to be diagnosed with HPV. My main concern is "how long has this gone undetected" and "who have I given it to"? I told my mom that I had pre cancerous cells on my cervix and had to have surgery but never mentioned HPV. I feel so dirty and ashamed and I don't have anyone to talk to. All my doctor told me was that it comes from having sex and if untreated will lead to cervical cancer. I know who gave it to me because I know when I started noticing changes in my body. I'm ashamed and embarrassed and with the exception of this post am suffering in silence. I know that God will make everything okay. I just don't know how to cope in the meantime.
Hello,
I have been on birth control for over 1 year. On August 24 I took my last pill. My period came on the August 29. So my ovulating days are the 10 - 14. My husband and I had unprotected Sex dueing these days. I haven't took a pregnancy test as yet.
But my questions are:
1.) Seeing that I only stop the pill last month, if i conceive with a baby this month, will everything be ok with the baby? Or there is a posibility that the child could be retarted? Because no time space was there from the birth control pills..
Will the baby be at risk?
2.) Will i still conceive a child if my husband cums in me everyday of ovulation? Will his sperm be to week after sexing so much?
hey, um im 19 years old n i just had the leep procedure done. Im really concerned because ive only ever been with one person and thats my boyfriend of 2 years and idk if i have to break up with him or should break up with him to keep myself from getting it again. and i dont really understand because my doctor told me i was clear of it for good once they did the leep procedure and removed it, is that not true? can someone please answer me im so stressed thinking we have to break up- its the last thing we want to do. also someone left a comment saying once you get it you have it for life but i was under the impression that ur body cleara the virus on its on? anyway could someone who is educated in this please help me with an answer or opinion?? thank you!
For the young lady that was forced to do the colposcopy. I am so sorry.
I had cancer 14 years ago and I was so proud to have gone this long. Wednesday I was told the the bad cells are back. I had a hysterectmy so that is a great thing. Because the cancer can not travel there. But I can't help to think now where will it go???? All of you need to take good care of your selves and study, study, study. You ever know. God is wonderful and never give up.
I am 20 years old. I just received news that I have some abnormal cervical cells. My gyn. told me that I should be overly alarmed and that they were pre precancerous cells but that I would have to visit w/ a specialist to look alittle more in depth. Since then I've been experiencing anxiety. I cant help but wonder what exactly is wrong. Does anyone know the feeling?? or can help me w/ my emotions right now. Id love to hear from people who experienced the same fears.
I am wondering if anyone could help me. I am 23 years old just out of college. I have had two biopsys that displayed mild dyplasia and thats it. The doctors tell me not to worry so I am not too worried about my tests and am hoping HPV will clear on its own. The only thing I am worried about it healthcare insurance. Being this young I am afraid that I will not be able to get affordable health or health insurance at all because of my two biospys, I have been told that in order to get health insurance you basically have to have nothing wrong with you or it is going to be more expensive. I have only had one partner too and the sad part was when he got tested he was negative for HPV so I thought it was safe. Boy was I wrong! Does anyone have any advice or have the same problem.
To the 20 year old that is going though anxiety?
Did your doctor give you a biopsy? All high risk HPV could be linked to precancerous cells. I would not worry unless your biopsy came back with severe dyplasia. There is three types of dyplasia on the cerix, mild, medium and severe. If you have mild dysplasia dont worry, if you are healthy, dont smoke you should be fine. If you have medium to severe they are most likely going to either freeze those cells off or do what is called a LEEP. Then eventually the cells will go. Just keep doing check ups and talking to your doctor. If your doctor is not avalible there is some great information at planned parenthood where they can talk to you or you can even call them and as a nurse or a doctor your concerns and diagnosis. I am in the same situation you are in and i know it is scary but life is too short to worry and cause anxiety. Just take it one day at a time and if you are less stressed the better your body will be and the faster your body will heal. I hope this helps a little.
CHRISTI:
You could of got HPV a long time ago. Mild dyplaisa is usually caused my HPV. The one good thing about HPV is over time in most instances HPV goes away, but HPV is a virus and is still inside of you so you can still pass the virus on if you have different partners. Think of HPV like a cold virus, you can get it again but evenually your body's immune system will take over and fight it off and it will remain dormant. Some women throughout their lives will have paps that are inconsistent and will be normal than abnormal. The HPV virus just takes over again (abnormal pap) and then sometimes it does back and remains dormant ( normal pap again).
I am 60 yrs. young. Had my first ever abnormal pap in April 2007, also had HPV test and told it was positive in one of the top four strains. I have had four pap since April, by three different Dr.'s, all, results abnormal in the serious range. I am currently referred all the way to oncology, have had the colposcopy twice, with nothing being abnormal, biopsy with results being benign. I am being seen every three months by oncology Dr. and the gest to this I had a complete hysterectomy 30 years ago. I also have had repeated episodes of shingles since the early 1990's, my concern is if there can be a connection between the shingles and the abnormalities of the pap and the HPV test I am currently experiencing. Is there any one out there that can answer my concern.
I just found out I have HPV. I had no idea what it was. I am 52 years old and have been married for 31 years. The only man I have had sex with I married. He tells me he has never had sex with anyone else. How can I have this HPV. Please tell me.
I dont know how you have HPV and have only had sex with one ma. Someone must be lieing! HPV is a STD and you can only get ith though sex. The other option is the doctor was wrong. I would recheck your results and go to a differnt doctor to get retested and then you can explain to them the situation a little bit more or see what there opinon is.
I dont know how you have HPV and have only had sex with one ma. Someone must be lieing! HPV is a STD and you can only get ith though sex. The other option is the doctor was wrong. I would recheck your results and go to a differnt doctor to get retested and then you can explain to them the situation a little bit more or see what there opinon is.
Women who have gone through menopause have an increased risk of false-positive Pap test results. For this reason, postmenopausal women with previous normal Pap tests may be advised to have Pap tests less frequently than every year.6
My girlfriend just recently received an Abnormal Pap Smear result. I have only had sexual contact with her and one other person. The first person, I regret was a one-night stand, and I didn't use a condom.
Ever time my girlfriend and I have had sex, we have ALWAYS used a condom.
She has not yet received the follow-up results from an HPV test. What is the likelihood that she did contract HPV? Also, she has had a previous boyfriend who always used a condom as well (I don't know his previous sexual encounters). Is there any possibility that she caught HPV from either of us even though we all used a condom with her?
I feel utterly terrible about the whole situation. I'm not concerned about my well-being but the fact that I may have given an STD to someone I really, really care for. Does anyone have any comments or advice?
Thanks
I am a 27 yr old who has dysplasia but my family has a history of cervical cancer. My mom had laser surgery done and the cancer came back, now the dr wants to to a LEEP on my but im scared that the cancer will come back just like it did with my mom. Should i do the LEEP or have a Hysterectomy done?
it has been my experience that female gynos are much less caring than male ones. i've had two women gynos in the past and i didn't like either of them. the male gynos have been much more caring. sorry ladies, but that is how it goes.
I have a male gynecologist. He is very professional and caring. I have had 2 LEEP procedures, and even though it is devastating to find out at first when you get an abnormal pap smear, I have found this entire experience as an opportunity to live a better life.
Our society is so accustomed to eating fast foods and damaging foods filled with MSG and High Fructose Corn Syrup! We need to educate ourselves and others out there of the toxic foods that are making us SICK! I am not saying HPV is due to bad foods, as that is ridiculous,but why do we have more cases of sick people, overweight problems here in the US? We are literally getting ourselves sick by eating bad foods.
I now switched to organic foods, and I work consistently to make my immune system better.
Do I feel better now?
Yes I do, and it was thanks to the HPV. Do I manage my stress better? Yes I try my best, we cannot avoid stress as it is a part of our daily lives, but we can learn to take measures to improve this part, with meditation, deep breathing, and accupuncture.
There is a wealth of information on the internet, so there is NO excuse for anyone saying who can read my comments here, to not inform themselves to create a better lifestyle.
There is a time to grieve when you find out the news of your abnormal pap smears and your dysplasia, but after that, why live every day in torture? You have the power to create better days for yourself, and being aware and attentive to making changes will create a happier life for you.
I can say that my life has changed in a positive manner, and hope you make that choice as well.
Everyone who has HPV should take Folic Acid pills,
and Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C)
Organic Foods
Buy a Rebounder (Trampoline) to assist your lymphatic system
to boost your immune system.
Meditation CD's/Deep Breathing
Fight the stress.
Although E3Live makes no medical claims, there have been promising nutritional studies showing that AFA boosts the human immune system. "In one study, two hours after eating 1.5 grams of AFA, an average of 40% (1 billion) of the immune system's natural killer cells migrated from the bloodstream into the tissues to do their work of seeking out and destroying cancerous cells and virally infected cells. No other food, drug, or substance is known to produce such dramatically positive effects on natural killer cell activity as AFA nutritional algae." 1998, Jensen, et al, IBC Library Series, Vii. 1911, chapter 3.1
im 33 yrs old and have had a LEEP in 95'. i was diagnosted back then with dysplasia HPV. at that time i was SURE that i was goin to die!!! all i could think was that i was too young to have cervical cancer...i was told that it was malignant...nothing to worry bout....but that wasnt what was being played over and over in my head....i was SURE that i was dead!!!!i had the procedure done, and soon found out that what i had was not uncommon....millions of young women my age had gone through what i had gone through....and i wasnt alone...here it is...11 yrs later and my abn cells have come back to play....i would like to say that im NOT worried bout it this time....i have done enough research to know that this is a common thing and the compications are minimal....ive had my 3 children with NO complications....what does concern me is that if this keeps recurring... am i looking at a hysterectomy? am i goin to lose my womanhood behind this...HPV doesnt go away....how may abn paps am i goin to have to endure in my lifetime??? am i on the path to cancer??? this is crazy!!!!i just want to be normal....
I have just recently been diagnosed w/ HPV and had a colposcopy performed. And even more recently been instructed that I need to have a LEEP performed due to moderate dysplasia. Can this procedure effect my ever becoming pregnant? My fiance and I want to have a family together down the road. Also what are the risks of him contracting HPV and just passing it back to me- and having to go through all of this again? I am waiting to get all the needed diagnoses info by mail to schedule the LEEP- since I have just moved. I am really scared about the whole ordeal but feel lucky to have dealt with intelligent and gentle health care professionals through this process thus far - I hope that I continue to get treated with such respect. Good luck to you all!!!
Hi Sarah,
I am happy I found this blog, and so glad you are here.
Your cervix can become more narrow, but I have heard many stories of people who deliver their babies and things worked out.
There is no risk of HPV being passed back to one another, as long as you both remain monogomous, you are just fine!
Please don't be scared, this is more common then people admit to talk about.
Be blessed to know that you found out about it and are taking care of it.
Try to be as stress free as possible, scroll up and take the things suggested, you now have the chance to live a healthier lifestyle and a happier life.
Keep us posted and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
ok i'm18 years old and i'veonly had 2 paps. my second came back as an lsil and the want me to get a colposcopy, but i really dont want to get that done is there anything i can do?
I am not a medical doctor, but I suggest you do get your colposcopy done.
It is not something horrible and its best to know a better snapshot of what is going on inside of you.
Prevention is the best medicine as they say.
I just got results back that I have had abnormal pap smear. Some months ago I had a pap in the emergency room and it came back normal as like all the others before. I have never had an abnormal pap smear. And I am somewhat nervous because of family history. (Great aunt died from ovarian cancer). But I am wondering, does a abnormal pap ultimately mean that it is HPV and nothing else. Could it be something else?
Anonymous above:
Here's some information about abnormal Pap smears that might help answer your questions.
Interesting article about how tangerine peels can kill cancer cells.
Please everyone, do some research and do what you can to improve your life and health.
I know some chinese medicine that has tangerine peels in it, so if you want to get reference to it,
please request here and I will then post about it
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6987200.stm
sorry I thought the previous link worked.
Here it is
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6987200.stm
Hello, I just found this site while doing some research. My doc. told me Tuesday that my pap came back abnormal. I was thinking no biggie, I mean I have had abnorms before due to like some kind of infection. But She said the pathology report suggests a pre-cancerous lesion and she wants to do a follow-up pap at the end of the month to check for HPV. I had a hyster 2 and 1/2 years ago, a complete with BSO. So if this comes back bad she suggests a colposcopy. If I have cancer it will be vaginal cancer which I am told is not very common. What are some of the treatments for this and can they really remove your vagina and do a replacement?
What is a LEEP? Sorry but I am jst beggining my journey into the pre-cancerous possibly vaginal cancer.
Hi, I got a call this morning from my doctor and he told me I had an abnormal pap smear and its HPV. He told me they will set me up with an OBGYN next week. What is HPV? Am I always going to have this? What is going on? I have never had an irregular pap smear before. I was vaccinated with Guardasill two weeks before my pap could this have caused irregular results?
Hi, my compassion goes out to every woman here and I just wanted to say that I too recently got an abnormal pap test result. my obgyn called me right before the holidays and I went from being happy and excited to being scared for my life. It does help to know that this is not uncommon but does not lessen my fears. While reading your stories have been very helpful, they have been very scary as well but I am still thankful for the knowledge. I am freaking out because I am a virgin like I read from another participant earlier, and don't think I have HPV but am confused. I am also on the pill and continue to get my period every month with a regular heavy flow. I went on the pill because of a cyst on one of my ovaries which I am thankful has disapeared. but then I got scared to come off because my period was extremely heavier before the pill and continues to be heavy now. Could an abnormal reading be the result of the pill?, my heavy period?, being anemic?, hormones?, or really just stress? I think I became more stressed after that phone call. Is it a matter of building my immune system?...which is probably weak cause I am overweight? I'm really scared and don't know how to react...because I'm inexperienced, I tense up during all these procedures and wonder if a prior papsmear or internal sono might have cause the lesion as well? I have appreciated all the advise so far but if anyone can give some to a virgin who is new to all this I'd thank you. To everyone, God Bless and I hope and pray that your tests go well just as I hope and pray that mine goes well in the coming two weeks.
Hello,
in may,2007 i had my first PAP here at the university health center and it was normal.
I chose a dr in LA, usinf my regular insurance no the university's, and decided to get on birth control, seeing how i just got my with my boyfriend in aug. the Female dr could not give me a proper pap before giving me DEPO, becuase i was bleeding a lil... but did put her fingers in to feel my cervix.
I went back to this female DR three weeks ago on OCt 30,2007 for a follow up on the DEPO, a lil early cuz my LA insurance expired on the 31st. but it was too early to get my shot again so, she gave me the PAP that we couldn't do and HELLO, it was IRREGULAR. she saw a Leasion on my cervix.
On nov 13 she informed me that i have HPV. Genital warts and that i need a calposcopy.
I have insurance here at the university so i had a second opinion, seeing how my insurance in LA expired. She told me that i had no worries that i can heal myself with good health. we are not going through with a calposcopy because i am 19 and the doctor's board thingy says i am too young for that procedure, as a new rule inforced 6 months ago. so now i'm just waiting to have a follow up with this dr to take a look at the leisure, as a curiosity to myself i wanna look at it.
but, my boyfriend, who i've been with for 4 months now, came out negative for hpv which is good for him. but ever since my irregular pap and knowing that it could be GW, i feel like he's pulling away from me, i dont wanna have sex anymore, i'm afraid to have intercourse cuz idk wat it could do to mybody. how do i deal with the stress, how do i get rid of that "Dirty" feeling.
I went for my colposcopy, and couldn't continue because it was painful. My doctor told me that we would try again because I was pregnant, and scared. I hope that you find a doctor that you can feel comfortable with. Try a female, maybe then she will be able to understand, unlike the jerk of an ass you had. If I was you I will make a report against him. I been raped before, being one of the reason I'm terrified, and this doctor seem unprofessional, unethical, and his behavoir is seriously wrong. Godd luck!
whAT DOES it mean when a women has a uterus that looks 12 weeks in birth but is not pregnant?
I've had HPV and abnormal paps for quite a few years now. Last year the Dr. wanted to do a LEEP on my but I was moving to a different state the next week and she wouldn't be in for 2 weeks. Well, it's a year and half later and I haven't had a pap or anything cause I don't have any insurance and can't afford any. Lately my periods are horrible. Cramps for 3 days and bleeding for 7 days. I'm scared and really don't know what to do. Sorry just needed to get that out.
i had the LEEP procedure done 3 years ago and yet i have not been able to concieve a child but the doc told me the procedure has nothing to do with trying to concieve.i think otherwise,i do have three beautiful daughters and now that i have been married for almost two years my husband and i are still trying.do anyone out there have the same problem i'm having maybe you do and i have not read very many of the responses so it is kinda hard to tell whether or not if anybody is going through the same motion
Ladies i share your pain with all the procedures,the lasers,blue sheild denying us to be insured dr.s not giving full details on the leep cone out-patient procedure,colposcopy what to expect after the procedures is done. They just bill you,tell you to come back in two weeks just to be told to come back for another procedure and yet they still have not made the efford to tell us why our bodies are making rapid changes and why we need these surgeries.We know why we need them we just want to know what we are up against.There is no harm in telling a patient what to expect before,during and after everything is done.If you are a dr reading all of "OUR"(WOMEN) pain then maybe you should DO something to ease everyones pain by letting the rest of the MDs know about how much pain we women are in after the "PROCEDURE"is done.It's not fair that an 18yr old mother or a 22yr old has to deal with something that is life-threating and not be given full history on what she is about to deal with.I'm starting to feel they don't want to help cure us THEY JUST WANT TO GET PAID.Ladies can I get a witness up in here do ya feel me.We as one need to come together as one WOMAN and make a stand and let it be known that we are human beings and we deserve the R.E.S.P.E.C.T to know what type of illness we are about to face.....
To the woman who has had normal paps during and after her pregnancy...This too has happend to me. I was first told I had HPV in 1994 I was scheduled for a Leep in 1995 and was then pregnant with my first child later that year. The patterns have always been the same. Normal when pregnant and 6weeks after birth then abnormal a year later. This happend to me 3 times. I have since finally had my 1st leep in March and have been abnormal since. My husband and I are currently trying for our fouth child and I am confident that when this happens I will again receive a normal pap. I have spoken to my OB about this pattern and she tells me to be thankful that it hasn't gone the other direction. I will be patient in my treatment of the abnoral cells, and make a sound decision when the time comes.
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