My dr called and I Have HPV :( scared...

By Stephanie

I need some advice and some comfort...I am 28 divorced healthy and happy. I have finally found the love of my life and well I got a call yesterday from my OB Dr. He said my pap smear came back abnormal and this week they have to a biopsy she said to check for HPV,,,I am soooo scared and scared what if I can;t have kids. I am scared I now have HPV because of my abnormal pap smear...I was in tears...anyone has advice of encourgement..I sure need it. Sorry for spelling was just at the er for bronchitis and I am on meds...tx Stephanie

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2 Comments

Erin Froehlich January 17, 2012 at 8:30 AM

Stephanie,

I can't even understand how scared you must be feeling right now, but pap smear results can come back abnormal for a lot of reason that aren't HPV. It could be nothing. Unfortunately, our mind tends to jump to the worst case scenario.

It may also be comforting to know that even if it does turn out that you have HPV, it's very common, very treatable, and the sooner you catch it, the better off you will be! I actually had a friend that was diagnosed with it in very early stages. She was able to receive a series of 4 shots to treat it, and she now has a very healthy little girl.

For now though, things are out of your hands. There's nothing to do but wait and see.

My advice? Spoil and distract yourself!

Pull out your favorite movie and watch it in your comfiest clothes and with your favorite snack. Go out to dinner with a friend or have them over for cocktails! Also know, that whatever the result, it can be dealt with and you can live a normal life.

Hope this helps!
-Erin
Jeffrey VanWingen M.D. January 18, 2012 at 1:05 PM

Stephanie
I make these calls a lot. First, don't worry. These days, as long as women are screened, they do not get sick from HPV. That is to say, the HPV is not allowed to cause cervical cancer. You are exactly where you should be in the process.-- you got your pap test and this is readily treatable. In fact, when in early stages, the treatment is simple observation. 9 out of 10 women who are healthy will spontaneously resolve early cervical changes due to HPV and actually rid their body of the virus! The most important factor on your part at this point is to stay healty-- eat right, exercise and get regular sleep. Studies show that smokers are more prone to progress in stage with cervical changes. As such, work on kicking out smoking if this applies.
Remember that you are not alone. Estimates are that 1 in 4 younger adults have HPV. Remember that it is unusual for men to have symptoms with the strains that cause pap abnormalities.