LAgirl81
06-25-2007, 09:41 PM
Hi ladies,
Ok so I just spoke to my best friend's mom, the gynecologist, about my particular case and history of ascus paps.
When I asked her about possible reinfection with the same partner, she said this is not possible as you and your partner share the same active strains of HPV. HOWEVER, your partner may have some dormant strains of HPV that can flare up and be active later on in his life WHICH CAN THEN INFECT YOU. So this means that, for example, you have an active HPV strain 16 and you and your partner share this strain. Ok now you're both exposed to this and your body is trying to suppress the virus. But let's say your partner has a dormant strain of HPV 18 and 5 years from now it becomes active. At this point, you don't have HPV 18 as it is dormant in his body now-- but 5 years later, you could potentially be exposed to this HPV 18 strain as it is now active.
So she urges that EVERYONE who can, GO GET THE VACCINE. It will protect you from those strains that cause up to 70% of cervical cancers and even if you're in a monogamous relationship, you don't know if your partner is carrying a dormant strain that may flare up later and you could be exposed to it later on.
She also said that there are some studies now that show that getting the HPV vaccine has helped women with their current dysplasia. But the most important thing is to have a strong immune system, healthy diet, exercise, and NO SMOKING! (we all knew this though) Just thought I'd share this information with you all! Remember this is all treatable and we will all be fine. :) Here's to a future of normal paps for us all! :wave:
Ok so I just spoke to my best friend's mom, the gynecologist, about my particular case and history of ascus paps.
When I asked her about possible reinfection with the same partner, she said this is not possible as you and your partner share the same active strains of HPV. HOWEVER, your partner may have some dormant strains of HPV that can flare up and be active later on in his life WHICH CAN THEN INFECT YOU. So this means that, for example, you have an active HPV strain 16 and you and your partner share this strain. Ok now you're both exposed to this and your body is trying to suppress the virus. But let's say your partner has a dormant strain of HPV 18 and 5 years from now it becomes active. At this point, you don't have HPV 18 as it is dormant in his body now-- but 5 years later, you could potentially be exposed to this HPV 18 strain as it is now active.
So she urges that EVERYONE who can, GO GET THE VACCINE. It will protect you from those strains that cause up to 70% of cervical cancers and even if you're in a monogamous relationship, you don't know if your partner is carrying a dormant strain that may flare up later and you could be exposed to it later on.
She also said that there are some studies now that show that getting the HPV vaccine has helped women with their current dysplasia. But the most important thing is to have a strong immune system, healthy diet, exercise, and NO SMOKING! (we all knew this though) Just thought I'd share this information with you all! Remember this is all treatable and we will all be fine. :) Here's to a future of normal paps for us all! :wave:
Sponsor
SippyCup
06-26-2007, 05:49 PM
So who can, in her mind, get the vaccine? I mean, I'd love to, but I'm already 36. Isn't it only beneficial to people younger? Or could an old lady :dizzy: like me still benefit?
LAgirl81
06-26-2007, 06:50 PM
You know, I'm not exactly sure about that. I think it really doesn't make a difference how old you are as there's no telling exactly how many strains and which kinds you currently have in your body (unless the HPV DNA test you did tells you exactly which numbers you have). I'd definitely ask your doctor if you can get it and if they say only women 26 and under can get it, mention the potential health benefits for you.
I think they say women under 26 should get it because they assume they've been exposed to less HPV strains than a woman of 36, but that's not necessarily true. Definitely ask! I don't see why you couldn't get it and I don't think they could refuse giving it to you. Let us know what they say! :)
I think they say women under 26 should get it because they assume they've been exposed to less HPV strains than a woman of 36, but that's not necessarily true. Definitely ask! I don't see why you couldn't get it and I don't think they could refuse giving it to you. Let us know what they say! :)