xx08
11-05-2008, 02:28 PM
I have talked to three different gynos after I was diagnosed with hi-risk HPV the summer of 2007. I had a colposcopy that identified I had pre-cancerous cells. Immediately after I had a LEEP. I've already had one clear pap smear since then, and I just had another one today that I am waiting for the results of. I've asked all three of my gynos this question but I don't really feel like I'm getting a clear answer and in general I'm a bit uncomfortable to talk about HPV with others. I read on a pamphlet that HPV is a disease you have for life? But one of my doctors said that after 3 normal pap smears the disease is gone. Is this true?
Sponsor
Thisby
11-05-2008, 05:02 PM
You're going to get different answers from different sources as to what "gone" means. One medical opinion is that it's actually just 'inactive', basically no longer doing you any damage, that your body has fought it off.
No one seems to have a good answer on if you are still contagious.
No one seems to have a good answer on if you are still contagious.
xx08
11-05-2008, 05:12 PM
So basically all you can do is just keep an eye on it? What if it comes back? Do I have to get another LEEP if precancerous cells are found again? If it comes back is it because the HPV was latent and is 'starting up again' or is it because I contracted it from a different person since the LEEP? Obviously, I am being very careful, etc. but I know that you can still contract it even when using a condom.
Pickle Eyes
11-05-2008, 09:46 PM
So basically all you can do is just keep an eye on it? What if it comes back? Do I have to get another LEEP if precancerous cells are found again? If it comes back is it because the HPV was latent and is 'starting up again' or is it because I contracted it from a different person since the LEEP? Obviously, I am being very careful, etc. but I know that you can still contract it even when using a condom.
It is possible for it to lay dormant and reactivate later (researchers haven't determined if this does or doesn't happen). Once you have a strain of HPV you have it. BUT, it is possible to get another strain of HPV that can cause similar/same problems (think of how the flu "feels" the same regardless, but they are different strains of the virus).
Yes, once you have had dysplasia, you need to be vigilant about keeping up with your well-woman exams. It is possible for the dysplasia to come back/re-present it self. If that happens, then it is possible that the doctor to order another colpo with biopsy, possibly an ECC (endocervical curettage), a LEEP, or a cold knife cone.
Hopefully in following those steps the doctor will identify any dysplasia early enough that less invasive procedures can be done.
It is possible for it to lay dormant and reactivate later (researchers haven't determined if this does or doesn't happen). Once you have a strain of HPV you have it. BUT, it is possible to get another strain of HPV that can cause similar/same problems (think of how the flu "feels" the same regardless, but they are different strains of the virus).
Yes, once you have had dysplasia, you need to be vigilant about keeping up with your well-woman exams. It is possible for the dysplasia to come back/re-present it self. If that happens, then it is possible that the doctor to order another colpo with biopsy, possibly an ECC (endocervical curettage), a LEEP, or a cold knife cone.
Hopefully in following those steps the doctor will identify any dysplasia early enough that less invasive procedures can be done.