Severe pelvic pain and abnormal Pap - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

CorieLynn · 08-14-2007, 08:45 PM

I've been experiencing severe pelvic pain for some time now...the only way I can describe it is as a constant ache in my lower pelvic area that ranges from mild to severe(lately it seems to be more severe). I have also had some discharge that tends to be heavy off and on, but has no foul odor. I would say this all started about 3 years ago. I have underwent several pelvic ultrasounds/vaginal ultrasounds, CT scans, labs, and cultures. Everything has always came back completely normal(except for a few ovarian cysts). I had an appointment with my Gyn last month and he said the next step would probably be laproscopic surgery to check for endometriosis. Well, I received a call from him yesterday saying my Pap results came back showing I have a high risk strain of HPV. I was so shocked that I only remember bits and pieces of what he said...but he did mention pre-cancerous cells and dysplasia. He is referring me to another Gyn for further evaluation. I'm 27 years old and have already been through one type of cancer...so of course I fear the worst. I do feel better from what I've read on this forum...it seems that most cases are not too serious.

I have an appointment next week with the specialist. I'm kind of curious about what to expect as far as the next steps go. Also, could the HPV have been the cause of my pain all this time? My last Pap before this one was 15 months ago and came back completely normal. Is it possible that I had it then and it just didn't pick it up?

I would appreciate any advice or insight. Thanks so much...

sarmee · 08-14-2007, 08:52 PM

my doctor said hpv can be dormant in your system for several years before it shows up...and that your body can suppress it to were in a test it doesnt show up and them it can come back at any time...this is why they can ever tell you when you contracted it...

Shshi · 08-14-2007, 09:23 PM

Hi and welcome!

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. I know how upsetting it all can be.

If it will make you feel any better, HPV and dypslasia don't usually cause pain or any symptoms at all, for that matter. The majority of women don't even know they have them until they are tested for them.

I'm not a doctor, but I do know that ovarian cysts can cause severe pain. I've had a cyst on my left ovary for almost two years that somehow went from a functional cyst to a complex, solid cyst. I also have a functional cyst on my right ovary. Both have caused me a lot of pain in the past few years. My gyn/oncologist wants me to have what's left of my ovaries removed to eliminate the problems, but I'm going to have to wait until December, when I go on Christmas vacation.

I hope you get some relief soon. Please let us know how you're doing.

Hugs,

Lisa

Shshi · 08-14-2007, 09:27 PM

Oh, and as to what the next steps are, if your Pap came back abnormal, you'll probably have a colposcopy, which is kind of like a glorified Pap test. The doctor will look through a magnification device and swab your cervix with a vinegar solution. Any abnormal areas will turn white, and then the doctor will do a biopsy. (A little hint, ask the doctor to tell you the moment that he does the biopsy and cough at that moment. You won't feel a thing. However, do warn the doctor that you're going to do that, so s/he will be prepared.)

Good luck!

peanut222 · 08-15-2007, 08:36 AM

I am experiencing something very similar!! I have had pelvic pain for the last 6 months - sort of a dull aching, heaviness, crampiness. About 6 weeks ago I also started having bladder pressure, cramping and constipation. I don't know how this is all related, but I had an abnormal pap at the same time. had the colpo done last week and now I'm waiting on results. I wonder if it could be a big cyst or something? I had a trans vaginal ultrasound 1 1/2 years ago to diagnos pcos. At that time I had several tiny cysts and one slightly enlarged ovary.
Good luck with the colpo - I would take some advil before hand too...