Abnormal Pap Smear (Could it be HPV?) - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

ButterflyGirl22 · 09-08-2002, 08:03 PM

I had a pap smear recently and I was told it came back with a "low grade abnormality". I asked my doctor, who had called me with my results, what it could mean. Unfortunately I had a migraine at the time so I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. He told me that it could be nothing, which I hope it's nothing, or it could be an infection. He mentioned a few things, one of which was HPV. I'm really worried and I know I shouldn't jump to any conclusions about what it is, but has anyone had an abnormal pap smear that turned out to be HPV? Of those of you who have HPV, how did you find out you had it? When my doctor did the exam, he said "everything looks fine" and he seemed confident that my results would come back good and I have no warts in that area. Any help is greatly appreciated!

ButterflyGirl22 · 09-13-2002, 01:31 PM

I guess not many people know a lot about HPV, including me. I'm seeing a gynecologist next week so hopefully then I'll get my answers. I did see my family doctor today because I am feeling sick and I asked him about my pap results again. I have to say I'm still very confused about HPV, IF that's what I have, but I do feel a little better after talking to my doctor. He told me his wife went through the same thing as me and she's fine. What I don't understand is this: Well, first he told me that HPV is an STD, but it's not an STD like Chlamydia or Ghonorrea (?sp) or any of those. He said HPV is very common and very treatable. I asked if I have to tell my next partner about this, assuming that I will have to of course, but he said I don't. ??? Huh ??? Well, of course he said to always use protection, but he said that when I see the gynecologist, the abnormal tissue will be removed and I'll be fine, assuming that I have HPV. He said a lot of people have HPV without knowing it. So what are people supposed to do when they are with someone new? I'm thinking from now on I'll demand my partner to be tested along with me so we both feel safe. I don't know how guys will take this, but it's for health and safety reasons. My doctor said if someone has a wart on their finger and touches you, you can get HPV that way. So let's say I get the abnormal tissue removed... He said after that I should be fine and I'll get pap smears done every three months until they get back to normal. I'm still confused though. How in the world could a doctor tell me that I don't have to tell anyone I have this (again, IF I have it, which I'm dying to find out!)?? He told me that (I do not have any warts...) this will have no effect on getting pregnant. He did say that depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, which he doesn't think is a lot in my case, there could be a scar near the cervix which means it may be harder for sperm to get through, therefore harder to get pregnant.

If anyone knows anything about any of this, please let me know. I've been driving myself crazy with worry and fear. My doctor told me not to worry and most of the time it turns out to be nothing (The abnormal pap results), but I can't help but worry!

bird123 · 09-13-2002, 06:09 PM

It wouldn't hurt to know what exactly you PAP smear report says. If it says <Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion> then you need to have colposcopy with biopsy done. If it says <Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance> then you need to repeat PAP smear every 4-6 month three more times. If any of repeat PAP smears comes back abnormaal you need colposcopy. If repeat PAP smears are OK you need no further investigations. Good luck.

ButterflyGirl22 · 09-13-2002, 07:04 PM

I got a copy of my records from my family doctor, who did the pap smear, to take to the gynecologist. It does say "Low-grade Ssquamous Intraepithelial lesion; Mild Dysplasia is present (CIN 1)." My doctor mentioned to me that there's a possibility of a biopsy, but he didn't say it was for sure. He did say that I'll need repeat Pap tests every three months for a year or until they come out normal. If there was a lesion, I'm confused about that. Does that mean I have some type of cut inside me? I just read my records when I got home so I couldn't ask my doctor specifically about them. He did mention the CIN 1 to me, meaning the level of severity of the possible abnormal results.. It's hard to explain. I'm still confused by it. Thank you for your help.

LilKesha · 09-14-2002, 06:37 AM

It seemd to me that your doctor isn't telling you nothing, I advise you to go see anothor doctor. Did you get tested for an STD? If not you should. I don't think its HPV because it seems as if the doctor should have been seen it.

Kesha