HPV and Cervical Cancer

janne · 06-04-2002, 02:42 PM

I was just diagnosed with dysplasia due to the HPV virus. I have to have the cells frozen next month and I am not too worried, I know that it is cureable at this stage (pre-cancerous).

The question that I have is, why am I feeling so guilty about this, the doctor told me that I could have contacted this 15 - 20 yrs ago. I am 38 and have been sexually active since I was 18.

The man I am with now, is freaking out, I am only the second woman he has ever been with, and I don't even want to mention my record. In my prime and single. I always use protection..... but HPV can be spread from skin to skin contact, and a condom doesn't cover all skin....

I know that I can give this to him and there is nothing I can do about that, even if we use protection...

but I am feeling really guilty and dirty........ help

siobhan · 06-04-2002, 05:45 PM

Hi, Janne

I have HPV also. I think that you'll find alot of information and support at the Sexually Transmitted Diseases message boards.

You're not dirty and not guilty of anything. HPV is the most common STD there is. If you've had sex with more than 2 people, you have HPV.

It's not the end of the world, as much as it may feel like it. I think that you'll find that it's one of the easier ones to treat.

isab3LLa · 07-18-2002, 02:50 PM

if you have sex with more than two people you have HPV? i thought you can only get HPV from someone who actually has the virus?

isab3LLa · 07-18-2002, 02:55 PM

i thought you can only get HPV from someone who has the virus? so if i had 3 partners i have HPV? i'm confused bec. i had post asking whether genital warts are activated when a person gets it from someone who has the virus...

DawnP · 07-18-2002, 05:09 PM

Isab3lla,

I think what Siobhan means is that it is likely that it is quite possible to have HPV if you've had even just 2 sex partners. There are so many carriers out there. Yes, someone does have to have the virus but the symptoms are VERY OFTEN undectable. Also, the most deadly strains of HPV (16 and 18) do not produce visible warts. So, you can catch HPV and be a carrier for years and not even know it. I hope this helps.

Dawn

[This message has been edited by DawnP (edited 07-18-2002).]