Second Pap Smear Result Showed Positive HPV. What Does It Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 30 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 Answered on

Thu, 23 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I just got my second papsmear result n they just told me I was positive for HPV!! I don't have any idea of what could b done or what is HPV until I go to see my ginecologist!! Can u help me out ?? What should I do ? How could I have gotten that ?? Is it only thru sex??

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (21 minutes later)

Hello
HPV is a viral infection. Its contracted through sexual means usually. Its an infection that usually is self limiting and may produce long term effects. HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer.Antibiotics wont help at this point other than to cover super-added infection. You will need to get regular pap smears for follow up to check for any changes in tissue.Other than that its a self limiting infection but usually remains dormant in the body.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (2 minutes later)

N how would this affect my sexual life?? Would something b visual or symptoms ?? Should I be alarm for this ?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (4 minutes later)

Your sex life shouldnt be affected. But it would be advisable to inform your partner about the infection and use barrier protection. Only in the long term if the infection aggravates, there may be some symptoms like warts,ulcers etc. As i said,regular monitoring is important.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (7 minutes later)

HPV is not curable ? How can my health n my husbands health be affected?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 minutes later)

Its not completely curable but if the infection remains dormant in your body,most people dont get affected in their lives. But in case active infection occurs,there may be risk of cervical cancer. That where the regular follow ups come in.In men also mostly the infection lies dormant.Warts etc may be symptomatic in case of active infection.Mostly the infection is self limiting but needs regular follow ups.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (2 minutes later)

N how would the wards look. ??? If there something else they cando like removing the womb ?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (4 minutes later)

Warts are like small growths or like skin tags. they can be removed is necessary. Removing the uterus isnt necessary for that. Just have yearly pap smears and go according to your doctor's advice if there are any changes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (4 minutes later)

Thank u very much for ur time to answer my doughts !!! Iam really scared I never thought I would get this cuz I have only b sexually active with my husband for many many years

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 minutes later)

Happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 hours later)

Hello again!! What about kissing ? Do I need to stop kissing ?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (15 hours later)

No thats not a problem.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (1 hour later)

N what about towels ?? I wouldn't like to give it to my kids?? It's HPV contagious ? What precautions should I take with my partner n my kids ?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (6 minutes later)

Sexual intercourse is the method of transmission.Oral sex might also be a problem if the infection is active. Otherwise its not a problem. Its not usually transmitted by towels etc. HPV vaccines are safe and effective and recommended for youngsters.
Condom should be used to prevent transmission to your partner.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 minutes later)

My partner has been my only partner so if I have he has to have it too??? I'd he does how would this affect him if he is Diabetic?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (12 minutes later)

Diabetes isnt a problem with hpv.It wont affect that. Well,your partner may have it also depending on his immune system but just in case,he isnt use protection.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 minutes later)

So for the rest of our lives we need to use protection?? Iam really stressing up on this !! Is there any web I can research on this topic ?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (3 minutes later)

The infection is self limiting. The virus runs itself out after a few months. You can google HPV and you will get a lot of information from the web.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (3 minutes later)

Thank u very much

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (1 minute later)

Happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar