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Original poster

Positive HPV smear…cheating husband?

112 replies

BananaHamock · 21/09/2024 17:11

Hi all. So, I’ve just received smear results and they show I’m positive for HPV (and have cell changes…) Besides spiralling at needing a colposcopy, I’m now desperate to hear how you can get HPV without intercourse/skin to skin contact.

Dr. Google seems pretty insistent that’s the only way. So is the only conclusion my husbands playing away?

OP posts:
Aysegull · 21/09/2024 17:19

No, it wouldn’t have necessarily shown up. As pp said it can lay dormant. Also, a smear will only pick up the cells which it has swabbed, so they could have been missed.

It’s not a STD that he’s caught and given to you that you now suddenly have. It’s something you could have had since the day you lost your virginity with him.

Huge leap to conclude a cheating husband!

SocksAndTheCity · 21/09/2024 17:19

BananaHamock · 21/09/2024 17:16

Been together 15 years, married 10, I lost my virginity to him. I’ve had multiple smears during this time. Would it not have shown up in one of those?

Not necessarily. Men aren't tested for HPV so he could have had it hanging around for years and never known, then passed it on to you where it hung around dormant for a few more years before now.

Miley1967 · 21/09/2024 17:19

I unexpectedly had this result also last year. Only ever been with one sexual partner and confident dh has not cheated. As others have said it can lie dormant for years.

sunsetsandboardwalks · 21/09/2024 17:17

BananaHamock · 21/09/2024 17:16

Been together 15 years, married 10, I lost my virginity to him. I’ve had multiple smears during this time. Would it not have shown up in one of those?

No, not necessarily. It only shows on a smear test when it's "active". He could have easily caught it from a previous partner, or you could have caught it from oral sex etc.

Original poster
BananaHamock · 21/09/2024 17:16

Been together 15 years, married 10, I lost my virginity to him. I’ve had multiple smears during this time. Would it not have shown up in one of those?

OP posts:
Elclr · 21/09/2024 17:16

I received a positive result having only had sex with women for 10 years (had slept with men previously)....so, it could be it's lain dormant for many years, that's what my gyny told me.

I suppose it depends on how long you've been together and how many other sexual partners you've both had in that time. He may have had the virus from a partner before you.

Also, I've had three colcoscopies. Undignified? Yes. But they were about as painful as a smear.

Good luck 💖

shellyleppard · 21/09/2024 17:16

I've not had sex for four years yet tested positive for HPV last year. As previous posters have said it can lie dormant in your system for years

Tulip8 · 21/09/2024 17:14

Were you both virgins when you got together? If not then I don't understand your assumption?

AlmostAJillSandwich · 21/09/2024 17:13

It could be you were initially infected at a previous point in your life, it has laid dormant in your system, and has reactivated for some reason. Your husband may not have it, or have ever had it.

Tangerinenets · 21/09/2024 17:12

How long have you been together? HPV can be dormant for 10-20 years.

PussGirl · 21/09/2024 17:12

If he’s been your only partner ever then could be from a previous partner of his. Can be dormant for years.

sunsetsandboardwalks · 21/09/2024 17:12

HPV can lay dormant for years and not show up on tests. It's not proof of anything other than at some point, you've been exposed to the virus.