HPV positive after cervical smear. Feeling like a leper. I've been single for years, feeling angry that i'm now at risk of C Cancer

[wobblywinelover]

Anyone else had a HPVplus diagnosis despite not being sexually active? I gave up on men about 5 plus years ago due to traumatic experiences and have realised I can just never go there again. Now I have the trauma of having to go for yearly smear tests which are really difficult for me (talking pillow raises, rare size winterton speculum, lots of pain) I've got to do this shit show now every year yet men walk around in apparent ignorance is bliss attitude or denial and carry on infecting others unknowingly. Meanwhile i'm having to go for yearly smears in case I get cancer. How on earth is this fair. Before people have a go, yes I do use protection and yes I am very rarely sexually active. I know you can pick it up if you wear a condom. I also know it's very common. But it puts me off ever having sex again (that along with the sex dick picks you get sent on dating sites - men don't seem to care what germs they pick up) Put off for life and now worrying about my physical health. Can't be good can it.

@Twokitstwokats

I don't understand the drama. I had this picked up when I was in my 20s. I then had 6 monthly smears and was grateful for them. No one ever made me feel like a leper. I didn't even tell later partners as it was a non issue. After a few years I was told all normal and go back to hardly ever smears. It's been about 3 years. I suppose I should book another.

Is it something that just clears by itself?

Men can also get HPV cancer. Throat cancer.

I had it despite being with one man for 20 years. By my next smear a year later it was gone. It comes and goes by itself sometimes!

I was diagnosed at my last smear test which was supposed to be my last test as I'm over 60 now. No abnormal cells so no need to panic but I need another smear this year.
But I felt the same, intially and the first place I looked was google, and then I looked on MN!.

I had regular smears throughout my life so I think it must've been dormant or something.

Ex H of some good few years now had throat cancer a couple of years ago - according to him it was HPV and not smoking related although he's always been a heavy smoker and they actually detected lung cancer at the same time as treating him for the throat cancer.
Thing is, I could've given it to him, he could've given it to me or both our infections might be completely unrelated.

I don't think panicking and calling time on any future relationships is necessary, OP, although obviously it's your choice and this news sounds a bit like this is a last straw scenario.

No need to tell anyone! It’s just one of those things that can come and go

I was told I had it 2 years ago I then had my smear the following year and it was gone and can go back to 3 yearly smears it can go away by it self or it may not but it’s nothing to be ashamed of most people will get it

I think the notion of "It's so unfair" is totally unhelpful when talking about health conditions, as is using leprosy as a comparator.
Maybe when you have discussed the matter with health professionals you will feel more rational about it.