HPV

[Isitmeornot]

Hi all,

I’ve searched for threads on this before as I’ve found I’ve HPV from a recent smear test. I understand it is very common but I’m worried about telling my boyfriend. HPV hasn’t shown up in previous smear tests so it is possible I got it from him but I also know it can lie dormant for years too.

I’m concerned my boyfriend won’t understand how common it is. I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed but I do feel that way. Has anybody experiences of telling a partner they have HPV or any words words of wisdom? Thanks

I've had an abnormal smear test result and required treatment. Yes its as a result of HPV but my consultant told me that HPV is everywhere, on surfaces etc. So its even possible to end up in you system from your hands. Its not classed as a sexually transmitted disease for reasons such as this. You've just had a virus (you'll never know from where) that your body can't flush out as easily as some people. Thats all it is so try not to worry x

Thank you for your reassurance. I am fortunate in that my cells haven’t been affected but I do have to have another smear test in 10 months time to make sure. Thanks again, it’s helpful to hear about the experiences of others x

80% of people will have HPV at some point (according to the training I had), most people clear it within 2 years, but for some people it can stay dormant, not doing anything, and then pop up out the blue.

It is absolutely, 100%, completely and utterly nothing to be ashamed of.

You have a bit of a bug, that’s all. You wouldn’t feel shame for picking up a cold or getting a bit of an infection in a cut?

I get it though, we’re conditioned to feel shame, as women, about our bodies, but my love, you havent done anything wrong, nothing at all.

There’s some really good info on the Jo’s Trust website.

Thank you for your reassuring reply. I’ll take a look at Jo’s Trust.

It's basically a cold sore of the fanny! There's no shame in it - as others have said the majority of us will have it at some point in our lives.

@eurochick

It's basically a cold sore of the fanny! There's no shame in it - as others have said the majority of us will have it at some point in our lives.

@eurochick Are you perhaps confusing this with herpes?

@MakemeaCake or the genital warts causing hpv which is different to the cancer causing hpv, the one picked up in smears and rarely has any symptoms