Herpes, HPV & Other STDs

Hello again ladies,

So as predicted, my HPV test came back positive for "high risk" HPV. When I asked the doctor about the meaning of "high risk" all she told me was that it's the type that specifically targets the cervix. Does this high risk label mean that it's a type that can cause cervical cancer?

On a side note, the doctor that called me with the HPV results was my GYN's associate. I found her to be a lot more open and reassuring than my GYN and she didn't scoff at me when I had told her that I chose not to get the Gardisil vaccine when it was offered to me. I'm having this doctor perform my colposcopy because my GYN is out of the office until the beginning of November and I don't want to wait... but now I'm wondering if perhaps this other GYN is a better fit for me since I feel she wasn't judgemental about this whole bit. I don't want to offend my current GYN by switching to her colleague...

Although this news is very new to me, I feel as if I've been on a roller coaster of emotions. My SO is still feeling guilty, but is extremely supportive, as are my parents. I'm still scared, and I know that's normal, but I don't want this to rattle me as much as it has already.

Thank you for the sound advice!

"Does this high risk label mean that it's a type that can cause cervical cancer?" Yes, there's a higher risk of it developing into cervical cancer.

Personally, I'd wait and get the colposcopy with the "new" gyno and see how that goes, how informative she is, etc, then make the decision. On the one hand, I see how you may offend your current gyno with them both being in the same office; how long have you been with "old" gyno? Have you ever talked to her about being more informative? Do you ask questions? You may want to talk to your "old" gyno, let her know why you're wanting to switch doctors and who knows, she may be a little easier to work with. If she's not, then I'd say switch. It's YOUR health, so I'd say go whatever with makes YOU feel better.

I know it's tough, but know that there are others out there going through the same thing you are; you're not alone. You can always come here for support and for any questions that you may have. :)

High risk HPV basically means there is a higher risk of developing pre-cancerous cells that, if left untreated for a while, could develop into cervical cancer. This is why it's going to be very important for you to now make sure you go for all paps that are needed, as well as other tests or procedures.

I would also see how the colposcopy goes. I switched Gynos after having my daughter (same office, different dr.) because she seemed much more caring and easier to talk to. And boy was I right. When I just had my colposcopy two weeks ago she was just wonderful. She answered all my questions and made sure I was comfortable with everything going on. She always assures me that the chances of this becoming full blown cervical cancer are low because of all the testing and the ability to catch things so early.

It's definitely a good idea to get the colposcopy over with sooner than later. One, it sucks to wait weeks to get a test like that done. And two, the sooner you know the results the better you will feel, no matter what they are. If they are good, then yay! If they aren't as good as expected you find out what you need to do and do it. Good luck to you. You're definitely not the only one and we're all more than happy to discuss these things with you.

I also just had an abnormal pap (my first ever) with a diagnosis of high-risk HPV. I had the colposcopy done 2 days later (last Thursday), and I'd definitely get it done ASAP if you are anything like me- the sooner I know what is going on the less time I have to worry about what-ifs. I can't tell you how glad I am to have my OB/GYN. She is fantastic, her nurse is fantastic, and I don't think I could go through all this with someone I didn't feel comfortable with.

I just want to mention one more thing- I had the first 2 of the 3 rounds of Gardasil before EVER being diagnosed with HPV or having an abnormal pap. I can't help but wonder if it was dormant in my body and the vaccine activated it somehow, because nothing else had changed. It was a complete shock to get this diagnosis. I just got the Gardasil because I was right at the age cut off and my dr. recommended it. DON'T beat yourself up for not getting the shot. There is a lot of controversy surrounding it and I'm proof that it gives you no guarantees.

Good luck with everything- this sucks!!!

Thank you Keisha for this lovely siggy!