It's quite possible, and in fact the ideal situation, to have a normal pap smear after a colposcopy. The HPV probably caused changes in the cervix, and they were able to culture the virus. The colposcopy would have removed the questionable area, and hopefully removed the virus. Removal of the section should have removed the HPV infected area, and that's what the normal results suggest. However, you were exposed to the virus, and will have antibodies formed against it. There is also the risk that you still have one of the other types of HPV associated with cervical changes, or even external warts- but that your body is able to supress them for the time being. So it's still important you have those annual pap smears. So far as taking the Gardasil shot, you could- but since you have already been exposed to one type that caused problems, you may well have already been exposed to the other three types in the shot as well. It might not be able to protect you, if that is the case. It wouldn't protect you from the sort you already had, that's for certain. But it would still be worth it to take the shots, if you are willing. If you were already exposed, it won't hurt anything. If you weren't, it would give you protection. Your HPV infection is most likely gone, but unfortunately nobody can tell you that with 100% accuracy. To be safest, if you are going to have sex, you really should insist on using condoms every time. The shot only protects against four types of HPV that are associated with cervical changes and cancer, but there are other types that can do it as well, and others that will cause the external warts. There are hundreds of variations of HPV, it's a big family of wart virus that causes them all over the body. So yes, the shot is worth it- but it's not going to keep you safe from everything, so long as you understand that part. You still need to insist on risk control, by using condoms. Speak with the doctor about the shot though, as soon as you can.
Health For More » Women's Health
I have a normal pap smear and .?
(3 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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ask ur doctor
Posted 2 years ago # -
You will need to ask if an HPV test was done...most of the time HPV testing is not done when a Pap is normal. Your normal pap means no abnormal cells were seen at this time.
You can receive either HPV vaccine Cervarix or Gardasil regardless of your past or present HPV infection.
Cervarix prevents two high risk HPV types 16 and 18. Gardasil prevents 4 HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Neither vaccine treats or can prevent HPV types that you have already acquired and both vaccines work best when given before any sex. Neither vaccine prevents all 40 genital HPV types.
Your may receive some benefits from the vaccine because you may not have been exposed to the HPV types that the vaccine prevents.
Does your insurance cover the vaccine...some insurance policies do some don't...some cover only a part of the amount? Call your insurance provide and find out what your coverage is.
Yes, you can get one of the HPV vaccines.
If you want to know if HPV testing was done on your negative Pap sampling you will need to contact your doctor’s office, a negative HPV test indicates the virus was in low viral load not showing in HPV screening.
Right now your past HPV infection is not causing any abnormal cell changes. Your body will probably build immunity to your HPV type. You will still need Pap test as recommended by your doctor. Sometimes a past HPV infection can reactive and you can acquire new HPV types from a new sex partner.
Since it is difficult to get through to your doctors office write a little note asking for a copy of your pathology report. Sometimes it is good to seen a self addressed stamped envelope with this request. The pathology reports are yours...
Posted 2 years ago #
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