Hi lauradonna0 - Thank you for writing and seeking information to safeguard your health. While many people think of HPV as one virus, there are actually more than 100 types of HPV strains. The HPV test that you took is the HPV test as they are not available to measure HPV in the mouth, anus, vulva, etc. Sometimes there are no physical signs HPV is present and with other strains there are genital warts which are visible indicators.
It is impossible to know whether your current HPV status stems from a dormant strain that you previously acquired or whether it stems from a strain that was acquired recently. It really doesn't matter. What is important is to educate yourself on living with the virus, the preventive measures you can take, and to maintain regular testing.
We have a long thread on HPV (112 comments) which provides a lot of helpful information. You can find it at https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/can-hpv-go-away-its-own
Planned Parenthood provides good information on HPV basics and safe sex techniques at this link:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm
The HPV test was developed to test for the strains that can lead to cervical cancer. You can learn more about the test at this (sponsored) link: https://www.empowher.com/providers/qiagen-digene-hpv-test There is no HPV test available for men at this time, and you will have to decide whether to advise your partners of your status.
Please let us know if you have additional questions, and we hope your colposcopy procedure went well.
Take care,
Pat
Comment Reply
Hi lauradonna0 - Thank you for writing and seeking information to safeguard your health. While many people think of HPV as one virus, there are actually more than 100 types of HPV strains. The HPV test that you took is the HPV test as they are not available to measure HPV in the mouth, anus, vulva, etc. Sometimes there are no physical signs HPV is present and with other strains there are genital warts which are visible indicators.
It is impossible to know whether your current HPV status stems from a dormant strain that you previously acquired or whether it stems from a strain that was acquired recently. It really doesn't matter. What is important is to educate yourself on living with the virus, the preventive measures you can take, and to maintain regular testing.
We have a long thread on HPV (112 comments) which provides a lot of helpful information. You can find it at https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/can-hpv-go-away-its-own
Planned Parenthood provides good information on HPV basics and safe sex techniques at this link:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm
The HPV test was developed to test for the strains that can lead to cervical cancer. You can learn more about the test at this (sponsored) link: https://www.empowher.com/providers/qiagen-digene-hpv-test There is no HPV test available for men at this time, and you will have to decide whether to advise your partners of your status.
Please let us know if you have additional questions, and we hope your colposcopy procedure went well.
July 21, 2010 - 6:01pmTake care,
Pat
This Comment
Reply