I just wanted to add a bit more information to what has already been said. Because HPV is a virus you will always have it, it is not possible to eradicate a virus from the body. Our immune systems are our best and only defense against viruses and work to keep the virus in check. When your doctor said you can likely get rid of HPV, she was referring to the expression of the virus in the tissue. That can be cleared and "go away" and often do in mild cases of dysplasia.
Also, a pap smear is just a screening exam, which is why it is followed with colposcopy when it is abnormal or if there is a positive HPV. A colposcopy is how we diagnose dysplasia and determine its severity. Unfortunately, a certain percentage of pap smears come back normal when there is HPV presenting itself on the cervix. This is one of the reasons that the FDA is currently recommending that women over 30 be screened for HPV along with their pap smear.
The risk factors for developing HPV related cervical dysplasia are:
Smoking
Oral contraceptive use
Early onset of sexual intercourse (before age 16)
Multiple sexual partners
Unprotected sex and condom use (condoms are only 70% effective against HPV exposure)
Uncircumcised males
Multiple pregnancies
HIV
Chlamydia infection
Herpes infection
Obesity
Low socioeconomic status
Diet
Screening Pap smears (lack of)
Hope this info is useful to you, good luck with your healing
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Hi Anon,
I just wanted to add a bit more information to what has already been said. Because HPV is a virus you will always have it, it is not possible to eradicate a virus from the body. Our immune systems are our best and only defense against viruses and work to keep the virus in check. When your doctor said you can likely get rid of HPV, she was referring to the expression of the virus in the tissue. That can be cleared and "go away" and often do in mild cases of dysplasia.
Also, a pap smear is just a screening exam, which is why it is followed with colposcopy when it is abnormal or if there is a positive HPV. A colposcopy is how we diagnose dysplasia and determine its severity. Unfortunately, a certain percentage of pap smears come back normal when there is HPV presenting itself on the cervix. This is one of the reasons that the FDA is currently recommending that women over 30 be screened for HPV along with their pap smear.
The risk factors for developing HPV related cervical dysplasia are:
Smoking
Oral contraceptive use
Early onset of sexual intercourse (before age 16)
Multiple sexual partners
Unprotected sex and condom use (condoms are only 70% effective against HPV exposure)
Uncircumcised males
Multiple pregnancies
HIV
Chlamydia infection
Herpes infection
Obesity
Low socioeconomic status
Diet
Screening Pap smears (lack of)
Hope this info is useful to you, good luck with your healing
November 3, 2009 - 9:50pmThis Comment
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