HPV question

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Hello. I am 47 and was diagnosed with CIN2 abnormal cells in 2018. For context, I was in a new relationship with a man and prior to that I was in a 10 year relationship with another man but never had an abnormal smear so it was very likely that I got the infection from my new partner, though I was never told in clear terms that I had HPV. I had the Lletz procedure which was successful. My partner and I parted ways in 2020 and I had 2 smear tests since then which came both clean. Recently, I’ve had a full hysterectomy due to fibroids and was told by my consultant that I don’t need to have smear tests anymore. I’ve also got back with my partner, we both had other relationships since 2020 and I am so scared to have sex with him for fear of having HPV again because I was told I could still have it even if I’ve had my cervix removed. I also read that condoms don’t protect from HPV so I’m not sure what to do! I love my partner but I absolutely don’t want to risk my health and go through that experience again as it was very traumatic. Any advice would be so helpful. Thank you.

  • Dear Lilyjane,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our Online Community. I’m Alison, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists who work on the support line here at Macmillan.

    It’s understandable that you’re anxious about HPV and what it means for you after your hysterectomy.

    To give you some reassurance, most people have some form of HPV in their lifetime. Usually, your own immune system will treat the virus and it won’t cause further problems. There are over 100 types of HPV, and it can often take months or even years for symptoms to develop or even for the virus to be detected. Most types are ‘low risk’ and very few ‘high risk’ forms of HPV will lead to cervical cancer.

    Most sexually active couples will share HPV and the immune response will then suppress the infection. Once you’ve had a specific type of HPV, your body’s own immune system will remember that type and prevent a new infection happening again.

    It’s unusual for the abnormal cells to return. Because you’ve had the hysterectomy for fibroids and not due to abnormal cells or cancer, your doctor may not have considered you to be high risk. However, you could ask for a vault smear which is usually offered 6 months and 18 months post hysterectomy to check for HPV and abnormal cells.

    It’s only natural to feel anxious about sex after everything you’ve been through. If you feel you’re struggling and it’s impacting your day-to-day life, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP for support. Mind also offers some self-help techniques and Relate can also offer some help and support in terms of your relationship.

    I hope this is helpful and if you need to ask further questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Take care,

     

    Alison,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

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