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Is Intercourse Advisable For A Patient Suffering From HPV?

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Posted on Sat, 26 Mar 2016
Question: I tested positive for high risk HPV. My pap smear came out positive for precancerous cells. I'm having a colposcopy and biopsy.

Assuming I have the appropriate treatment, when can I resume sexual activity.

I have one sexual partner. I have had intercourse with him one time. I would like to know if and when I can return to intercourse without a condom.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
After a cervical biopsy you can resume sexual activity in 2 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello,Welcome to HCM.
I hope I can help you today.

When you have a cervical biopsy, the doctor will remove a small pinch of tissue about 3 mm in size from your cervix. Depending on your abnormality you may need multiple biopsies and/or a scraping of the cells of the cervical canal which can cause some cramping and bleeding. So you may feel uncomfortable for a few days and then the biopsy sites need to heal. Your physician may also use a cauterizing agent that will give you yellowish discharge for a few days.

For those reasons, we generally recommend waiting 2 weeks to put anything in the vagina- no tampons, no douching, no sex. If you resume sexual activity too early you can scrape the area of the biopsy and put yourself at risk for bleeding.

I hope I was able to answer your question today and this information was helpful.

If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (21 hours later)
Will I be infectious after the procedure and the 2 week healing period?

Since I've learned that I have tested positive for high risk HPV and had abnormal pap smear showing the precancerous cells, I discontinued oral sex and intercourse.

Should I tell my sexual partner that he's been exposed. What is the risk for him with 1 time with me? Of course, I feel horrible.

Can the high risk HPV be transferred with oral sex?

I'd like to have my STD panel with a clean slate and be able to present a sexual partner with a "clean XXXXXXX of health", so to speak.

Will I test negative for high risk HPV after treatment, a healing period and a repeat test? I know repeat testing not recommended for a year. But, I'd like to be able to show that I'm free and clear of any STDs.

I have a bit of pelvic pain. Is this a sign that it's become more invasive?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, not a disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, and I hope I can clarify these issues for you.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in humans. By age 30 almost 80 percent of adults are HPV carriers. In men HPV has no symptoms and men cannot be tested for carrier status because there are no Pap smears for men.

The disease HPV causes is dysplasia, or precancerous cells, and it can effect the cervix, vulva vagina and anus. It can be transmitted by any skin to skin contact.. I have seen both virgins and lesbians with HPV. Condoms are also not fully protective against HPV. They best way to prevent HPV is by getting the vaccine- but the vaccine does not help if you are already infected, or by limiting the number of sexual partners you have, since more people are HPV carriers than non-carriers.

It takes between 6 months to two years to develop dysplasia after catching HPV. Only severe dysplasia requires treatment. your biopsy results will determine whether or not you need treatment.

As far as your partner is concerned, if you have been with him longer than 6 months he likely gave you the HPV rather than the other way around, especially if this is our first abnormal PAP test. Using condoms.at this point will not make a difference with your current partner. Furthermore, if your partner ever had sex with another woman, he had an 80 percent chance of being exposed previously.

There is no "cure" for the virus itself- you remain a carrier for life, but the disease it causes is treatable if caught early and very few women get cervical cancer anymore thanks to early diagnosis and treatment. Your HPV test will become negative after treatment usually within a year or two.

HPV has no symptoms, so the pelvic pain you are experiencing is unrelated. I would discuss it with the doctor when you go in for your procedure.

I hope this additonal information answers your questions. The doctor performing your colposcopy procedure will be able to answer your questions as well. I wish you the best of luck and would be happy to review your results after your procedure.

Dr. Brown

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (16 hours later)
Thank you very much Dr. Brown!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are very welcome

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been able to help you, and thank you for using healthcaremagic.com and my services.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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Is Intercourse Advisable For A Patient Suffering From HPV?

Brief Answer: After a cervical biopsy you can resume sexual activity in 2 weeks Detailed Answer: Hello,Welcome to HCM. I hope I can help you today. When you have a cervical biopsy, the doctor will remove a small pinch of tissue about 3 mm in size from your cervix. Depending on your abnormality you may need multiple biopsies and/or a scraping of the cells of the cervical canal which can cause some cramping and bleeding. So you may feel uncomfortable for a few days and then the biopsy sites need to heal. Your physician may also use a cauterizing agent that will give you yellowish discharge for a few days. For those reasons, we generally recommend waiting 2 weeks to put anything in the vagina- no tampons, no douching, no sex. If you resume sexual activity too early you can scrape the area of the biopsy and put yourself at risk for bleeding. I hope I was able to answer your question today and this information was helpful. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes, Dr. Brown