HPV human papaloma virus. it is spread through sexual contact. the more partners you have the more at risk you are. 8 out of 10 women in their 50s has had at least some exposure, and will probably test positive for the exposure. MOST cases lead nowhere, and do nothing. A few cases can develope into cervical cancers. it is the number one cause of cervical cancer. There are other types of cervical cancers, so HPV isnt the only reason women get it.

My issue is...I am NOT 50.
I have had less than 5 sexual partners my whole life
I have been married for more than 21 years. Faithful on both sides.
I have had a COMPLETE hysterectomy, meaning I only have a STUMP of a cervix left because they did it vaginally. My uterus ruptured in child birth and they couldnt stop it bleeding, so they removed it. that leaves a tiny stump where they close up.
Yes, I have had breast cancer 16 years ago, and have tested clean for more than 10.

So, why oh why would someone drag out the possibility of the monster when its NOT high risk in MY world, and I have real dragons that I am slaying at the moment? I just thought it was a ploy for the more expensive test. I had the normal HPV test and it was NEGATIVE. so, wth are they trying to do? I was more than a fair bit perturbed.

any word on yours?

Dejibo, I guess I don't understand the reason they were saying you were at high risk?

Not a nice thing to hear, for sure... after all you've been through. But maybe they're just trying to do their job (you don't want another cancer, obviously). OR, as you said, they just want to do another expensive test!?

If you don't have HPV after 21 years of marriage why would you be at high risk now? I don't get it.

Nancy T.

Dej, that makes more sense. The money grab. That's pretty ridiculous.

No word on mine. I won't know anything likely until end of the month/beginning of September.

I'm so glad I found this thread. I got a letter today from my gyno's office that my most recent pap smear came back abnormal, but with no sign of cancer (whatever that means). I have already tested positive for HPV so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm kinda nervous about why I have to do this and exactly what my doc will be looking for. I'm over 50 so I suppose there are other reasons why they want to do the test, but I was kind of freaking out about it. Now that I've read this thread I'm feeling a bit better.
Thanks!