[Question #12615] HPV Dormancy
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6 months ago
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Returning questioner! 3 yrs ago, I received an ASCUS Pap smear and reactive HR HPV positive result. 8 months ago, I had a Pap smear that came back normal, no HPV test. Does this mean my HPV is dormant? Meaning it is unlikely that I can spread it? Even if I had been tested for HPV and it came back positive, would it still be considered dormant because it is not causing abnormalities in the Pap smear? I had a brief sexual partner that I did not disclose my past HPV status to because of my normal Pap smear result, and I am ruminating as to whether I should tell this person (female) to go to the gyno as a precaution.
My concern is whether I’m being immoral for not disclosing my past diagnosis, and whether constant knowledge of HPV status is necessary (my doc doesn’t seem to think so as she didn’t test me for it). Do I have to disclose that I had HPV in my early 20s forever? Or was I just unlucky and got tested during an active infection and everyone else is walking around w/ HPV guilt-free?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. I’ll be glad to comment. Like most HPV infections, it is likely that your HPV shedding resolved when your ASCUS did.
In addition on the Forum we do not feel strongly that disclosure of HPV infection to partners is important because the infection is as important in the same way that notification regarding other STIs. I would encourage you to take your own advice and put your fears aside. EWH
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6 months ago
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Thank you. I will move forward under the assumption that my HPV resolved, and I’m no more of a danger than anyone else, if you agree.
Just some follow up regarding the workings of the virus. If someone has HPV but a normal Pap smear, can it spread just as easily? And what does this typically indicate, a fresh or resolving infection that has not caused any cell changes? Or a shedding of a previous infection?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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I agree entirely with your plan.
It is reasonable to assume that someone with HPV and a normal PAP is just as likely to transmit their infection as someone with ASCUS. The situation you describe is certainly compatible with an infection that has not evolved to ASCUS but has not yet resolved. Nearly all such infections will resolve. EWH
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6 months ago
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Noted, thanks again. I guess just one last bit of unnecessary anxiety. Even though my ASCUS HPV likely resolved, it is possible that another strand might be lurking not causing cell changes? But then this would be the case with anyone who just receives a normal Pap test? What would your advice be for this; just to assume everyone, including myself, could have passing HPV at any time?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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I think you’ve answered your own question. It’s a bit of a what if question that has no good answers.
Based on this and our prior interaction, it’s my sense that this ASCUS/HPV business has knocked you off course. You’re doing all the right things. You’re vaccinated andyou’re getting regular check up. Please don’t let this negatively impact you going forward.
As you know, this is my 3rd response. We’ll close this thread shortly. EWH
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