[Question #3790] Persistent HPV-16 infection - 32 year old man
85 months ago
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Hello doctors.
I'm a 32 year old man in good health. A little over 6 years ago, my girlfriend at the time was diagnosed with a mildly abnormal pap smear, caused by HPV. She had it treated, and within two years it went away. I was told that it was very likely that my own HPV infection that she transmitted to me would go away quickly as well. Since the end of that relationship, I have had several other relationships, and none of the women I was with to my knowledge had an abnormal pap smear.
I'm currently in a relationship with a woman who has never had sex with a man prior to me (though she had regular encounters with women). She recently was diagnosed with a mildly abnormal pap smear caused by HPV 16. It certainly sounds as though I gave it to her, which means it seems likely that my infection from years ago never went away. I am I'm uncircumcised which I know raises my risk of a persistent infection, but I also do not smoke or drink.
Is it possible for an infection to be cleared, and then come back? My stress levels this past year have been very high because of my work, and it is certainly possible that my immune system is not as strong as it should be. If my infection is indeed persistent, is there anything that can be done about it? Are there any tests or treatments available for men? Do I have any options besides having regular cancer screenings and hoping for the best?
I know the prevailing wisdom is that men should not worry very much about HPV infections, but I can't help but think that my chances of getting an hpv-related cancer are much, much higher than the average man considering this information.Is there any information on how many HPV infections that persist like this turn into cancer? It seems very likely that if I haven't cleared the infection by now, that I may never clear it.Any information or guidance you can provide on this issue would be welcomed. I feel helpless.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
85 months ago
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85 months ago
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![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
85 months ago
|
85 months ago
|
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
85 months ago
|