Nov 2, 2016 3 min read

Q.I went for my annual gyne exam and they said I had cervical changes that are abnormal. The nurse told me they are caused by HPV. Is this the same as herpes? I’ve heard HPV is sexually transmitted. Do I need to tell my boyfriend? Do I have cancer? Part of me doesn’t want to go back for the treatment, even if I know intellectually avoiding this isn’t smart. I’d kind of like to pretend it didn’t happen. I could look online, but I trust you.

23-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: Thank you for your trust. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm for more information.

HPV is a virus, as is herpes, but they are different viruses with different symptoms and different health risks. Both can be spread through sexual contact.

HPV is very common; there are many types of HPV. A few types can cause health problems. Your cervical changes mean you need further treatment. Please follow your health-care provider’s instructions carefully. I hear your wisdom – you are correct. Avoiding treatment isn’t a good idea. Denial can lead to serious consequences.

The cervix is the low, narrow opening at the bottom of the uterus. If cervical cells have changed, they are not necessarily cancerous. They may be cells that could develop into cancer. The test you received at your gynecologist’s office was probably a Pap test or an HPV test, or both. These tests determine how healthy your cervical cells are. Regular checkups are important, especially once an infection or cellular change is found. Online information can be frightening or even inaccurate, so be careful to know your source. Check out this site for more information and graphics to help you understand what’s happening: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/understanding-cervical-changes. Cervical cancer is not the only possible malignancy – cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus or throat/tongue can also result from certain types of HPV infection.

Yes, you need to share the news with your boyfriend. Since HPV is so common and typically has no symptoms, it is impossible to know how long you’ve been infected. Most people’s immune systems fight off HPV without a problem. It is spread from skin to skin contact, so using a latex condom can lower risk but not eliminate it.

I suggest an honest conversation with your partner. Try not to blame. It is best to be open and matter-of-fact about your past sexual history and his. Remaining mutually monogamous (staying with one partner) can also reduce risk for future infections.

I strongly recommend following up with your gynecologist. There are many treatments for cervical changes. Talk with your health-care provider to see what treatment is best for you. With treatment, you should have no long-lasting effects. Please continue regular screenings, and please remember you are a person of worth and are not defined by an infection.