I’ve been HPV+ for three years, with abnormal paps three times in a row. I’m over 35. Got the most recent results today, now testing as ASC-H after two ASC-US results. Everything I read keeps telling me I’m in a slim minority for not clearing the HPV naturally, for having an ASC-H result, for apparently getting worse, not better. I feel like I’m irresistibly sliding toward something really bad and dangerous. I’m scared. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been down this road.

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I’ve been in a similar boat and ultimately had to have a LEEP procedure in 2018. I was 28 at the time, so they did the procedure under anesthesia to take as little of my cervix as possible (reason being, I will hopefully have kids one day, and you want as much of your cervix as possible!). I know it’s scary and unsettling, but my understanding is that as long as you are consistently going to the gyno, everything will be kept under control (meaning, things will never escalate to the point of cervical cancer).

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I don't have any clue but I'm hoping the best for you. Please reach out if you want to talk 💕

likeuplifting

The key is to find a good OB that you trust. I had a Leep procedure under local anesthesia and they did everything they could to keep me safe and comfortable. I have discussed the abilities to have children afterwards and the best way to proceed. Since then I have only had one abnormal Pap smear and no further procedures.

I wish you lots of luck and try not to let your anxiety get the best of you.

likeuplifting

I also had a LEEP procedure - about 8 years before having a baby. No problem getting pregnant. The small concern is that the cervix will be too short or shorten during pregnancy such that you can’t carry to term. But the OB can put a stitch to hold it if that really is a concern (I believe). OB checked length of cervix with very frequent ultrasounds-maybe every other week after 12 weeks? At around 24 weeks I switched to a midwife bc I wanted an unmedicated delivery. They said my cervix length was fine and I didn’t need to have so many ultrasounds. Labor was pretty quick-no scarring on cervix from LEEP so it dialated properly-and was able to have an unmedicated delivery, full term… and my kid was pretty big.

Your health is top priority, so if that means a medical procedure is the best way to keep you safe, you and your doctors should come up with the best plan for you. Good luck!

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It is maddening that HPV+ results are actually very common but we are never informed about it and it is rarely discussed. Equally maddening that the body of research around it isn’t very helpful. I am sending you good vibes and hoping the procedure helps clear any issues. What area are you in? I have a great OBGYN and perhaps can refer? According to her, if you do consistent checkups and monitoring the likelihood of it turning to cervical cancer is very low and if it does it will most likely be caught when manageable. Sending love your way!

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I had abnormal paps year over year for over a decade. I stopped taking birth control in October 2020 (was on the pill), and my September 2021 pap was normal. Stopping the pill was the only lifestyle change I made during that time. There is a body of research indicating that some women on oral contraceptives may be unable to clear a high-risk HPV infection that is causing abnormal cervical cell growth. If you are on birth control, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether switching methods or stopping altogether might give your body an opportunity to clear the infection naturally. Two different OBGYNs recommended that I consider a LEEP, but I’m glad I didn’t go through with it. If I have issues in the future, I certainly would consider surgical treatment, but for now I’m very content with my decision to quit the pill.

You would need to vet this with your OBGYN but if you haven't had the gardasil vaccine I've heard of some people taking it after being diagnosed with HPV to help them clear the infection. I'm sure it depends on strain and other factors but could be an option?

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