Abnormal Pap and HPV Vaccine

One of the unfortunate things about this vaccine (and most vaccines) is that they do not protect against many strains of the issues they're supposed to. Way at the bottom of the HPV poster in my gyno's office in micro print is the disclaimer that the vaccine does not protect against certain strains of HPV.

The good news is HPV is VERY common and more often does NOT cause cervical cancer, even though it is the leading cause of it. So yes, when people have cervical cancer, it's usually from HPV, but most people with HPV do not get cervical cancer...make sense? Early detection is key, this could be from many things, and you will be fine by keeping on top of this. Try not to stress!

There are several things that could be going on.
One is that the HPV vaccine covers the most common strains of HPV, but not every strain of HPV. So you can still get one of the less common strains of HPV even after vaccination.

Another is that the atypical cells could caused by something else (atypical just means not normal, it doesn't necessarily imply HPV infection or pre-cancer) - I know someone who had several atypical paps. She had an HPV test done and it was negative. She was confused until she finally figured out that she was allergic to latex, and the atypia was from chronic allergic reaction to condoms.

Just make sure you follow up in 6 months and, if it still comes up positive for atypical cells, ask for an HPV test.

Your doctor should have gone over with you that NO vaccine is 100% effective. You should still be taking precautions even if you were vaccinated. I think the HPV is about 80% (not sure).

I would not worry until your doctor sends you for a biopsy. Lots of women can have abnormal pap’s that’s why they like to do several. Having your period or having sex beforehand will throw it off. There have been numerous reports of side effects from these vaccines.

I have never had this vaccine (I am 41) and have never had HPV that I know of. I do not plan on getting this for my daughter.

From what I have been told the vaccine doesn't work if you are already infected. In other words it prevents but does not cure. So if you were already infected through birth or sex, even if you had no symptoms, getting the shot would do nothing.

You have good responses here so far.

As most said, no vaccine is 100%, there are hundreds of HPV strains and the vaccine only potentially protects from some, not all.

Don't worry yourself crazy about this, just follow your Dr.'s lead, ask questions, and get the follow up testing.

As for our family, there was no way on earth I would get this vaccine for my daughter.

I firmly believe if you have regular preventative care, your Dr. will find anything abnormal. I do think the vaccine might be worthwhile for someone who does not see a Dr. for regular, routine preventative care.

Try not to worry, it could be a number of things that have nothing to do with HPV. Hang in there.

Hi S.,

Abnormal cells can be something other than cervical cancer.

Did they test you for HPV? That is the next thing I would have done. Determine if you have contracted a strain of the virus for which you weren't vaccinated.

How old are you? How old were you when you were vaccinated? Had you been sexually active BEFORE getting vaccinated? Had you engaged in ANY oral sexual activity (or even touching that involved "fluids" of either of you) before getting vaccinated? Is it possible that you had already contracted HPV prior to the vaccine? or, like I said above... that you have contracted a 'different' strain of HPV?

The HPV vaccine only protects against 2-4 of the most common strains. So, you can still get an HPV strain that you weren't vaccinated for..... think of the Flu vaccine. The flu vaccine only vaccinates you against the most popular strain..... but you can get another strain of the flu if you happen to run across someone who has a different strain. Getting the HPV vaccine does not mean you can have unprotected sex and you'll never contract HPV.

Also - there are other things that can cause cervical cancer. it's not a converse relationship (HPV causes cancer, but cancer is only caused by HPV). Instead it's that these identified strains of HPV have been known to cause cervical cancer. But you can get cervical cancer (or throat cancer etc) and NOT have HPV.

But it doesn't sound like you have cancer, right?

You just have an abnormal pap. And I'm not minimizing that..... yes, that is very scary. But they're having you come back in 6 months..... not next month so it means they want to watch the cells. They aren't doing a biopsy, right? They're just going to do another pap.

So, take a breath and try not to worry too much until you go back to your Dr.

Good Luck.

Welcome to Mamapedia! The HPV virus is actually hundreds of different strains. Most are a-symptomatic. About 3 or 4 have been linked to cervical cancer.

Here's a great website on all the HPV info.
hpvinfo.com

So sorry this had to be your first question.

I had an abnormal pap caused by precancerous HPV cells in 2006. it was right after my son was born. I was furious and angry at his father, assuming he had cheated on me during my pregnancy.

My treatment involved a biopsy to evaluate the cells further, then had thr cryogenic freeze done. After that, the doctor wanted me to have 6 month chech ups done until I had 2 normal in a row... I haven't had an abnormal pap since, but I make sure my appointment is made every year.

I know first hand that you're scared, I've been there... But have faith in your doctor and do the treatment he/she recommends. It'll resolve itself in time.