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Three abnormal paps for the HPV would it be time to see another doctor
I have had three abnormal pap smears, the first test I had I was told I was a hair away from cervical cancer, the two other test are coming back with a low abnornality of cells. I am just wondering if I should move on to see another doctor to see if a procedure could be done to help rid me of the HPV, I read there is a procedure called the Loop I just don't know what to do, it makes me nervous to wait and see if the HPV is going to get worse.
I should add that if you're not comfortable with your doctor or you feel you're not getting adequate treatment, then by all means get a second opinion. I didn't mean to imply that that your doctor is or is not doing enough to treat you. : )
Many Thanks for your reply
Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to rid yourself of HPV. Any treatments simply remove the abnormal cells caused by HPV. In most cases, HPV is eventually suppressed by your immune system. And from what I've read, it's not uncommon for abnormal cells to go back to normal after a while too. What was your exact diagnosis from the doctor? Why wasn't it treated it it was that bad in the first place?
The LEEP is generally used for moderate to severe dysplasia. It's pretty invasive, as they use a loop of electrified wire to cut the infected cells from your cervix. Since most mild dysplasia goes away on its own, it's common to "wait & see" rather than do such an invasive procedure.
From what I understand, there is a test called Amplicor (by Roche) that will tell you the exact strain(s) of HPV you have. If you could get this test (doctors often don't tell you about it because insurance companies don't like to cover it; some doctors don't even have it), you would know what course of action to take. More aggressive strains should be watched more closely or treated; the wait & see approach may be used for less aggressive strains.
I've gathered all this info just from the web. My doctor hasn't told me anything, even about HPV. Do lots of research, ask lots of questions, & arm yourself with knowledge!! Also, look up info on boosting your immune system (folic acid, beta carotene, stop smoking, etc.). That may be the best form of treatment you can get.
Good luck!
The LEEP is generally used for moderate to severe dysplasia. It's pretty invasive, as they use a loop of electrified wire to cut the infected cells from your cervix. Since most mild dysplasia goes away on its own, it's common to "wait & see" rather than do such an invasive procedure.
From what I understand, there is a test called Amplicor (by Roche) that will tell you the exact strain(s) of HPV you have. If you could get this test (doctors often don't tell you about it because insurance companies don't like to cover it; some doctors don't even have it), you would know what course of action to take. More aggressive strains should be watched more closely or treated; the wait & see approach may be used for less aggressive strains.
I've gathered all this info just from the web. My doctor hasn't told me anything, even about HPV. Do lots of research, ask lots of questions, & arm yourself with knowledge!! Also, look up info on boosting your immune system (folic acid, beta carotene, stop smoking, etc.). That may be the best form of treatment you can get.
Good luck!
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