I am 75 years old & my gynecologist office just advised me that my recent pap showed atypical cells and tested positive for HPV non 16-18. I have had pap tests annually & this is my first abnormal test ever. I am now scheduled for a colposcopy which I understand is a precautionary procedure to determine if the atypical cells are 1.) harmless, 2.) pre-cancerous or 3.) cervical cancer.
I was a virgin when I married 53 years ago and I have only ever had sex of any kind with one person: my 80 year old husband. We have not had sex in recent years due to his issues with erectile dysfunction and radiation and hormone therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
As you can imagine, under these circumstances, the HPV results were both unbelievable and shocking. While I understand that HPV is very common and can be dormant for weeks, months & even years, I am having a hard time accepting the possibility that it could be dormant for 53 years.
While I am concerned about the physical aspects of the the possible diagnosis, I am managing to remain hopeful because I know that only a small percent of atypical cells actually lead to cervical cancer. And, I take some comfort in knowing that even if a biopsy should come back positive, any cancer would have been detected early.
Meanwhile, the emotional toll of learning I have high risk HPV has left me totally devastated. This is all I have thought about since hearing the results. I am struggling to imagine any scenario that would explain this unless my husband has been unfaithful at some point in our marriage.
I am desperately seeking some explanation that would put my mind (and heart) at ease. The anxiety and depression are overwhelming and certainly not healthy at a time when I need a strong immune system and a supportive husband.
Thank you for any insights you can provide.