h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Rains!

I thought I'd come back to you about papilloma. Since I don't know where to begin, why don't you ask me a question?

Hej Milla ,

Thanks for coming back to me here. Even though I've calmed down a bit, I have so many questions, I don't know where to start!

The test came back as saying I had borderline changes, which is woolly enough to mean almost anything . It was very insistent that this was the lowest grade of change and that in all probability it will have improved by itself by the time I have another smear test in 6 months time.

I suppose my biggest question is whether it may be worth getting tested for any STDs and whether or not we should use condoms in the meantime until I get an all-clear (I have been with my husband for 4 years and have only ever had unprotected sex with one other man, but you never know, do you?). I am wondering about papilloma, but I've never had any warts in that area - only one on my finger, which was frozen off in my teens, and they've never reappeared.

this is a bit of a brain dump, but I'm lurking at w-rk while I'm on here so I'm trying to be quick .

What were your experiences with this?

My experience was a little different... I found out that I had condylom - warts - on the cervix. (I think that's the same as papilloma) The previous bf had once told me to get tested, but not for what (young and trusting, I didn't think to ask why), and at that time nothing was found. But possibly, the infection was from him.

After some time, the warts were removed using infrared light (or possibly laser). I'm sorry I can't remember if my partner and I used rubbers - probably did. The procedure was very painful, since the doctor refused me any anesthetic, even local. (be sure to get that, then you'll be fine!)
After a week or so, the heated / now dead/ tissue fell off, it bled a little, but otherwise no pain.

Since then I've had pap smears every other year, but come out clean each time.

At pregnancy, the removed bit confused the midwife a bit, it seemed like it was a little bit open, because of the removal, but no other problems.

So, what next for you?
I would call back to the doctor, to see if they recommend rubbers.
I would not worry until the next test - if they say it is likely to heal, then that is probably so.

If there is a change, warts can be removed, and not cause any further problems, but do keep checking regularly...



You will be fine, whatever it was, it was caught early.

Thanks. I can't believe the doctor refused you anaesthetic

More reading on the internet has convinced me that I don't need to worry too much, but I still would like to have a chat to my GP about it. In any case, my next smear is now due in September, so it's not too far away.

I am wondering if I should be prudent and ask to be tested for STDs... . I can only pinpoint two partners whose history I'm unsure of, and although we used protection, you never know . Again, something to discuss with my doctor.