HPV Risks and Pap Smear Recommendations for Young Women

Cervical smear and HPV issues?

1.
Hello doctor, I am still a virgin, but I have engaged in genital rubbing with my boyfriend over our underwear (after which both of our underwear had secretions), and my boyfriend has performed oral sex on me.
He also inserted his finger into my vagina after wiping his hands with a hotel towel (but it was only for a brief moment).
These events occurred only three times and happened two years ago.
Q1: If I have not had actual sexual intercourse but have experienced the aforementioned events, would you recommend that I undergo a Pap smear and HPV screening? Is there a possibility that I have already contracted HPV?
2.
There is a rumor online that swimming and soaking in hot springs can also lead to HPV infection.
Although I understand that if I am concerned about infection, I can simply avoid these activities, my boyfriend swims and soaks in hot springs every day (but he does wear swim trunks and is not nude).
Q2: Is it possible for my boyfriend to contract HPV from frequently swimming and soaking in hot springs? I am worried that he might indirectly transmit it to me in the future.

ze, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
I am still a virgin, but I have rubbed my genitalia against my boyfriend's through our underwear (after which both of our underwear had secretions), and my boyfriend has performed oral sex on me.
He also inserted his finger into my vagina after wiping his hands with a hotel towel (but it was only for a brief moment).
These events occurred no more than three times and happened two years ago.
Q1: If I have not engaged in actual sexual intercourse but have experienced the aforementioned events, would a doctor recommend that I undergo a Pap smear and HPV screening? Ans: It is not recommended for virgins to have a Pap smear and HPV screening.
Is there a possibility that I have already been infected with HPV? Ans: Rubbing against each other through underwear and brief finger insertion does not pose a risk for HPV infection.
2.
There are rumors online that swimming and soaking in hot springs can also lead to HPV infection.
Although I know that if I am worried about infection, I can simply avoid it, my boyfriend swims and soaks in hot springs every day (but he does wear swim trunks).
Q2: Is it possible for my boyfriend to contract HPV from frequently swimming and soaking in hot springs? I am very concerned that he might indirectly transmit it to me.
Ans: The likelihood of contracting HPV from swimming or soaking in hot springs is extremely low.

Reply Date: 2018/12/21

More Info

When it comes to understanding HPV (Human Papillomavirus) risks and the recommendations for Pap smears, especially for young women, it's essential to consider several factors, including sexual behavior, HPV transmission routes, and the importance of regular screenings.

1. HPV Infection Risk and Screening Recommendations:
Based on your description, you have engaged in activities that involve potential HPV exposure, albeit not through penetrative intercourse. HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activities. While the risk of transmission through the activities you described (such as genital rubbing through clothing and oral sex) is lower than through penetrative intercourse, it is not zero.
Given that you have had some form of sexual contact, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of HPV screening with your healthcare provider. The current guidelines recommend that women begin cervical cancer screening with Pap smears at age 21, regardless of sexual history. This means that even if you have not had penetrative sex, it would be prudent to have a Pap smear to establish a baseline for your cervical health. Additionally, HPV testing can be performed alongside the Pap smear, especially if there are any abnormal results.

2. Concerns About Swimming and HPV Transmission:
Regarding your concern about swimming and the potential for HPV transmission, it is important to clarify that HPV is not transmitted through water, including swimming pools or hot tubs. The virus does not survive long outside the human body, and the risk of contracting HPV from shared towels or swimming in a pool is extremely low. HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, so your boyfriend's swimming habits should not pose a risk of HPV transmission to you.

3. Recommendations for Young Women:
- Regular Screenings: As a young woman, it is crucial to have regular gynecological check-ups, including Pap smears starting at age 21. This will help in early detection of any abnormalities in cervical cells, which could indicate the presence of HPV or other issues.

- HPV Vaccination: If you have not yet received the HPV vaccine, it is highly recommended. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common high-risk types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity, but it can still provide benefits if you are already sexually active.

- Open Communication: Maintain open communication with your partner about sexual health. Discussing sexual history, including any previous partners and potential risks, can help both of you make informed decisions regarding your sexual health.

- Safe Practices: While you may not need to worry about HPV transmission from swimming, practicing safe sex, including the use of condoms, can significantly reduce the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In summary, while your risk of HPV from the activities you described is lower, it is still advisable to have regular screenings and consider vaccination. Your boyfriend's swimming habits do not pose a risk for HPV transmission. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific situation. Regular check-ups and open communication with your partner are key components of maintaining sexual health.

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