Does the HPV Vaccine Affect Pap Smear Results? Expert Insights

Is it normal to have abnormal results in a Pap smear after receiving the nine-valent vaccine?

Hello Dr.
Huang! Thank you for your attention! I would like to ask you a few questions.
My girlfriend received her third dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine on December 9th and went to the gynecology clinic for a Pap smear on December 20th.
The clinic called today to inform us that her results were abnormal and requested her to return for further evaluation.
Therefore, I would like to ask Dr.
Huang: 1.
Does receiving the nine-valent HPV vaccine have any impact on the results of a Pap smear? 2.
My girlfriend had a Pap smear done abroad in late May of this year, and the results were normal.
She then received her first dose of the nine-valent vaccine in mid-June.
Since then, I am her only sexual partner.
Therefore, I would like to ask Dr.
Huang, if my girlfriend is confirmed to have an HPV infection, does that mean it was transmitted to her by me during this period? Thank you once again, Dr.
Huang, for taking the time to read this.
I would greatly appreciate your clarification! Wishing you peace and success!

Nick, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend received her third dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine on December 9 and went to the gynecologist for a Pap smear on December 20.
The clinic called today to inform her that the results were abnormal and requested a prompt follow-up.
Therefore, I would like to ask Dr.
Huang:
1.
Will receiving the nine-valent HPV vaccine affect the results of the Pap smear?
Answer: Receiving the nine-valent HPV vaccine will not affect the results of the Pap smear.
2.
My girlfriend had a Pap smear done abroad in late May of this year, and the results were normal.
She then received her first dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine in mid-June.
Since I am her only sexual partner during this time, I would like to ask Dr.
Huang: If my girlfriend is confirmed to have an HPV infection, does that mean I transmitted it to her during this period?
Answer: It is possible to have an HPV infection while the Pap smear results are still normal.

Reply Date: 2019/12/30

More Info

Thank you for your questions regarding the HPV vaccine and its relationship with Pap smear results. It’s important to understand how these elements interact, especially in the context of cervical health.

1. Impact of HPV Vaccine on Pap Smear Results: The HPV vaccine, including the nine-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), is designed to prevent infections from specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that are known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts. However, it does not clear existing infections or affect the results of a Pap smear directly. A Pap smear is primarily a screening tool used to detect abnormal cervical cells, which may indicate precancerous changes or cervical cancer. Therefore, if your girlfriend had a Pap smear shortly after receiving the vaccine, the vaccine itself would not influence the results. Any abnormalities detected in the Pap smear would be related to existing conditions rather than the vaccination.

2. Understanding HPV Transmission: If your girlfriend has been diagnosed with an HPV infection after receiving the vaccine, it is essential to consider her sexual history. The vaccine is effective against the HPV types it covers, but it does not protect against all HPV strains. If she had a Pap smear in May that was normal and then received the vaccine in June, it is possible that she was exposed to HPV before vaccination or that she contracted it from a partner afterward. Since you mentioned that you are her only sexual partner since June, it raises the question of whether you may have transmitted the virus to her. However, it is also important to note that HPV can remain dormant for years, and it is possible for someone to have the virus without showing symptoms or having detectable changes in a Pap smear.

3. Next Steps: Given the abnormal Pap smear results, it is crucial for your girlfriend to follow up with her healthcare provider for further evaluation. This may include a colposcopy, which allows for a closer examination of the cervix, and possibly a biopsy if necessary. Understanding the specific type of HPV involved can also guide management and treatment options.
4. Communication and Testing: It would be wise for both of you to communicate openly about sexual health and consider discussing HPV testing. While the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of certain types of HPV, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. Regular screenings and follow-ups are essential for maintaining cervical health.

In conclusion, while the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing certain strains of HPV, it does not affect the results of Pap smears and does not clear existing infections. If there are abnormal results, further investigation is warranted. Open communication between partners about sexual health is crucial, and both partners should consider regular screenings to ensure overall health and safety.

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