Your Negative Pap and HPV Results: What It Means for Cervical Cancer Risk

Both the Pap smear and HPV test results are negative?

Hello Doctor, I have another question to ask you.
I am 33 years old and have just completed a Pap smear and HPV test, both of which came back negative, indicating no HPV virus.
I have also tested negative for HIV.
I have been with my partner for over ten years, and recently he admitted to me that he has been unfaithful by visiting sex workers while we were together.
After a big argument, I have forgiven him.
He claims that he last visited a sex worker two years ago, but that encounter did not involve any physical contact, just bathing and using a towel (I have read that HPV can potentially be transmitted through towels).
For the past two years, we have mostly used condoms during intercourse.
He also admitted that his second-to-last visit to a sex worker was four years ago, and he insists he took safety precautions then as well.
From four years ago to two years ago, we mostly used condoms, with occasional instances of not using them.
Recently, I came across reports online stating that if a woman’s partner has multiple sexual partners, her risk of developing cervical cancer can be up to nine times higher than that of the general population.
Given my current test results showing both the Pap smear and HPV test are negative, should I be concerned about this ninefold risk? Does this mean my future risk of developing cervical cancer is the same as that of an average person? Thank you, Doctor.

vicky, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, your condition is just like others, not any worse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/06/06

More Info

It's understandable to have concerns about cervical cancer risk, especially given the context of your partner's past behavior and your recent test results. Let's break down your situation and clarify what your negative Pap smear and HPV test results mean for your cervical cancer risk.

Firstly, it's important to note that a negative Pap smear indicates that there are no abnormal cells detected on your cervix at this time. Similarly, a negative HPV test means that you do not currently have a detectable high-risk HPV infection, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. These results are reassuring and suggest that, at this moment, your risk for developing cervical cancer is low.

Regarding your partner's past encounters, while it's true that having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of HPV transmission, the use of condoms significantly reduces this risk. Since you mentioned that you and your partner have predominantly used condoms during intercourse, this protective measure likely mitigated the risk of HPV transmission. Additionally, HPV is typically cleared by the immune system within a couple of years in most individuals, especially if there are no persistent infections.

The statistic you encountered about women whose partners have multiple sexual partners being at a higher risk for cervical cancer is based on population studies. However, these statistics do not apply uniformly to every individual. Your personal risk is influenced by several factors, including your HPV status, your immune system's ability to clear infections, and your regular screening practices. Since both your Pap and HPV tests are negative, your current risk for cervical cancer is likely similar to that of the general population.

It's also worth noting that cervical cancer typically develops over many years, often starting with precancerous changes in the cervical cells (such as CIN1, CIN2, or CIN3) before progressing to cancer. Regular screening is crucial because it allows for the early detection of any changes that could lead to cancer. Given your negative results, it is essential to continue with regular Pap smears and HPV testing as recommended by your healthcare provider.

In summary, based on your negative Pap and HPV results, your current risk for cervical cancer is low, and you should not be overly concerned about the 9-fold increase in risk mentioned in the studies, especially since you have been practicing safe sex. However, it is always a good idea to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns and to follow their recommendations for regular screenings. This proactive approach will help ensure your continued health and peace of mind.

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