Living with HPV - What Support is Available?
Knowing that you have been infected with the human
papillomavirus can cause many emotions to surface –
you may feel anger at the partner who gave you the virus,
you may feel embarrassed or guilty that you have HPV,
you might be worried about people could say, you might
be scared about developing cancer, maybe you are concerned
about your sexuality and how the virus will impact your
future relationships. These emotions are perfectly normal
and they can all be addressed and resolved with professional
help.
There was a time when having an STD carried with it
a stigma and shame. Fortunately, we are moving on from
those times. Improved education and social opinion have
made it easier for people who have been infected with
any STD, like HPV, to ask for answers and seek support
and help. There is help available to HPV sufferers –
medical advice and support groups which help you cope
with both the physical as well as the emotional aspects
of the virus.
The first step you need to take is to get a firm medical
diagnosis of your condition so you know for sure what
you are dealing with. This will involve an HPV test
for women, which is conducted in a similar way to your
normal Pap tests. If you test positive for HPV, you
will also know what strain of the virus you have and
this has a great influence on what will need to happen
next. You may need follow-up tests or medical procedures,
but your doctor will explain all this to you. Knowing
what the problem is can save unnecessary anxiety and
worry, especially if you don't have HPV or have one
of the less-dangerous strains.
Learn everything you can about HPV and its potential
impact on your life. Ask your doctor as many questions
as you can; also ask about being referred to an HPV
support group and/or a psychologist who specializes
in this type of condition. You might find it easier
to talk to these alternative support personnel; it could
be less intimidating and they may be able to answer
some of your less medical concerns. It is really important
that you understand there is no shame in having HPV;
you are not responsible, so you don't need to feel guilty.
Of course, it may not be your partner's fault either,
as many people are carriers for HPV without knowing
they have the virus. HPV can stay in the body for an
extended time without showing any symptoms. Talking
through these issues with a counselor will help you
greatly; suppressing emotions or trying to avoid them
isn't the answer and won't help you at all.
Your partner needs to know that you been diagnosed
with HPV. While this might seem like an impossible conversation
to have, it must be done. Perhaps your doctor or counselor
can help you when you tell your partner, by being present
and able to answer any of your partner's questions and
concerns. There are strategies that will enable you
to continue with a fulfilling sexual relationship.
The emotional issues concerning being infected with
HPV won't go away overnight, so you may need to continue
to talk to someone on an ongoing basis. This is where
an HPV support group will be a great help; the people
in these groups have been through what you are experiencing
and are non-judgmental; you will get practical and useful
strategies and advice to help you through this difficult
and emotional time.
Ask your doctor to refer you or
seek out a local HPV support group in your local phone
book, from your local health center or online. One such
support group is HPV Hope in Seattle, a volunteer organization
that says on its website "We seek to empower individuals
living with HPV through knowledge and support." |
