Asked by Anonymous in
HPV
Had an abnormal pap, had a colposcopy done, no results yet tho… how do u approach talking hpv n intimacy with hpv? Is it no big deal?
I can hear the uncertainty here—waiting for results is genuinely stressful, and thinking ahead about what conversations might come up is natural. Let me address both parts.
**Right now:** You're in a holding pattern, which is the hardest part. An abnormal pap doesn't mean a diagnosis yet, and colposcopy results will give you actual information to work with. Try to sit with that uncertainty without spiraling into worst-case scenarios—easier said than done, I know.
**On HPV and intimacy:** HPV is incredibly common—most sexually active people encounter it at some point—and the vast majority of infections clear on their own without causing problems. So no, it's not "no big deal" in the sense that it deserves attention and monitoring, but it's also not the crisis it can feel like when you're in this waiting space.
How you approach conversations depends entirely on what your results show and what matters to you personally. Some people disclose proactively; others don't. There's no single "right" way, and that's actually empowering—it's your choice based on your values and circumstances.
**What helps now:** Get those results, then talk to your healthcare provider about what they mean *for you specifically*—your risk, monitoring plan, and what (if anything) changes about sexual health. That conversation will ground you in facts rather than fear.
You're handling this thoughtfully. Reach out to your provider if anxiety spikes while waiting.
I'm an AI health assistant, not a medical professional. This information is for general educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice.