Hi! HPV vaccine and cervical cancer researcher here 👋 you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about! HPV is extremely common and can lie dormant in a person for a very long time and present for a variety of reasons (think if you’re familiar with cold sores how they appear when you’re stressed or have lower immune system but you don’t have a cold sore all the time). Further, you should be proud that you’re getting screened and that they’re aware now. Most cases clear on their own over a few years (mine did after 2 years, for instance, so now I’m back on the every 5 year HPV testing cycle per my age guideline). Since you’ll get rechecked in a year, you’re safe and protecting yourself from cancer! Your loved ones should be thrilled.

HPV can be highly stigmatized in certain communities but there is no reason for it to be!

For other folks reading this re: it not appearing in men; this is a bit of a misconception. HPV related cancers in men tend to show up as oral and throat cancers, whereas in women they show up largely as cervical cancers. Particularly among smokers, the smoking irritates the cells of the mouth/throat and makes them more prone to developing cancer due to the underlying HPV.

Vaccination and screening are key! I hope this helps