I recently had my first smear test and it has come back that I am positive for high risk HPV and have low grade dyskaryosis, so I am being referred for colposcopy. Candida was found as well, which I know can make cells appear abnormal. Trying not to stress about cervical cancer as I know it's early detection of possible risk and that abnormal cells can be treated if required, but I am worrying about how it will affect work. I know HPV is very common and most people have had some form, but I have one of the high risk strains that could lead to cancer and am worried about the possibility of spreading this to clients. While I know many people will have one of those strains without any issues, there is still the risk of it resulting in cancer. I always use condoms for penetration, but I know there can still be skin to skin contact for uncovered areas, and I also receive oral so there's the possibility clients could get an oral infection. Maybe I could stop receiving oral, but it's something a lot of my clients enjoy so it could cause issues and I wouldn't know how to explain my reasons for stopping it. I wouldn't want to tell people I have an infection. I'm stressed trying to figure out what I'm going to do as I have some bookings this weekend then am supposed to be touring next week, so I don't know whether I need to cancel or not. Maybe I'm overthinking it but I feel so guilty about the thought of giving it to someone who later goes on to get cancer, since there aren't screenings equivalent to cervical screening to detect early risk of the other cancers caused by HPV. I just don't know what to do.

Can you ask GUM staff this question?

I've Googled looks like the HPV doesn't definitely cause cancer, also other people could have it any way.

If it was me I would seek qualified medical advice.

Thank you, I will ask them at my next appointment.

I was in the exact same boat as you a couple of years ago and had the exact same concerns. I decided to stop receiving oral as I think that may of been the main contributer. Not receiving oral didn't affect my work. I would try not to worry as it is quite common but maybe going forward if you are to receive oral use a dental dam or something.

Thank you! I haven't had the latest vaccines for HPV but the one being used at the time I was vaccinated protects against HPV16 and 18, so it won't be either of those ones at least which seem to be the riskiest.  Will just see if they find anything at my colposcopy.

Thanks, that is definitely something to consider.

I'm wondering does the vaccine guarantee protection from those strains, or does it reduce the risk? Vaccines often are only 50, 60, 80 percent effective at preventing......

I've recently received small pox vaccine as protection against monkey pox, it's 85% effective, the annual flu vaccine has 50% efficacy.

I have myself received Gardasil as vaccination against HPV.

Right a quick Google;

"In clinical trials the HPV vaccine...over 99% effective at preventing pre-cancer caused by HPV types 16 or 18....."

Does not say prevents infection, only says prevents pre cancer.

However another source says HPV infections reduced in vaccinated populations.

I would ask the GUM and  specialist for explanation and guidance.

Wonderful! Yes that’s correct , hpv 16/18 are the “riskier” ones however study shows that the body even clears high risk HPV with no issues at all.


With over 100 strains HPV is a very common virus.
Keep following up with appointments because there will always be a next step, until your body does it’s duty. Also , I suggest you look up AHCC 3mg HPV, effective and straightforward.


As for vaccines and all that jazz , it’s really inevitable as nothing is perfect in the science world. I myself had chicken pox which now means the body is still within  me but its “dormant”
Shingles is something I have a great chance of having in my later years. Not fun! 

Thank you, I'll look into that.