How long can HPV be in your system before you test positive?
Here’s the thing. On september 4th 2008 my pap smear came back normal. On the one I had this year in September of 09 the pap smear came back abnormal. Also with a positive HPV. I have been married for 3 years and have only been with my husband. I’m trying to figure out if he cheated. How long can HPV be in your system before it shows up positive? Please Help.
Definitely don’t jump to conclusions about your husband cheating. HPV can remain dormant in your system for up to MANY years. For example, mine did for at least 2 years before I just tested positive for it a few days ago.
When you’re body undergoes a great amount of stress (or anything that lowers your immune system) – this causes the HPV to actually start taking affect – which is why it wasn’t detected when it remained silent for that long period of time.
HPV can be in your system for years or decades without producing any signs or symptoms. The pap smear checks for cell changes that are caused by HPV, but it does not check for HPV. Most women with HPV have normal paps. HPV is a very bad indicator of cheating.
I obviously don’t know if your husband cheated on you, but an HPV diagnosis is no reason to think he cheated. If you have other reasons to think he cheated, you might want to discuss those with him.