Can Herpes Type 2 Lead To Cervical Cancer?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 5 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, i am a 20 year old female that's been living with herpes type 2 for a year and a half. i read online that herpes increases you're chances of getting cervical cancer if you have hpv. although i had a normal pap smear last time and have remained abstinent since november 2013, i'm not entirely sure if i have it or not. if i do happen to have hpv is it possible to fight it off or will it be more difficult. am i stressing out over nothing??

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes type 2 is not a risk factor for cervical CA

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer.
Herpes simplex type 2 infection is not a risk factor for development of cervical cancer.
Herpes simplex type is a sexually transmitted virus and can cause vesicles on external genitalia.
I would suggest you take treatment for genital herpes and abstain from sexual activity till you get cured.
A consultation with a dermatologist and venerologist is required.
Barrier method of contraception is required to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

If you want to know your HPV status, you can get serological test for HPV infection.
Vaccination against HPV is available, however, it is effective only when infection is not acquired.
If you turn out to be negative for HPV, vaccination can be taken.

As you have mentioned that your previous Pap test was within normal limits, there is nothing to worry.
You can take up Pap test regularly at yearly interval.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Ok thank you and one more thing, if I do happen to have hpv, is it possible to fight it off even with herpes type 2

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Yes, it is possible to fight HPV in the presence of herpes simplex infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T