Women's lived experience with human papillomavirus

The purpose of this study was to provide insight and understanding into women's lived experience after diagnosis with human papillomavirus (HPV). Understanding this experience is important because of the prevalence of HPV and the ambiguous course the infection takes later in life. Estimates indicate that 75% of the sexually active population in the United States have an HPV infection or have been exposed. Current research reports that 90% of cervical cancer tissue has HPV present, and cervical cancer is the second leading cancer for women worldwide.; This infection has physical, emotional, and psychological ramifications that in many cases cannot be measured. This study looked at fifteen women 20 to 55 years of age, who had been diagnosed with HPV for more than one year. Hermeneutical phenomenology guided the inquiry. Five thematic groupings were identified: (1) the feelings embedded in the experience of having HPV, (2) the experience and fear of telling others; (3) finding out about the diagnosis and doing something about it; (4) transformation and behavior change which allow women to cope with the diagnosis, and (5) sharing the experiences with others. Concerns voiced by the women included how to cope with the idea of having a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and how to prevent the possible transmission to a partner or a future husband. Also of concern was the possible transmission to an offspring, and the uncertainty about their ability to bear children. The stigma of having an STD created a paradigm shift in the women's values and altered perceptions of self. Many made comments like, "people like me do not get STDs." This study illuminated the transformation these women went through from diagnosis to coping with HPV. This self-transformation involved each woman coming to terms with having HPV and dealing with it in her way. The overall inadequate support received from health care providers was a major finding as well. Women felt they needed more information, education, and compassion from health care providers. The experiences of these women also suggest that health care providers need additional education about effective counseling and treatment strategies for HPV.