HPV Worries

I was told that I have HPV after having several paps come up abnormal. Since then I have undergone surgery and several procedures to remove the severe dysplasia on my cervix. Since this has happened, I have not had a sexual partner for worries of re-exposure or infecting him with HPV. I have read many articles on HPV and not one is clear about being contagious, so what is true? Help me please.

The reason you've been having problems finding information is that no one is sure when a person with HPV reaches a point where they can no longer can transmit the virus. It is true that most of the time people clear the virus out of their systems, but sometimes it persists, and how to determine it, is still unknown. I understand your worries, especially given that most people have been exposed to HPV at some time or other, we all have to make some decisions. Part of your decision may be influenced by how you see relationship. Remember that although it's true that condoms don't offer complete protection from HPV, they probably cut down on transmission.