Expert: Howard Lorenz - 12/9/2007

Question
I am currently in the processing process for the Army Active duty and I came across a question that asked have I ever had an abnormal pap smear which i have so i checked yes.  I have to get my medical records showing the abdormal pap and colposcopy that were done.  I have HPV which can lead to cervical that's why most of my paps are abnormal.  This is not something that could disqualify me is it?  I am in physically good shape and I am healthy I just have to get a pap every 6 months as opposed to just a regular annual. My recruiter told me to say no to all the medical questions but something like this i want to stay on top of so i was honest so it wouldn't come back and bite me in the butt. What do you think?

Answer
Tiffany,

The one thing you have to understand is that is that the medical questions that they ask are there to weed out anyone that has issues. The regulations do not specify rather you are healthy and can do the job, they want to know is there going to be aproblem later on that will cost them money. Now if you asked if there are women in the service who have the same condition you have...Sure, but they were probably asked to do the same thing or they developed the condition later on. Back when the regulations were written, HPV was undiscovered.  I believe that you did the right thing by answering the way you did. Could it keep you out? possible, it all depends on your attitude with the doc when you go up to the phycial. He will ask you if there are any problems, you be sure that you tell him that you have no issues becasue of it. Some women have extremely bad Mestral cycles in relation to this condition, some even develope endometriosis. The tolarance levels vari from person to person, so you will have to let him know that You have no issues and you can press on. I would ask the recruiter to be sure, but I believe that you will atleast see the doc.. Get your records in the meantime.

HW