Hi and thanks for the post

Getting referred to specialists can be stressful  and it's good you don't have long to wait now.

An inflamed cervix is not uncommon and is not usually associated with a cervical cancer. Hopefully the gynaecologist will be able to talk things through with you in more detail, once they have had a good look at your cervix. Although a smear test isn't done in the GP practice until you're 24y 6mths, the gynaecologist can do one if necessary. That will show whether you have any signs of HPV or not.

It's worth bearing in mind that HPV vaccines don't protect against all the different strains of HPV of which there are many - they protect mainly against the most common strains that cause cancer. HPV is also extremely common ,with the immune system usually dealing with it over time. It also isn't only passed by intercourse but by skin to skin contact- you may want to read some more information on HPV here  

Best to just wait and see what happens at the appointment. If you would like to have a chat about any of this, do give us a call - Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

I hope it goes well

All the best

Wanda