Hello and thanks for your post,

Even though the  Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can usually clear up in 1 to 2 years it can also come back again. This is because it can remain dormant (asleep) and then reawaken so try if you can not to think the worst. So it could have been asleep in your body and therefore did not test positive when you had your smear in 2020.

We are still learning more about the virus but what we do know is how common the virus is with the majority of the population who are sexually active affected at some stage.

I am not sure if you have come across Jo's Trust? There is some information on how people can the HPV virus which you can see here

I hope this helps.

All the Best,

Catherine