Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry you are worried about your recent cervical screening result. Please try not to worry, the cervical screening programme is all about preventing cancer by detecting abnormalities that can then be monitored or treated until everything returns to normal.

HPV is a common infection and it is estimated that most people ( 80%) who are sexually active will get HPV at some stage in their lives.

HPV infections that persist increase the risk of abnormal cells developing, so the idea of the colposcopy is to double check that this hasn't happened and confirm the normal cell assessment from the smear result. If there are abnormal cells then treatment to remove them can prevent cancer from developing later on. You can read more about HPV on the Jo's Trust website by clicking here. 

People often ask if there is any way they can get rid of HPV. Unfortunately we do not know of a way of helping our body remove the HPV any quicker than just allowing our immune system to kick in, but we do know that smoking does make it harder for the body to get rid of it. So if you smoke it would be a good idea to give up. Most people will have no symptoms and their immune system will clear HPV up in a year or two without them ever knowing they had it. But it can take longer than this in some people. It is not possible to tell when a person got HPV or how long they have had it.

Cervical screening is very successful so as long as you attend your appointments when invited and follow the advice given at the clinic then everything should be okay. So please try not to overly worry about this.

Heavy periods can have many causes and you can read more about this on the NHS website at this link. If your symptoms persist then do go and see your GP to get checked out.

I hope this has been helpful. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Celene