High risk cervical cancer cells

I had my first smear 3 years ago which came back positive for HPV. I went back 12 month later for a second smear and I remained HPV positive. They advised me to come back in a further 12 months for another smear as it can take two years for your body to get rid of. I had my third smear last month and I am still HPV positive. They have said I will be referred to gynaecology for them to have a look and maybe remove the cells. What they didn’t tell me and which I found out on my NHS app (checking to see if I have an appointment yet) was that I have high risk HPV. I’m 26 soon to be 27. I’m extremely worried about treatment options, whether I can still have a healthy pregnancy afterwards, will it come back, will my parter be HPV positive and give me HPV back again, if they are high risk cells and I get them removed am I still high risk of cervical cancer, I’ve been with my partner for 4 years and if he is also a carrier of it, is he just passing it be back when we have sex and therefore I’ve had it for 4 years (a year before I even had my first smear). I just have so many questions and I am just so worried. 

  • Hi Zaphno and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn of your situation and I can appreciate you have a lot of questions. Firstly there is good information about HPV on Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website with a section of frequently asked questions that I hope will help you answer some of your questions.

    It is important to know that most people when they are sexually active will be exposed to HPV. There are many different types of HPV and there are certain types that may cause changes to the cells on the cervix, which, if left untreated may cause cervical cancer. This is why cervical screening is done to look for HPV and abnormal cervical cells.

    It sounds like you have been referred to gynaecology to have a colposcopy to take a closer look at the cervix. If abnormal cells are found then treatment to remove the cells may be necessary to reduce the chance of the abnormal cells coming back. This will depend on whether there are mild, moderate or severe changes.

    It may be possible for two people in a monogamous relationship to both have the same type of HPV for a long time. However, this does not mean it will cause both partners problems.

    Reinfection might happen within couples because different people can have different levels of natural immunity to HPV. Natural immunity is when your body remembers a virus from when you got it naturally in the past. If you get that virus again, your body can destroy it before it causes problems.

    Most women can have a normal pregnancy after treatment for abnormal cells, in rare situations there may be problems and treatment may be needed to keep future pregnancies safe.

    The best person to discuss this with would be the gynaecology team at the hospital as they will know your situation and are better placed to answer your questions.

    I hope this helps a little. Please feel free to get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma