Hi Lorna-Ikb and thank you for posting,

For most people, it is thought it takes about 2 years for the HPV to be cleared by the immune system. However this may take longer for some people, the reason for this is unclear, it might be affected by the immune system — some people's bodies find it easier to fight HPV than others. They also think some lifestyle habits, like smoking, can make it hard for the body to clear HPV. For a small number of people, HPV can be persistent.  

You can find the Cervical Screening Care Pathway on the Gov.UK website which says that if HPV is still found on the 3rd screening with low grade or no abnormal cells seen, then you are returned to the normal routine screening interval of 36 months.

The reason for this is  Colposcopy has checked your cervix and did not find any cell changes. Evidence shows that it takes around 15 to 20 years from HPV infection to the development of cervical cancer in people with a normal immune system, therefore developing HPV-related cervical cancer in the next 3 years is very unlikely. 

If at that screening the result is still HPV positive then the process starts again of having more regular screening and possible colposcopies depending on the situation.

I hope this helps in some way. 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,

Jemma