I forgot to add, I have had an abnormal discharge that has an offensive smell, I have had this for months, along with on and off back ache and extreme fatigue. I have put this down to the perimenopause and HRT??? Im 45. I assumed that because my appointment isn't until March, that they are not particularly worried? 

Hello and thanks for posting

As you are probably aware HPV for most people usually clears within a couple of years of coming into contact with it but there are some individuals who for some reason have persistent HPV. This can be in the case of smokers or people with a lowered immune system, but not always, and it's not fully understood why. It is also possible to clear HPV for it to then lay dormant ( go to sleep) and then be reactivated (wake up) again in the future. This is why it is impossible to know exactly when a person first came in contact with HPV.

It would be very unlikely that anything would have been missed at your screening appointments. It's important to remember that it is the abnormal cells caused by high risk HPV that can cause cancer not HPV itself. This is why when high risk HPV is found in cervical screening the cells are also checked for abnormality so these can be closely examined and treated or monitored until everything turns to normal.

Those found to have high risk HPV without abnormal cells ( as in your case) usually have yearly screening. If however, at the 3rd screening HPV is still present they are seen in colposcopy. Depending on the findings at colposcopy some people may need treatment, others continue with monitoring and others are returned for routine 3/5 yearly screening depending on age and circumstances.

Many people get anxious and stressed when they go for cervical screening, but as long as you follow the advice given to you at the clinic then everything should hopefully be okay. So please try not to overly worry about this.

I hope this helps. Please 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.

Kind regards,

Celene

Hello I thought I would update incase it helps anyone else. So I have been sent an appointment earlier now Jan 29th at gynaecological oncology at 11am. I'm ok and feeling quite positive. It's the waiting and not knowing that's difficult. I wanted to know, when I go for my appointment would they tell me the same day if they have found anything suspicious? Etc? Just want to prepare for possible more waiting. Thankyou 

Hi Tinkerbell and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to learn of your situation. I can imagine this is a worrying time for you.

Colposcopies are a close examination of the cervix using strong magnification and good lighting, allowing for better visibility than what the naked eye can provide.

If the nurse practitioner detects any abnormal cells, they will notify you and may recommend taking biopsies. Sometimes treatment occurs immediately, while in other cases, they will wait for biopsy results before implementing a treatment plan.

I know waiting when you are worried is stressful but hopefully you’ll know more soon.

Please 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.

Kind regards

Tina