Definitely push for another colposcopy. Also keep notice like you are for any significant changes. X

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.

Cervical screening is all about the prevention of cancer by picking up abnormality at an early stage where it can either be monitored or treated until everything returns to normal. It is rare for cervical cancer to be pick up through screening especially when women attend their screening appointments when invited.

Those found to have high risk HPV with mild abnormal cells ( as I presume 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. Mild cell changes are not treated as this usually resolves by itself. You can ask your healthcare team if you need to have another colposcopy as they are familiar with all your screening information and will be better placed to advise you.

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.

HPV and cell changes do not cause symptoms and bleeding in between periods can have a number of different causes which are not usually serious. But if the bleeding persists, it's best to checked out by your GP.

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