Hello, and thank you for posting.

Understandably, this situation has been causing you concern, especially given your previous experiences with CIN3 and the repeat procedures you’ve had.

The most important thing to remember is that you no longer have HPV. HPV is mostly the underlying cause of CIN2/3 changes, so now that you are HPV‑negative, your risk of developing further high‑grade changes becomes very low. This is why the laboratory will test for HPV first; if HPV isn’t present, it is unlikely that CIN3 could recur.

It sounds like your earlier recurrence may have happened when you were still HPV positive. It can take up to two years for the immune system to clear an HPV infection. Now that your HPV test is negative, this means the chance of CIN3 returning without HPV is very small.

I know that moving to a five‑year screening interval can feel worrying after everything you’ve been through. But research shows that the five‑year gap is safe, and HPV testing is very sensitive at picking up early changes. If HPV were ever to come back, the screening programme would detect it long before anything serious developed. CIN3 doesn’t turn into cervical cancer quickly, and it cannot progress without HPV being present.

Based on the information you’ve shared, you are considered low risk at the moment. However, if you notice any symptoms or if you have ongoing worries at any point, it’s important to speak with your GP for advice.

I hope this has helped. If you need anything else, you’re welcome to get back in touch. Our nurses are also available on the helpline, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, on freephone 0808 800 4040.

Jemma