Hi there and thanks for your post

I am sorry to hear they were unable to perform the colposcopy at your appointment. Vagina dryness and shortening of the canal isn't unusual as we get older and it can sometimes be difficult to view the cervix to be able to examine it more closely.

As well as the gynaecologist numbing the area I don't know if he also advised about trying applying some vaginal moisturisers or vaginal oestrogen that your GP could prescribe to see if this also helps.

Try not to worry about cervical cancer. HPV itself isn't cancer but can sometimes cause abnormal cells which may over time turn into cancer but this often takes a long time to happen.

When cervical screening is carried out they check for HPV and if positive then test for abnormal cells. If no abnormal cells are found they repeat in a year and repeat the process to check for further change.

HPV usually clears within a couple of years but sometimes can persist for longer. This can be because someone smokes or has a lowered immune system that is unable to clear the infection but sometimes there is no obvious reason for this.

After 2 or 3 positive HPV results regardless of whether there have been any abnormal cells found, it is routine to be sent to colposcopy for a closer look at the cervix.

At your next appointment hopefully they will be able to observe the cervix and take biopsies if needed to check for any further abnormality. If the cytology test to check the sample for abnormal cells was clear it is unlikely anything suspicious will be found but they will talk you through what they are doing and what needs to happen next.

I hope this is helpful and puts your mind at ease for now.

Do get back in touch if needed or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

Best wishes

Naomi