Hello and thanks for posting,

Getting a positive HPV smear test is a very common occurrence and you are not alone. The majority of people (80%) who are sexually active will have been exposed to this virus at some point in their lives. I can't say how long you have had it because it can remain dormant (asleep) for may years.

The charity Jo's Trust has some useful information about the HPV virus which you can see here

We have an excellent screening programme in this country. When you go for your smear test this is sent  to a laboratory where they test for HPV. If this is present on the sample they then go on to test for any abnormal cells. Your sample showed no abnormal cells. It is the HPV virus that can cause changes to the cells.

The abnormal cells are not cancer but if they were left for a long time, sometimes  many years later they could then go on and become cancerous.

There is no specific treatment for the HPV virus but often your own immunity will clear it. This can take up to two years or in  some cases even longer. If they saw you any earlier then a year then your immunity may not have got on top of the virus.

Other then not smoking and leading a healthy life there is little you can do.

The most important thing is for you to attend all your screening appointments so any abnormalities can be picked up at an early stage, treated if necessary and then monitored.

I do hope that this has helped reassure you.

If you have further questions that you  would like answered then do give one  of the  nurses a ring on the helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the Best,

Catherine