Hi and thanks for posting

It can be hard getting a smear result that needs further looking into, but it's actually really common. The thing to remember about HPV is that most people(over 80%) will get it at one point in their lives  and then the immune system will clear it , though it can resurface many years later. Dyskaryosis means change, but this isn't cancer- there are  low grade, moderate and severe changes and these are all still not cancer. Low grade changes usually revert back to normal and won't need any treatment. You will have a check smear in 6 months ( is it not 12 months for low grade changes) to make sure the HPV virus is cleared and there are no cell changes - so this means there is a safety net and you will be followed up closely.

There is some more information to read here  about having a colposcopy and what to expect and more about abnormal cells here   and here about HPV  

There isn't anything you can do to get rid of HPV other than not smoking as that is known to delay getting rid of it. If you have a healthy , well balanced diet anyway and you are not too run down there is little else you can do.

Do give us a ring if you would like a chat about any of this - the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Try and not worry too much about this if you can - and I hope the appointment comes round soon

All the best

Wanda

Heyy

I totally understand how your feeling, how is everything going?

I have just received a letter confirming I have HPV and Low-grade dyskaryosis. I am going for a colposcopy. I was just wondering how the procedure was etc... 

I am also worried sick, I have lower abdominal pain and I think a UTI, not diagnosed. I had excruciating pain a few weeks ago after sex, but I just had put that down to having the coil fitted a couple of months back. 

But you google these things and it's terrifying, I know you shouldn't google but it's natural!!!

Any words of wisdom or advice would be much appreciated 

Charlotte

Hello Charlotte and thanks for posting,  

You can take a look at an online version of a leaflet about having a colposcopy produced by the English Cervical Screening Programme at the link below, this tells you what is involved

www.gov.uk/.../cervical-screening-having-a-colposcopy

Bear in mind that cervical screening is really all about prevention. The idea is to pick up very early cell changes which could potentially develop into cancer much later and to treat them to stop this from happening. 

The lower abdominal pain, UTI and pain after sex could easily be unrelated to your screening result, but we would usually say to talk over new symptoms like this with your doctor and get their input to be on the safe side and in case they have anything to do with a pelvic infection that needs to be treated.  

I agree it is human nature to google but it can often cause a lot of unnecessary worry. Do talk to your GP about your symptoms and try not to worry about the colposcopy - try and think of it as another routine part of the cervical screening process.

Please give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays, 9-5.

Best wishes,

Julia