Hi there Shelley and thanks for posting

I can understand news of a further positive hpv test is worrying but try not to over think this if you can.

As I am sure you know hpv is an extremely common virus amongst sexually active people and in most cases will be harmless. We do know it can over time sometimes cause abnormal cells that if left may eventually turn into cancer but this often takes many years to happen (10+), and that's if it ever does.

The cervical screening programme is all about preventing cervical cancer by picking up these abnormalities that can then be treated or monitored until everything returns to normal.

More often than not hpv is cleared by the body's own immune system within a couple of years of coming in contact with it but we know smoking can delay this. Other people can have more persisting hpv that lingers on but not necessarily causing anymore problems.

The screening programme has very strict protocols that are followed to be effective and therefore if someone has 3 yearly hpv positive screens with no abnormal cytology(cells) they are seen in colposcopy just to be safe and sure nothing else unusual is going on.

It is good to hear you are pretty well in yourself and the fact that the nurse didn't mention anything to you when she looked at the cervix whilst taking the sample is good news and reassuring. Usually if they notice something they will say and automatically refer on to the colposcopy clinic for further assessment.

Try and keep yourself busy and your mind on other things whilst you wait for your appointment. Avoid if you can searching up answers on the internet that could cause you even more anxiety.

Wishing you all the best

Naomi