Hi

Im new to this too and have only just posted but I saw this and thought I'd share with you my experience. 
 

I had my first smear at 25 in 2017 and it came back that I had some abnormal cell changes so they tested for HPV and it was positive, which is why they invited me for a colposcopy. They said all was well and I can resume 3 yearly smears.
 

It can take your body up to 2 years to clear a HPV infection. However, it is really good that they have recorded no abnormal cell changes from it. 80% of all people will have HPV in their lifetime so it is completely normal to have it. 

Hi

Thank you for replying :)

Yeah when I first got my results back for the first smear I wasn't concerned as I knew that HPV was pretty common. I'm slightly more concerned now as it's come back as still positive for HPV but rather than go for a different type of test they just want me to have another smear again next year but I suppose that's just how it is.

Maisie x 

Hi

Thank you for replying :)

Yeah when I first got my results back for the first smear I wasn't concerned as I knew that HPV was pretty common. I'm slightly more concerned now as it's come back as still positive for HPV but rather than go for a different type of test they just want me to have another smear again next year but I suppose that's just how it is.

Maisie x 

I imagine if they're offering it to you yearly then they want to keep an eye on the HPV which is actually really good as normally they don't even normally test for it unless there are abnormal cells present. I was told I can forget about my dodgey cells and come back in 3 years  But there is no cure for the HPV infection so maybe they're doing watchful waiting to see if anything changes next year. 

Hopefully it clears without causing any issues for you x
 

Yeah that's true! I'm not going to worry about it any longer than I have.

Thank you for your help and insight :) xx

Hi I know this post is a few years old now I was just wondering did you test negative for the hpv in the end?

Hi! I thought I'd update my situation to help others. I have tested positive for HPV three times in a row since testing for it started. However I have been happily married for over 20 years so the liklihood is that I have been positive for a long while! After the third positive result I went for a colposcopy. They decided to take a punch biopsy as apparently this can help your immune system get rid of the HPV. And it worked! This year I am negative, possibly for the first time in over 20 years!  I know its hard not to worry, I have been there! But they do monitor you well whilst you are positive (yearly) and there is hope of a negative result even after many years. I hope this helps people reading this chat x

Hi Dawn, 

thanks for sharing your update I am so pleased to hear you have since had a negative result! Do you know the difference between a punch biopsy to a normal biopsy they take at a colposcopy? 
 

thanks xx