Suddenly HPV positive

Hi there, a little confused, can anyone advise on the following?

I am in my 40's & have always had clear scans & no signs of HPV. A smear result last Spring showed no HPV but a biopsy taken in August has tested positive for HPV. I had unprotected intercourse with a new partner during this time. Does this mean I contracted the virus between these time frames or could I have had it previously without it showing up in smear tests?

Thank you for your help.

  • Hi Redstar and welcome to the forum.

    I'm going to include some information we have about screening results and HPV which I hope will help make things a bit easier to understand but you're more than welcome to have a chat about this with our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Do be sure to talk things through with your doctor as well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator