Hello

Can't recall what year exactly, but I had cell changes at a smear test and then saw a specialist who said I  had HPV and it scared the xxxx out of me. The lady I saw was so matter of fact (in a good way) that I literally pulled my big girl pants on (because she told me too!) And that she could fix me. I had a laperoscopy after colposcopy and she basically zapped all the bad cells away and removed the HPV. I've had good smears ever since and  gone on to have my son. Doctors can do so much. Trust that they will help you. I wish you so much luck. Xx

Thanks Vicki, it's just hard not to worry and think the worse, especially with such a fast change in the cells going from borderline requiring no treatment to severe in a year! I was just curious if anyone else had had any similar experiences. 
Im 29, I have had 3 children naturally. How did you find the laparoscopy? The nurse said today they will definitely be doing some kind of treatment so I presume this is what I will more than likely have. I haven't had any kind of bleeding since being on the injection I don't actually bleed apart from the odd spot when I go to the toilet from time to tkme, I don't bleed after sex however more recently I do find it quite uncomfortable however I have put this down to it being longer periods inbetween (my partner works away and is often tired, plus the honey moon period was over a long time ago) I say longer periods inbetween perhaps weekly (sorry for TMI!) I do get pretty much a constant dull belly ache like mild period pains but nothing I feel I need to take pain killers for. Xx

I was scared of the procedure but that's normal. Was told I'd be fine after I came to, but felt in pain and was given morphine, oxygen and a warm stream of air under my blanket and felt amazing shortly afterwards!! Stayed overnight. Gas gave me a bit of shoulder pain, but apart from that I was fine and recovered well. Laparoscopy is best thing as they can see everything that's going on and fix whatever needs fixing. 

When do you find out what they are planning to do? Xx

Im not sure, when the letter comes I presume? The nurse only told me what notes she could see on the general GP screen so she said to await the letter but said they will definitely do some kind of treatment im just unsure what x

Keep strong. Chat on hear anytime you are feeling wobbly. X

Hiya Emily,

I'm in the same boat as you, although I haven't had a smear done in 5 years and had 4 babies naturally, my youngest being 5 months old I got my smear test done in November and got my results back beginning January. I'm high risk HPV with severe cell changes. Booked in for a colposcopy this coming Wednesday. I will let you know the outcome of it to hopefully ease your mind as I'm hoping the outcome will be ok for me. Unfortunately I have been getting stomach pains, bleeding etc and going for a pelvic ultrasound tomorrow to rule out ovarian cancer and I am bricking it, I'm only 29! But as my doctor said these are just precautionary measures and it doesn't mean anything sinister is going on.

Hi emilymay

It is possible that you have had the abnormal cells for longer than you might think, as they may not have all been picked up at your colposcopy last time. Did you have a biopsy at that time? But still, please try not to worry-this is not cancer and the abnormal cells can be removed. 

I’ve spoken with literally dozens of women who have had treatment for abnormal cervical cells and have never once heard before of anyone having a laparoscopy for this. The standard treatment would be removal of the cells via a lletz procedure which is done in clinic as an outpatient and does not take long. It doesn’t involve a general anaesthetic or overnight stay. So before you get carried away with any thoughts of this type of procedure, you need to see what is planned for you as an individual. I strongly suspect it will be the lletz treatment, which is very routine and over quickly.

It is HIGHLY unlikely at this point that there would be any treatment suggested other than this. xx

I forgot to add that it is incorrect to say that any treatment “removes” HPV as this is not possible. Treatment removes the damage caused by HPV ie the abnormal cells but does NOT remove the virus itself. HPV can be active or dormant within your body but there is no cure for it. Best thing you can do is keep as healthy as possible to keep your immune system strong and keep the virus suppressed/dormant  so it isn’t causing any damage. xx

Hi, I'm so sorry to ambush this thread, but just realised from reading this that HPV doesn't go away! I had cells bunted away 16 years ago and have gone on to have 2 children with normal smears throughout the years. I had a baby 2 years ago via section and had a smear on Wednesday. I have been bleeding every other week since August but had stopped the depo injection 8/9 months previous to this, I thought it was just my body getting back to normal after have no periods for 8 months. I told the nurse at the smear and while doing the smear she seemed concerned. She took the smear and other swabs and and wants the gp to do a full pelvic examination. I am so worried. I also haven't gone to the toilet in a full week, have taken laxatives with no help! Maybe the constipation is just bad timing? I'm just so worried that something is wrong! My mum had stage 3 cervical cancer which I know is not hereditary but I just have a gut feeling! I haven't told the doctor about the constipation as it's just 6 days but I can't go at all!! Any advice would help! Many thanks

Hi Mummy39

Its true that the HPV never leaves you in the sense that there is no cure for it, but for most people who have it, it won’t cause any issues at all. The smear test now is testing for active HPV, as this is what causes abnormal cell changes.

I can understand the nurse suggesting a pelvic examination as any case of unexplained bleeding should be investigated irrespective of a smear test result. There can be many issues which cause bleeding and would not necessarily be cancer, and you are correct to say that cervical cancer does not have a genetic link. However, for peace of mind you should definitely be examined and referred for further tests if necessary. 

The constipation may just be bad timing, but I would definitely tell the doctor at your appointment, as a week is a long time not to go and you must be really uncomfortable. Perhaps he can prescribe something to help. 

I hope there is a straightforward explanation for you, and you can be reassured. Try not to think too far ahead, and please don’t use dr google! xx