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Never ending cycle of abnormal smears. Is this normal?

JlouM
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I am 31 and will be going for my 6th colposcopy in 8 years next week. 

I've had one LLETZ session and 3 bouts of cold coagulation. 

My first "bad" smear was CIN2. Since then I've had what seems like a constant cycle of abnormal cells and HPV. 

Surely the sheer amount of times I've had to go through this isn't normal? After each treatment, I've been discharged after follow up checks 6 months later. 

I was discharged last May and now my recent smear has mild abnormalities and positive high grade HPV. I have pain during/after sex sometimes and the odd staining between periods. 

Has anyone else experienced this before? The sheer amount of times I've been in this position has me worried that my body is determined to fight me.

  • Hello JlouM

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with repeated abnormal cervical screening results. It's understandable that you're feeling worried about the reasons for this and what it may mean for you in the future. 

    I do know that we've had ladies post here on the forum previously who have been in similar positions so please don't feel that you're the only one to find themselves in this position. 

    There's some helpful information on the Jo's Trust website that I've linked for you that you might like to look at. You may also find it useful to call their helpline and chat things through with them. I'm sure they will offer any advice and support that they can. 

    I do hope that your appointment later this week brings some positive news and that the team are able to give you some reassurance about things. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    I've been having abnormal smears from age 29, I'm 42 now, going for my 12th colposcopy next month, I dont even worry about it anymore, it's just become part of my life, as long as you keep going to your appointments you'll be fine, they're keeping an eye on it and anything that shouldn't be there will be removed, they're just keeping on top of things.

    So try to stop worrying, it's more normal than u may think xx

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