Hello Debzz,

I posted a message yesterday on the hpv and hsv page. I have a similar story to you. I have been with my husband for 35 years. Had an abnormal smear, genital warts and a colposcopy over 30 years ago. I've had normal smears since up until April 2021 when I had an hpv positive, no abnormal cells result. Had another one in April this year and my letter said that there was no need to worry and I just have to wait for another year to be tested again. I  have googled everything I could on hpv and have been worried about cervical cancer, just like you. I saw my GP yesterday and she said that she couldn't tell me what strain of hpv I have as it's not recorded. She also thought that if I tested positive for hpv but no abnormal cells next year, then I would just have to wait another year and have another test. There would be no further examinations if they don't find abnormal cells in the smear. I was wondering if you were sent a letter with your 3rd positive smear result calling you in for your colposcopy or if you asked for further examination? I read somewhere that after 3 years positive - you would be automatically invited. My GP says that's not the case but surely she's wrong. Do you know what strain of hpv you have? 
I'm sorry you are going through this but it's good that you are going to have a proper examination. I can't tell you not to worry but hope your colposcopy reveals that everything is ok. I am going to try to speak to someone at my local sexual health clinic. There must be someone there that can give me advice. Perhaps you could do the same. They may be able to put your mind at ease.

Xxxx

Hi Devonmum,

Thanks for your reply. Sorry you're going through this too.

That's exactly the case, 3rd positive HPV test even if no abnormal cells triggers you getting sent for colposcopy. 

So i had positive HPV smear in 2020, 2021 and now 2022. When i got my last letter it said again there were no abnormal cells but 3 years testing positive for HPV you get referred so I've got my colposcopy booked in for September. 

Regarding the strain of HPV,  as I understand it, they only test for the high risk ones as these are the ones that can potentially cause abnormal cells.

So in your case, if you've had 2 positive HPV's you'll be invited for another within a year, if still HPV positive then you'll get sent for colposcopy. 

Hope this helps xx

Hi Devonmum,

Thanks for your reply. Sorry you're going through this too.

That's exactly the case, 3rd positive HPV test even if no abnormal cells triggers you getting sent for colposcopy. 

So i had positive HPV smear in 2020, 2021 and now 2022. When i got my last letter it said again there were no abnormal cells but 3 years testing positive for HPV you get referred so I've got my colposcopy booked in for September. 

Regarding the strain of HPV,  as I understand it, they only test for the high risk ones as these are the ones that can potentially cause abnormal cells.

So in your case, if you've had 2 positive HPV's you'll be invited for another within a year, if still HPV positive then you'll get sent for colposcopy. 

Hope this helps xx

Thank you for letting me know. It's unfortunate that they don't inform you of this in their letter. Hope all goes well for you in September.

x