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HPV 3 years minimum

Debzz
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Hi, 

I'm after a bit of advice from anyone who may have been in the same boat as me.

My last 3 smears (yearly) have been HPV positive,  no abnormal cells.  But now I've got an appointment for a colposcopy next month.

I know it's good that no abnormal cells have been detected but I've heard that there is a possibility the smear test could not pick them up as it does not take the cells from high up enough in the cervix, is this the case?

 

Bit of additional background - I'm 42, same partner for 20 years. had an ultrasound a couple of years ago as i was suffering from occasional pelvic pain,  all came back normal.  About 20 years ago i was sent for a colposcopy as smear showed abnormal cells.  I seem to remember the doctor showed me an area of white cells at that appointment that could turn pre cancerous but no further treatment needed and all smears after that point were normal, until the first HPV positive one in 2020, which would have been my first one since they started testing for HPV.

 

So adding all that together,  I'm now panicking that I've had HPV for donkeys years, smears have never picked up abnormal cells and when i go for the colposcopy I'll get the worst new ever.....

 

Anyone having a similar experience to me?

Parents
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    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

     

  • Offline in reply to Devonmum

    Hi, I've just had my 3rd positive HPV smear so have been told I will get invited for a colposcopy. They also said it can take over 8 weeks to get an appointment as huge waiting list.

    It's very scary. 

    I hope you get on ok

    How long did you all have to wait ?

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