Cancer Research UK main site

HPV and high grade cells

Shortie85
Offline

Hi everyone I had asmear test last week and suddenly got a letter today saying I have HPV and high grade cells on my cervix well I couldn't believe it! Never had a sti or anything in my life my husband admitted to cheating and this is how I found out! What does this mean? Iam so scared I have cancer! I'm 36 with 2 young children I have been suffering on and off foul smelling discharge been back and forth to the doctors who said all swabs were normal and I am having stomach and pelvis pain and sharp pains up my moo! I put this down to other health issues but iam now thinking it's because of the HPV and abnormal cells iam really panicking and freaking out tbh! They said I have to wait for a appointment for a colonoscopy which I'm pretrifed about having has anyone had one what do they do? Does it hurt? What is the treatment for HPV and the treatment for high grade cells? So sorry for all the questions I suffer terrible aniexty and IAM litterally petrified and panicking can some one please give me some advice or tell me there experiences please x 

  • Offline

    Hi. I'm so sorry, it sounds as though you're going through a really tough time at the moment. 
    I don't have recent experience of a colonoscopy, but I did have one 25 years ago. It was uncomfortable, more so than a smear test, but not painful. I'm sure other ladies who have more recent experience will be in touch soon. 
    Have you confided in friends or family? They would want to support you and it helps to unburden your feelings. Take care x

  • Offline

    Hi

    Don't panic. I think you mean colposcopy. It doesn't hurt at all. They just use the instrument to open your vagina and shine a bright light so that they can look at your cervix using magnification. They may take some biopsies which are no worse than the smear test. I had one last year. Many years ago, I had abnormal cells. In that instance, they used a dye to see the cells. I didn't have the treatment on the day, as I fainted (don't let this panic you, I faint very easily at almost nothing!). I had the treatment under GA. All they did was the LLETZ procedure, which lasers off the abnormal cells. I had no reoccurence, but was monitored with yearly smears for 10 years, I think. 

    Technically HPV is an STI. However, most strains don't cause any symptoms at all and so are never detected. Almost everyone who is sexually active has been exposed to HPV. There are just a few strains which are high risk and can lead to cell changes later in life. Also, it doesn't mean that your husband has recently infected you. The time between infection and symptoms can take a long while. Also, 13 out of every 100 smear tests are positive for HPV. So, the prevalence at any given time is pretty high. 

    You will probably be able to find details on the Colposcopy on the NHS website, and they should also send it to you. I happen to have been sent my invite for the smear test this week, so have the new leaflet. It explains that they now test for HPV first, then look for abnormal cells. I don't believe they did this 3 years ago.

  • Offline in reply to SaraJ74

    Hi hun thank you for your reply it has calmed my nerves abit! My last smear was normal and this smear has come up with HPV and high grade cells my husband confessed to cheating won't tell me when but says it's a while ago (so within the last 3 years) as last smear was fine,I read that the HPV clears it self within 2 years so I'm thinking my husband infected me within the last year or so aleast,if I need treatment for the cells which I'm guessing I will instead of being awake when they "burn" them off can I be put to sleep! I litterally can't do it awake no way at all! X 

  • Offline in reply to Debsjay

    Hi hun thank you so much for your support and reply unfortunately I cannot tell anyone and my husband won't talk to me about it he opened my letter and didn't reliase what it was about now he knows he said he would of hidden the letter from me! So can't get no help or support from him! Even thou he's the cause! Unfortunately anyone I know are my husband's friends and he doesn't want them to know! I joined this group in the hope to find some help advice and support I've never had anything like this before so I'm completely in the dark and really really scared xxx 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.