I had my first smear test when I was 26. It came back abnormal with ‘minor changes in squamous cells’ and I had to go for a colposcopy and have a biopsy done. Luckily, everything came back ok and I didn’t have to have any treatment or anything further done. As much as the experience was as good as it could have been and the nurses were lovely, it really freaked me out and I haven’t been back for one since. I was told to come back within a year and it’s been nearly 2 and a half years and I still haven’t had another smear. I’m booked in for one tomorrow and I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve convinced myself that I must have cervical cancer by now because I’ve left it to progress, and it’s my own fault for not going back when I was supposed to. I have had the HPV vaccine and I wouldn’t say I’ve had symptoms as such but my periods have been lasting a little bit longer for the past few months which is unusual for me, but they’re not particularly painful. If anyone could slightly put my mind at ease that have had abnormal cells and had to have a colposcopy without any treatment, and then went on to have a normal smear the next time I’d really appreciate it. Thank you