I’m sorry to hear that your recent screening results showed HPV and some changes in your cells — it’s completely understandable to feel worried. At the same time, it’s good to hear you’ve been referred for a colposcopy, as this is the usual next step to help get a clearer picture. It gives specialists the chance to take a closer look at your cervix and decide if any further checks or treatment are needed.
You can read more about what cervical screening results mean on our website, which might help explain things a bit more while you wait.
I hope others who’ve had a similar experience will be along shortly to share their stories - it often helps to hear from people who’ve been in the same boat.
And if you feel it would help to talk things through, our nurses are here for you. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
I hope everything goes smoothly with your appointment, Wendy. Please do come back and let us know how you’re getting on, if you feel up to it.
I'm Jessica, 37, and I've been positive for HPV for the last 4 years (been having yearly smears) but no cell changes as of yet. I had a colposcopy and biopsy done last year, thankfully the results were clear. It's coming close to the time where I'll be called for again and I'm just praying the HPV has gone (although I'm not feeling very hopeful as I've also just had to have a biopsy on my vulva for a skin lesion that is most likely caused by HPV but still awaiting results). This most important thing to remember though is that cervical cancer is one of the easiest to prevent, it's a slow growing cancer and any cell changes can be removed before they turn in to cancer. You have CIN1, CIN2 & CIN3 before it turns in to cancer. The colposcopy and biopsy, for me, was absolutely fine with minimal discomfort but just tell the nurse you are if you are nervous and also make sure you ask any questions that you want to know. The hardest bit I find is the waiting for results as they can take 6-8 weeks but I'm sure you will be fine. Good luck xx
