HPV after colposcopy

Hello all,

I’ve had an unfortunate smear test history of having abnormal results prior to being tested for HPV and smears every 6 months from 2017-2019. My 2023 smear test found HPV and abnormal changes and I went for a colopscopy in May 2024, 7 biopsies were taken and the result of them were nothing too worrying just that I would need another smear in 12 months. 

I’ve recently had my follow up smear is still showing high risk HPV but this time “minor” cell changes and I’ve to go back in another 12 smear to see if my body has cleared. 

I’ve been stressing out after receiving this letter in the post and have ended up consulting Dr google which has been the worst thing I have ever done as it’s told me I should have been referred for another colopscopy instead of waiting 12 months. 

Has anyone else had a yearly recall with minor cell changes after a colopscopy? 

Thank you in advance 

  • As I noticed your post hasn’t had a reply yet, I wanted to stop by to say hello and welcome you to the forum, Kiki1010.

    It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling anxious after getting your results. Waiting and not knowing exactly what’s happening can be really stressful, especially when you’ve already been through several tests and follow-ups.

    Many people here have mentioned how easy it is to fall into the “Dr Google” trap, and it often ends up making the worry worse rather than better. It sounds like your medical team are keeping a close eye on things and have a clear plan for monitoring, which is reassuring, but I know it’s still not easy to sit with that uncertainty.

    I hope that others who’ve had similar experiences with HPV and follow-up smears will join in to share how things went for them. Sometimes just hearing from people who’ve been in the same situation can really help put your mind at ease.

    If you’d like to talk things through in more detail, our team of nurses are available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on this free phone 0808 800 4040.
    I hope this helps.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator