Hello, 

I'm new to this but I am looking for some advice.

I had abnormal bleeding in 2015 at age 20 and was sent for a smear. It came back that I had HPV and abnormal cells so I was then sent for a biopsy. Everything came back with no changes but I had to return every year for a checkup. Each year showing HPV present and abnormal cells. I cry at every appointment as I am a very nervous person and can't even get my blood taken without fainting.

I had my most recent appointment on June 11th and the doctor advised that if it came back with HPV and abnormal cells again I would have to go for treatment. She didn't give me much information on this. Does anyone know what the treatment would be as I have already had biopsies and colposcopy.

Any advice would be helpful on what the next step usually is?

Thanks,

Chloe

 I’m sure it will be nothing to worry about. HPV can clear up by itself but I think treatment If your doctor decides to treat the abnormal cells, she may use one of these methods:

Cryotherapy. This involves freezing the abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

Conization . This procedure removes the abnormal areas.

Laser therapy. This uses light to burn away abnormal cells.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The abnormal cells are removed with an electrical current. The goal is to remove all the abnormal cells, including most or all of the cells with HPV.

Dont worry, your doctors are only doing what’s best for you! 

Keep us updated! X 

Thank you. I think because it has remained persistent for over 4 years this is why they are recommending treatment if the smear comes back positive again. 

Its a 6-8 week waiting game now to get my results and I think that is the worst part. Everything above sounds fine except for LEEP :shocked: sounds horrifying!

I will keep you updated once I get the results and let's hope the HPV has decided to *** off!

Hi Chloe,

HPV is very common lots of people have it. It can clear your system without doing anything. You are being proactive and being tested every year and I think that is great! I am not a doctor, of course, but you are doing what you are supposed to by keeping track of things and getting them taken care of. I am not sure what the treatment might be but don't be fearful, be proud of yourself! You are doing what I wish I had done, instead I waited 15 years before getting a smear, only to find out I had gone too long and had cancer.   You got this! Good Luck and make sure to update us.

Laura xx

Hi, 

the LEEP doesn’t hurt and is fine, my friend had it done and she was fine and was so happy it was done! Don’t worry about anything! You can do this! 

Keep us updated! 

Hi

I know im late but hope you went and it was ok. Explain to the staff about your history and concerns and im sure theyll take it into account and try to make it as comfortable as possible. It will br worth going if it keeps everything clear for you as isnt worth the risk. 

Hope youre doing ok. Xx

Hi Carenaa,

I have always had normal pap results until last month, totally freaked out when it said it has detected abnormal cells and a colposcopy appointment would be sent out.

please don’t google as it scared me to the point of panic attacks.  I rang the screening centre and the said it was borderline and positive for HPV which I felt mortified about.  I was raped by my ex-abuser 9 years ago and not had a relationship since.

Hopefully I can reassure you about the colposcopy appointment as I had mine today.  It’s no different to a Pap smear and the biopsy didn’t hurt whatsoever.  The two nurses were so lovely and kept chatting so I felt more relaxed.

I will get the biopsy results on 3-4 weeks, until then I’m going to try and stay positive and definitely won’t be doing anymore googling.

The Pap tests, now with additional HPV screening have done what they’re meant to and detected abnormal cells/borderline changes early, for me in the last 3 years since my last smear.  Don’t know what will be next but worrying myself into panic attacks won’t do me any good. 

Hope all goes well, and please try to be positive as early detection is what has been achieved.

My best wishes x

Hi can anyone help ive also had a letter saying borderline changes and positive for hpv im worried to the point i cant stop thinking of anything else, my appointment is on the 30th of Aug, and i dont stop on google , many thanks xx

Hi Lisa,

i had the same back in November. Please don’t worry. Borderline only means slightly. You will have to have a  biopsy  Which is fine and nothing to worry about just wait for the letter. If you have any question you can always call them like I did and I was fine. 

I now have to go back in 12months for another smear,

You have to yourself well done for going for your smear! 

Please keep us updated