HPV positive but normal cell result

Hi all

I had my first smear in December 2018 since turning 25. Results came back as no abnormal cells but HPV positive. This was a shock as I didn’t even know what it was and the letter didn’t mention risk type or strain just said for me to go back for a smear in 12 months. 

I phoned my gp and she said they only test for high risk so it is a high risk strain but she didn’t have info on what one... she told me not to worry but I can’t help it  

I had the HPV jab in secondary school so I’m hoping that worked at preventing the 2 strains it is meant to! 

Im concerned at how long I may have had HPV considering it’s my first smear and I’ve been sexually active for some time. I don’t have the best immune system and was recently on antibiotics for 2 months for strep throat which I think made my immune system even weaker during the winter months. I have also had a partner of 4 years and was worried about infidelaity but have been assured HPV can lay dormant for years. 

My main worry is that a year is too long to wait but appreciate it takes the body a while to fight off. I suppose if it was serious I would have been called back for further tests but the internets information is extremely conflicting :( 

The fact it’s sexually transmitted makes me feel so dirty. I have always been extremely careful. 

Parents
  • Hi racla 

    Hi completely understand your confusion. I’ve had my results back this morning and also had no abnormal cells but positive HPV. And my letter also didn’t explain much just like yours to go back in 12 months for my smear. I’m goin out of my mind with worry have you had any updates lovely. 

    Thanks. Chelsea x

  • Hi Girls. My first smear to.I'm the exact same. No abnormal cells but I've got HPV and I need to book another smear in a year's time. Have any of your had any updates? 

  • Hey hun just replying because I have had the same news today with my results I have been in such a Panic! I am thinking of making an appointment with my nurse for reassurance because I never got that in my results letter.. Have you heard anything since? I hope your feeling better about it xx
  • Hi Charlotte. Mine said there's nothing to worry about as long as no cells were detected then off I went :) all though  3 days after I went to the GP it must og sped up my refearal to the gyno I've been waiting on for over 6 months

  • I had a  positive HPV result in March  2020 and just had my second positive HPV result. Letter arrived this monring. I am 59 and won't deny a bit concerned. I am waiting for a nurse to ring me back . Apparently if I  get a third HPV positive result then I will get treatment . What, I do not know. I am just sitting here in tears. 

  • I have just had a positive hpv result aswell. Its worrying me so much. Can anyone recommend anything to do to help as I'm going out of my mind with worry. Keep us updated with what happens charlotteholly 10. Hope u get the news u want. Its so scary. 

  • Hi,

    I know how you feel, i found out i got a hpv positive result last march, and just found out im still hpv positive. I have to have another one next year and if still positive need a colposcopy.

    Have you got any cell changes? I haven't at the moment but it's horrible knowing i could have next year.

     

    Happy to chat if you have any worries or need anyone to talk to

     

    Jenny x

     

     

  • Thank you for your message back.its such a scary thing to go through and its reassuring to know that other people go through it aswell. I've got a really bad pain in my back now so not sure if that's related or just a water infection as I keep going a wee alot. How have u been keeping healthy. Have u changed anything xxx

  • It could be a urine infection especially if you are weeing a lot. To be honest I was so upset when I first found out last year, I felt dirty and ashamed but then I was trying to look on the positive side and think at least it was being monitored and there were no abnormal cells. It is so common. I just tried not to worry and didn't really change anything. I've still got it a year later I'm just hoping this time next year it's gone as I read it can take a couple of years to clear itself. Have you changed anything? X

Reply
  • It could be a urine infection especially if you are weeing a lot. To be honest I was so upset when I first found out last year, I felt dirty and ashamed but then I was trying to look on the positive side and think at least it was being monitored and there were no abnormal cells. It is so common. I just tried not to worry and didn't really change anything. I've still got it a year later I'm just hoping this time next year it's gone as I read it can take a couple of years to clear itself. Have you changed anything? X

Children
  • Fingers crossed it is but I can't help thinking the worse and giggling my symptoms which I know I shouldn't but I can't help it. I feel so upset aswell. Its so hard to try and relax and carry on. I'm glad we can talk about the same things. I hope it clears for u. I read it can take up to two years to clear aswell. I haven't changed anything apart from taking vitamins xx 

  • Yeah I know I was like that last year as I think it's easier to think the worst than it is to thing of the positives. It's so common and they didn't even used to test for HPV so we wouldn't even know we had it at the moment as our cells are still normal so I guess it's good they now test for it. I hope it clears for you too I'm Gona start taking vitamins or probiotics too xx