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. 

  • I'm sorry to hear that but thankfully it's no abnormalities which must be a relief. Although I'm sure disappointing it's still there as it nags away in your mind doesn't it!

    I've actually done quite a bit of reading into it and decided to go with bio-kult boosted which has the right stuff in recommended for hpv, seem to be reputable (as there are a million brands out there!) and not massively expensive so I am going to give them a go and then perhaps do a bit more reading into it at a leisurely pace. I just wanted to start something quickly to feel like I am trying to kick this thing out of my system. I have also started taking multi vitamins as well. 

  • Ah Amazing, I'm glad you've found something, I'll definitely be looking into this myself! 

     

    I was on the pill for over 10+ years and decided to come off last year around my 1st smear test. 

    When I spoke to my doctors she advised that HPV would clear within your body and through cycles. Ive always been irregular and had my first monthly about 3 months ago so hopefully my body will start fighting it naturally. I have been eating better to try and get some vitamins in naturally but I think I'll definitely look into the ones you suggested to hopefully try and clear it asap!

  • Yes hopefully it will clear for you. I think mine could be persistent hpv or a re-activation as I have had the same partner for years and am in my mid forties with 2 young kids. I am just hoping I haven't had it for years! But thankfully normal cells so got to look on the bright side. I am pretty stressed out and exhausted most of the time which the nurse said could have caused it to come back but who knows. 
     

    if you find anything else out about probiotics do let me know and I will too if I do.
    I am also going to start eating more veg and trying to slow down my pace of life! Easily said than done.

    good luck

  • Hi everyone. 

    I've received a positive HPV result for the first time after my second smear test. This has made me feel extremely worried even though I have no abnormal cells which I understand to be good based on the reading I have done. 

    However, I am concerned that it could be passed onto my partner. We've been together a while and we know each other's history. Should I be concerned? Should we take extra precautions? 

    Also, does this impact fertility? Doesn't seem to be much about that. I'm looking to have children in the near future so want to know if I need to start thinking about that too. 

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

  • Hi sorry to jump on your post just seen this as I've had 2 hpv positive the first was no abnormal changes but the second was borderline. You mentioned yours was borderline did everything turn out ok?

    as I am really worried about this 

    thanks 

  • Hi so about 15 years ago i had borderline changes to my cells, i had those lasered off and and have been fine ever since

    then 3 years ago i went for a test and i was hpv positive no abnormal cells

    year later same result

    then this year i had my third (which was when i was worried it would still be hpv positive and possible changes to cells)

    but thankfully my third result was clear! No hpv anymore!

    if there is borderline changes hopefully you can just get them lasered off and that will be the end of it. 
    keep on top of your check ups always and although hpv will come and go hopefully your body will always clear it without making any changes to your cells again 

    hope that helps x

  • Hi 

    this makes me feel so much better as I've got a colposcopy appointment on Wednesday as I'm hpv positive but borderline cell changes so hoping they just laser them off like yours and it's nothing to worry about but I can't help but stressing over them I'm very up to date on my smears as I always have been since having them done, which I suppose is a good thing. Just can't help thinking the worst . Im a worrier anyway but this has made me think alsorts and im so nervous for the hospital appointment 

  • I replied fast as im a worrier too and alot of people post then dont follow up with how things went

    i wouldnt worry too much, i know its hard not to but my nurse said that it takes a long time for the cells to turn cancerous so as long as you are on top of appointments it should just be a case of catching it in time and getting them lasered off. Changes to cells dont always mean they will become cancerous either so im sure everything will just be fine. I had mine lasered a long time ago and thankfully so far nothing has come back but i also was very worried so i understand how you feel. Take it one step at a time ️

  • I've been Googling all sorts since getting the letter 3 weeks ago for my appointment but I know it's the worst thing you can do but I think sometimes it can't be helped. I have a neally 2 year old aswell so it made me worry even more. But your reply has made me relax abit so thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Like you say cause theirs not much info on it you don't really understand what it is do they tell you their and then about the abnormal results on the colposcopy also did you have them laserd their and then or did you have to go back?

  • Im the worst for googling then i convince myself of all sorts but honestly after a while i just had to stop and realise whatever happens is beyond your control and you just have to deal with it if it actually happens or you will make yourself ill. 
    you go for the check up and they should laser them there and then. I have two kids too and when you have kids everything just seems so much scarier you will be fine tho its just borderline and going regularly you're already one step ahead ️ ️