Hi all

18 months ago I had an abnormal smear test result and was HPV positive too.  I had a colposcopy and 3 punch biopsies were taken.  The results came back and the diagnosis was CIN2.  I had the LLETZ procedure and all went well.

I had a follow up smear test after 6 months and that came back as me still being HPV positive. I was sent back to hospital for another colposcopy which when done showed no signs of abnormal cells on my cervix.  I am 51 years old and was told by the Consultant that all was well and that he was going to put me onto 5 yearly screening as I am over 50.

I am just a little worried that 5 years is such a long time to wait, it bothers me that I may have a really aggressive strain of the HPV virus and that it will come back and in 5 years time cell changes might have turned to cancer.

I read an newspaper article/interview in the newspaper today regarding a young woman who had not missed a smear test, the two previous tests had been ok.  It was picked up that she had cervical cancer tumour when she was pregnant and had gone for a routine ultrasound test.  I dont understand why when a lady is over 50, smear tests change to 5 yearly, especially in my case where I have the HPV virus and had medium grade cervical changes.

Could I request a smear test sooner than 4 years?  I keep getting niggly twinges in that area and it's bothering me a little.

Any advice or guidance would be really appreciated.