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Hpv

1971Clare
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I have received the results of my smear test today. They show I have abnormal cells and I will need a colposcopy . They have also showed that I have a HpV infection. I don’t know how I’ve got this or what I have to do to treat it . Is this something that I need to tell a new partner or have to tell old partners about? I have recently started a new relationship and wondered if it’s still safe to have sex or does it need to be treated before having sex again. I’m really scared and I feel dirty that I’ve got this infection 

  • Hi Clare. 

    HPV is a very common virus with approx 80% of the population getting one type of HPV at some point in their lives. As it lives on the skin it's very easy to get and very difficult to completely protect against. We can also have HPV for a long time without knowing about it, so it is hard to know when we got HPV or who we got it from so please don't feel that you're "dirty". 

    There's lots of information on the Jo's Trust website about HPV that will hopefully answer some of your questions. They also have a great section about  cell changes that I'd recommend you have a read through for some information about your treatment. 

    If you'd like to speak to someone about your results then do feel free to call our team of nurses on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). I'm sure that they'll be able to put your mind at ease. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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