Hi Sanx,

I am sorry you are worried about this right now, it is no fun. I have no medical training but I have had hpv (and cervical cancer) so I will answer you based on what I learned over the years (I'm 56). HPV is common and can come and go, sometimes clears your system by itself and it normally takes years for it to develop into cancer.  It doesn't mean anyone has been unfaithful but if either of you have been with other people in the past, it could've been picked up that way. I think the process you are going through with the colposcopy is also just normal protocol, and you definitely want to get it taken care of if necessary. 

Good Luck, tell us how things turn out.

Laura xx

Hi Laura, 

Thank you for replying at this time of night. 
I am so sorry to hear you had cervical cancer and hope you are okay.  It's so worrying and just wanting it over and done with. Once I have my results back and been to the hospital I will be sure to let you know so hopefully everything is fine and it can all go away. Cant wait for 2020 to be over! 
 

xxxx 

Hi, I'm really sorry to hear about all the issues you've had in the past!! But please don't worry yourself because that's all I did and it doesn't do you any good! I'm 21 and I had abnormal bleeding so I went to the doctors and had tests and fast forward to having a colposcopy and having two biopsies I got my results. I actually just have a cervical ectropion which is harmless which is the cause of the bleeding but I found out I have hpv and CIN1 which are the lowest pre cancerous cells. Although it worried me at first especially only being 21 I just have to go back in a year and they say it'll probably all go away by then. I don't even know how I have hpv as me and my boyfriend have only been with eachother but apparently within a year that can just go. Other pre cancerous cells can be treated and they can take many many years to develop into cancer. I just think at least now it can be monitored as it could've got worse without me knowing and I wouldn't have a smear test for another four years!! They may even be able to tell you what they think at the colposcopy! Try not to worry x

Harriet 

Hi Harriet,

Thank you for your reply. 

I'm so happy for you that you got yours checked early and they are getting everything sorted. I remember having these sharp pains and I asked my doctor please can I have an early smear I was around 22 and I was told no you don't need it you haven't had children and you had your HPV vaccinations. I do think girls should have a smear test at the age of 18 and then maybe another one at 25 and then every 3 years If all okay. You have made me feel better as you are a similar age to me so thank you for that. I guess I just have to try not to worry with everything going on in the world at the moment it's just another worry to add to my mind. I just want my colposcopy to hurry up now and will keep you updated with the outcome. 
 

much love xxx 

Hi, 

Yeah it's a tricky situation because we had these vaccinations but I heard that they're only 70% effective but they probably don't cover every single strain of hpv because I heard there are quite a lot. The hpv has probably caused me to have the cin1 cells too. I was surprised how seriously I was taken at the doctors and the hospital and I was dealt with pretty quick which worried me but then that's a good thing too. I had to wait two weeks for the colposcopy too as I wasn't seen as urgent. The only thing I understand is that under 25 our cells can change then go back to normal which could be the case for me but it's still good to know about. It's weird though how some countries start smears at 20. Just try to think how of an advantage you are because of your age. I know how you feeling with all this though as I was so convinced I had something sinister going on. Let me know how it goes x

Harriet x

Hey, 

Yeah it is strange and hopefully in the future the age can be lowered for a smear. I hope you don't mind me asking but do you have any condition like PCOS I was just wondering if that makes you more high risk at developing abnormal cells. 
 

xxx

Hi, 

yeah I hope so too! No I don't, i wouldn't suspect it would make a difference as PCOS is to do with the ovaries whereas the cell changes is to do with your cervix but I'm no medical expert so who knows. I've also read about people getting an abnormal cell result at the smear then the colposcopy showing no abnormal cells. I know how worrying it can be especially when you're just waiting for an appointment. I'm sure you'll be fine x

Harriet x

Thank you your conversation has really helped settle my mind a little. Will be sure to keep you posted and let me know if you ever need a chat xxx