Hi worried89

im in a similar position to you. I had CIN2 cells when I was 22 and had to have treatment on my cervix. Cells seemed to had gone away as I was invited back for a smear in 3 years. 4 years on from my initial treatment I was also diagnosed with HSV2. I'm sure you'll agree with me that this was possibly one of the worst days of my life - cried for months and still not really over it now. 
 

However, I'm in a loving relationship with a very supportive and understanding partner so I'm happy now. Just before Christmas I went for my smear test to be told that my HPV had returned again, like you I've read the same articles and I'm now worried about the future.

I'm only 28 and I do want children in the future and it just makes me feel really worried about it all to be honest. I tried to speak to my doctor who was pretty dismissive. I hate having those conversations anyway as I feel I'm now judged because of my diagnoses' (I've only had 6 sexual partners, 3 of which have been 2+ year relationships). I was wondering if you managed to speak to anyone about your cells? 
 

i hope everything is good with you 

Hi Monkey21,

Sorry to hear you're going through something similar.

Yes the HSV2 diagnosis was one of the worst times of my life, just makes you feel so dirty doesn't it, i think because you're stuck with it for life, but like you I'm with a loving partner now and he doesn't seem to have contracted it or if he has he doesn't show any symptoms. I don't have any outbreaks any more either so obviously i feel alot better about that. I just panicked when i read things online that it effects HPV. So at the time of my HPV diagnosis i called my GP to try an get some reassurance abour the HPV diagnosis but like you he was very dismissive. So i rang the sexual health clinic who were alot more helpful and explained fully anout HPV and how it wasn't something i should be concerned about they told me having HSV2 also wouldn't effect it so that did put my mind at ease.

Since then i had had some bleeding after sex, and intermittently throughout the month. I am on the pill where you don't have a break an usually don't get periods so obviously was worried about the bleeding. I had to really push my gp to do anything about it but I finally saw a gynaecologist just before Christmas, they said my cervix looked fine but are sending me for a scan on my womb, if that  comes back clear they will put it down to a hormonal inbalance from the pill, in which case i will probably come off it. Still waiting to hear back from my appointment though so i need to chase it up. 
 

As for the HPV its coming up to a year since my diagnosis so nearly time for my smear test...so I'm just hoping its gone away and the bleeding isn't related.

Try not to worry too much, which i know is hard i have worried alot myself, but i know at least 5 other women, friends an work colleagues who have been diagnosed with HPV recently, i think its really common. Doesn't make you worry any less though. I will update you on how my smear goes in the next few months. 
 

Hope everything goes ok for you xx

Hello, 

Thank you for sharing your post, I have HPV and Herpes.. both came together within the year. Being a single mum of two small children and spending some time online I'm sure you can imagine what's going through my mind. 
 

I was wondering if you had an update on your smear test? 
 

thank you ️ 

Hi 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. So i finally got somewhere with the gynaecologist and it turns out i have a fibroid so that could have been what was causing the bleeding. They said its microscopic so they discharged me and said its nothing to worry about obviously still a little worried as i am getting pain in my pelvis. 
 

So I actually only went for my smear yesterday as i had been putting it off which i know is silly of me! The nurse said fingers crossed the HPV should be gone, if it isn't then they will send me for a closer look at my cervix and they will possibly take a biopsy. I will update on here when i get my results. Fingers crossed I'm negative  

Thank you so much for replying.

I am sad about what's happened as I've always had normal smear tests before contracting HSV2 and after looking online all that seems to be highlighted is the connection to cancer and we have a string history of cancer in the family and as a single mum it's made me worry so much. 
 

I'm so pleased you went for your smear test! Rather catch anything as soon as possible so best to know and I'm guessing you'll get your results in a couple of weeks. If the HPV has gone that's great news!! I've changed my diet and hoping that helps and in a similar situation to yourself I'm hoping it will also go. I've been experiencing a aching dull sensation in my pelvis which is worrying. 
 

it would be great to stay in contact and if help if I can, even if it's just to talk 

Hi SamJoanne

No problem at all. I know its really worrying and i have spent hours an hours searching the internet and i think that just makes you worry more so i have tried to stop doing that. My HSV2 diagnosis was over 5 years ago and my HPV diagnosis was last year so i don't think they are related so I wouldn't worry about that. The nurse when i had my smear yesterday said that 80 percent of women are hpv positive and the reason women like our selfs in our 30's are now finding out we are HPV positive is because they have only recently over the last few years started testing for it and we also missed the hpv vaccine when we were at school as it would have started after we left. Which makes sence as 3 of my friends in their 30's have all recently had HPV positive results. 
 

So try not to worry! I have had some aches an pains too in my pelvis so if you are worried about that see your gp and ask them to refer you to a gynaecologist. As better to be over cautious i always thing. 
 

Sure, happy to keep in touch. Its good to have someone to talk to thats going through the same thing :)

Good afternoon,

Thank you for replying, I am sorry for the late response. 
How're you doing? I would say I hope you're enjoying the weather but it's taken a turn for the worst and knowing England the sunny weather we had was probably our spring and summer wrapped up . 
 

How did you get on with your most recent smear test? I hope it went well.
 

I took your advice and saw the GP, they sent me to have an ultrasound, however the practitioner said immediately she saw the cause of the pain which she believes is Verrucous veins in the pelvis, but the results were 'nothing to worry about and no further action' when I followed up with the GP and Verrucous veins were not mentioned.. Odd.. 
 

I am trying my hardest to avoid the internet and your last reply has helped a lot but I can't help but worry and whilst I have moments when it doesn't seem so bad I also have moments when I question how things will turn out and being a single mother I end up full of mum guilt. 
 

It would be great to hear from you, thank you again for your support :)  

Hi Sam,

I'm doing ok thankyou, yes the weather is very unpredictable to say the least! Its umbrella in the morning and shorts by afternoon kind of weather lol

My smear took so long to get the results, nearly 2 months! Unfortunately i am still HPV positive:( But with normal cells...so not all bad. I was really hoping it would have cleared but unfortunately not. So the letter i recieved was just the standard letter the same as i got last year, " you have hpv with normal cells, come back for your smear in 12 months. "
 

So I haven't been called in for any further investigation, but i think i am going to call my gp because I don't know if i should be leaving it for another 12 months as I thought they would ask me to go for a colposcopy.

I have had some pain in my pelvis during sex with my partner recently so that did worry me, but i have a fibroid and i read that fibroids can cause pain during sex and a pressure feeling which is what i have but its only in one side of my pelvis. 
 

If you aren't happy with your diagnosis, go back and ask for a second opinion, the problem is i don't think they communicate because the same happened to me they said my ultrasound scans were fine but then on the follow up mentioned the fibroid. Its so hard not to worry especially with a young child but worrying an stress is no good for your immune system so try not to fear the worst. Majority of Hpv cases don't turn cancerous. I've stopped reading negative info and just stick to the facts. Don't read unrealiable sources of info online. As alot of the studys are outdated and don't come from credible sources. But definitely do chase it up with your gp if you are concerned. 
 

When is your next smear test? Hopefully the hpv will have cleared for you but even if it hasn't it can take over 2 years to clear my gp told me. 

 Stay positive and try to not let it effect your life. 
 

Hello,

I'm so sorry to hear about the smear test, I was really hoping the HPV had cleared up. How're you feeling? The positive is that you have normal cells which means at the very least nothing has changed. 

I saw something online that said to take Berberine, Reishi mushroom extract and I think I'm going to give it a go. 

my mum had abnormal smear tests and had the laser treatment I believe and she's absolutely fine now. By having smear tests every 12 months I can only assume that is a good thing. My next smear is in February I believe. 

How is your diet etc? I've made changes in the hope it helps. 

Thank you so much for all of your support and I'd be more than happy to do the same for you. xx 

Hey, 

I feel ok, I'm not majorly worried, but i did have some pain recently so i am going to call my gp next week to see if it should be investigated. Yeh definitely my cells are normal so thats the main thing so I'm trying not to worry too much. 
 

Ahh really, I will read up on that my self, i do take a few vitamins now for immune systems and skin and hair etc but i will read up on that one thanks! Well fingers crossed for February for you!!

My mum also had abnormal cells at one point and shes absolutely fine too, glad to hear your mum is :)

Well i lost 3 stone last year so my bmi is now 25, before that i was pretty unhealthy, never been a big eater but tended to eat the wrong foods so I'm alot healthier now, not sure if that has an impact but got to be better if your over all health is better i suppose! 
 

No problem at all :) xx

Hey, 

I feel ok, I'm not majorly worried, but i did have some pain recently so i am going to call my gp next week to see if it should be investigated. Yeh definitely my cells are normal so thats the main thing so I'm trying not to worry too much. 
 

Ahh really, I will read up on that my self, i do take a few vitamins now for immune systems and skin and hair etc but i will read up on that one thanks! Well fingers crossed for February for you!!

My mum also had abnormal cells at one point and shes absolutely fine too, glad to hear your mum is :)

Well i lost 3 stone last year so my bmi is now 25, before that i was pretty unhealthy, never been a big eater but tended to eat the wrong foods so I'm alot healthier now, not sure if that has an impact but got to be better if your over all health is better i suppose! 
 

No problem at all :) xx

Hello, 

I also have HPV and HSV2, I just stumbled upon this conversation which I felt I needed to be part of as I haven't told anyone that I have the two, which to this day I still feel embarrassed about.

I'm 31 now and was diagnosed with both in my early twenties, one due to a cheating ex and the other I'm not sure of. 

I haven't had an outbreak of HSV2 since I was diagnosed at 23, so I forget about it. However, I too googled having the two and saw the increased chance of cervical cancer which really worried me.

I think I want children too so now I'm paranoid that may not happen... I also have a partner of 6 years who doesn't have HSV2, but does have standard HSV1.

I thought I would reach out to speak to people who understand.

I hope you're doing well. X

Hello,

I just stumbled on this forum too and I need to tell someone as I am being eaten up with shame.

I am 57 years old and 2 years ago I had my usual smear test and the results were hpv positive but no abnormal cells. My husband and I got together 35 years ago and soon after we both got the hpv virus and the genital warts. I had a colposcopy and my husband got treated and since then - I have had normal 3 yearly smear tests. 
I was shocked to know that hpv can lie dormant for over 30 years but my screening letter said that no further action needed and I was to have a follow up test in a years time. I had another positive hpv but no abnormal cells result in April this year and again no further action needed and I have to wait another year for another test. For a few months now I have had some discharge and pains in my groin. I stopped having periods when I was 46 so I think I'm well past my menopause. I have been worried that something doesn't feel quite right but kept putting off contacting my GP because I didn't want to waste anyones time and I'm still embarrassed about having hpv. Anyway, I noticed some sore patches around my vagina and I thought they might be the beginnings of the warts you sometimes get with hpv so I went to see a GP yesterday. She said that I have herpes, took a swab and gave me a prescription for something that I haven't picked up yet as I'm still in shock. I can't believe I have herpes as neither myself or my husband have ever had any symptoms in the 35 years we've been together or before. The GP explained that herpes can lie dormant the same as hpv. 
After googling hpv and hsv - I am now quite worried that I have an increased risk of cancer. My GP didn't seem bothered about my groin pain and unusual discharge. She seemed to think they are symptoms of herpes and didn't seem interested that I have hpv. I'm not sure what to do now. I am going to take whatever treatment she's given me for herpes and hope that clears up the sore spots and hopefully the pain in the groin. Does anyone know if I have a hpv positive test next year - will they give me a closer examination or do I just keep having yearly smear tests? Also - how to do you find out what strain of hpv you have? My GP said my notes didn't say. I should have asked her loads of questions but I just felt so numb.

I just want to add (as you were hoping to have children) that I have had hpv and possibly hsv lying dormant for over 30 years and in that time I have had 2 healthy children - now healthy adults, so please don't worry.

Devonmum x

Just stumbled on this after I’ve just opened my cervical smear results , it’s came back hpv positive no abnormal cells. I’m coming up 50 ,Strange thing is the nurse explained to me they will also test for hpv so I asked what it was she went into detail so I asked have I been tested before she said yes at my last smear and it was negative . I now am positive , I am single and had a few intimate relationships over 10 yrs of divorce and never had any problems also contacted hsv 25 yrs ago I thought it was hsv2 but my notes say hsv1 . Again never been an issue in past relationships and never passed on to my knowledge. Have rare outbreaks (on buttocks ) but only since a change in hormones ( peri men) I take acyclovir medication as a suppressive and and vigilant with my hsv.. Like everyone this is so devastating news to receive on top of an already permanent virus . I was hoping to settle down and find my person again but this in feels like the last nail in coffins regarding a sex life ( which sex is rare for me ) i recently met someone and plucked up courage to inform of the hsv and he rejected me (first time in 25 yrs ) again it’s a blow . But like you I have 2 adult sons healthy young men one born prior to hsv and one few years after . What is the next step for us ladies ? I have to wait until feb 2026 to be retested which now seems a lifetime away  

Hi, I have HSV1 and HPV low grade changes. I caught HSV1 off an old boyfriend in 1987 who had a cold sore on his mouth. I get out breaks around my anus area now and again. I’ve never passed it on. I always make sure I never have sex when I have an outbreak and put Zovarix cream on it. Also I’ve had HPV for 4 years. Had a Leep which didn’t work. I’m 65 still  sexually active with my partner. It’s all a worry but I try to not let it affect me. 

Good evening thanks you for your message , I also caught it this way from my fiancé at the time in my 20’s being uneducated and naive I guess.
I have always thought  it was hsv2 until recently I saw my medical records and it stated hsv1. I’ve jus t also read on my nhs app this hpv is high risk ? I think i need to speak to my gp as all the googling is just not making sense.. I’m so pleased your still living a healthy sexual relationship i hope to one day find a man who is understanding of all this .  Best wishes 

Have you ever been told yoir cervix dont look normal so refered to colposcopy? 

I’ve just stumbled upon this thread, I’m currently in a complete state of anxiety. I’ve had 5 smears over the years all HPV+ but no cell changes, I was referred for a colposcopy and results were still HPV+ no cell changes, I was then put back onto 3 yearly smears, which has been torture! I have my next smear next week which I’m sure it will still be HPV+, I also have HSV-2 which I contracted from my children’s father over 10 years ago, I found out he’s a cheating scumbag! However I’ve been worrying so much about my upcoming smear that I’ve been looking online… big mistake! I had no idea HSV-2 increases your risk of cervical cancer… safe to say I’m beyond worried now! Why would they make me wait 3 years?!? I just know it’s going to be bad results this time. 

Did you know you can pay for private smears? I would have them yearly regardless  now xx

No, I didn’t know that! Is that through a private clinic? If they put me on 3 yearly smears again after this next one I will certainly consider paying! The stress and anxiety of waiting and not knowing what’s happening with your own body is just horrible! The stress has caused me to have an outbreak a week before my smear, I’m pretty convinced my body won’t have gotten rid of this HPV

Yes I have both too. And once my smear is done in August if it still the same ill go private too if they do that to me. Crazy how stress triggers our breaks ive had enough too!!