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HPV Positive

Winniechicago
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Hi. I've just been told today that I tested HPV positive. Every smear test I've had for as long as I can remember has always shown minor changes. I have previously had cells removed but today a consultant arrived in the room & told me we may need to look into further options if my next smear comes back with minor changes again. It's really put the fear in me as they wouldn't tell me anything else. Does this mean a possible hysterectomy? I'm 37 & we are finished having children. Does the positive HPV result mean the changes are over time it would develop into cancer? I got such a shock today as I thought it was just my usual annual checkup. 

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    Hello Winnie

    Having an HPV positive result is very common, and I see you’ve had experience of having abnormal cells removed in the past. Treatment depends on the severity of cell changes, but a hysterectomy would definitely not be the normal course of action for minor changes. Sometimes the changes are just monitored, but treatment could involve a repeat of the removal process you’ve had in the past. 

    The abnormal cell changes are caused by HPV, but having the virus does not mean you will get cancer. You are having regular smear tests which are designed to pick up any changes early on and deal with them before cancer would ever get a chance to develop. Hope this helps to reassure you a little. 

  • Offline in reply to Minska

    Thank you so much for the reassurance, I couldn't sleep last night for worrying about it. The hospital really made me panic as they told me so much but wouldn't tell me anymore. I'm hoping the changes are minor again, they said everthing looked fine when using the idodine on my cervix. It's such a worry. Thanks so much for your help x 

  • Offline in reply to Winniechicago

    Oh, I hope you can manage to relax now! The nurses are very experienced at doing these tests, so if they say everything looks fine I think you can take a lot of comfort from that. And regular monitoring and screening really is an excellent programme for helping to ensure that anything abnormal is caught at a very early stage and treated if necessary. I hope you can get out and enjoy the lovely weather and put your worries away. x

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