positive HPV smear test

[DDolly]

I had my smear test last week and after having smear tests for years this one has come back HPV positive with abnormal cells called low grade dyskaryosis and I’m being sent for a colposcopy. I’m so stressed what does this mean do I have cervical cancer??

[SeaHorse6]

Hello, I recommend this website which explains about cell changes, colposcopy, hpv etc. - jostrust.org.uk/information...

"With the right management, the risk of cell changes developing into cervical cancer is low."

I had an HPV positive smear in 2019 with 'moderate dyskaryosis'. I was terrified but I went for NHS colposcopy & it was uncomfortable but definitely not as bad as I feared. In my case I agreed to have some abnormal cells removed ('LLETZ' procedure using local anaesthetic) but as yours is low grade they may just want to look at/ monitor the cells. You can request a female gynaecologist if that helps, mine was very reassuring. I've had 2 more smear tests since then, both fine.

It's important to go to the colposcopy appointment & every smear test but try not to worry too much (easier said than done!), best wishes xx

[Kieraface]

I’m sure you’ll be fine. I had CIN3 - so severe high grade dyskaryosis - they did a lletz procedure which isn’t nice but it’s not horrendous, and I was fine at my next check up. Try not to panic xx

[Tjjl]

No, I had this last month to. Had colposcopy and just need another smear test in 12 months to monitor changes.

[Louendo]

Oh bless you. It's scary when you get that letter but more often than not the colposcopy is just to check everything out and you'll feel better after it. I think the letters should explain more.

I had low grade changes on my cervix and the colposcopy also found high grade changes on my vagina wall in 2019. They left the cells on my cervix and removed the ones on the vagina walls with laser. It's pretty rare on the vagina wall so I go back every year to be monitored.

Everything has been OK since.

Try not to worry, which is easier said that done.

[DDolly in reply to Louendo]

I’ve had my colposcopy today and there are no abnormal cells and everything is normal and have been referred back to GP for normal 3 year recall. So not sure if it was a false positive initially

[Skittles11]

Hello

I was in this position a year ago and posted something similar about my worries - here is the link in case any of the responses might help you.

healthunlocked.com/fertilit...

I went for colposcopy after HPV came back positive and I had low grade changes. They used a solution to look at things, in my case they didn't take a biopsy because they were satisfied but in some cases they do a biopsy to check further.

I was called back a year after and went a few weeks ago. I just got my letter and I am clear of the HPV virus now.

I know it's really scary getting that letter but please remember that the changes are very low key changes and it is really good they saw them early and now they can double check things xx

[Batwoman3]

Agree with what everyone else said . It’s awful and scary when you get that letter but the gynae nurses and doctors will manage it . They are very reassuring and will get you back in for regular monitoring / laser removal etc if necessary . Try not to worry . The nurses told me it’s so common to have it at some point .. just go to all the appointments so they can monitor and reassure you . X