HPV positive after 2 screenings

[HannahCB92]

Hi all, i had my smear test last January and i got the results to say i was HPV positive but no abnormal cells. I was told i would need another test in a year. So i had another smear in February and again the results have come back as HPV positive but no abnormal cells. I thought that i would have cleared the HPV by the time i had my second smear.

What happens if my 3rd smear next year is still HPV positive? I have been worrying over this since last year in case of cell changes and knowing there is nothing i can do about it at all!

It doesn't tell me on the letter what the next step is if i get a 3rd HPV positive test so i just want to know if anyone has had a similar experience and can tell me what the next step would be?

Thank you.

[Zel64]

Hi,

If your 3rd smear is HPV positive (without abnormal cells) they’ll likely get you back for another smear a year after that. This will allow them to keep an eye on things.

nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-...

[AskEveTeam]

Hi there,

Thank you for your message. Please try not to worry too much about this - if you have HPV for a 3rd time they will likely retest again at the same interval, or invite you for a colposcopy to have a look at the cervix, just to be on the safe side. The really reassuring thing here is that no abnormal cells have been found. We appreciate that persistent HPV can be concerning for the individual, but it typically takes years and years for HPV to develop into a cancer, so having yearly tests as you are, to see if the HPV has cleared, will catch any cells if they do begin to change (which is all before the 'cancer' stage).

We are on [e-mail] if you have any other questions.

Best Wishes

The Ask Eve Team

[Bubbles1017]

I'm on my 3rd now with HPV , if u carry on going regular tests and cells clear like I have clear cells I wouldn't worry sometimes it's hard to clear , all best to you and don't worry I no that now after my 3rd one in 6 month I have go but this 3rd smear I'm fingers crossed I can go back to normal 3 year fingers crossed , good luck and rember nevrr miss an appointment