Worried about smear test results

[rosewater20]

I just had a smear test, and the results came back with "a minor abnormality called LSIL." The doctor ran a second test for HPV, and that test came back as negative. I was told to go back in a year for another test. I am nervous that this could be the start of something bad. My DP and I are planning on trying for a baby next year, and all I can think about are the possibilities of cancer and this preventing me from being able to get pregnant?

I haven't had the HPV vaccine and I am now over the age limit. I was told by a friend that they have now increased the age limit in the US that I should get the vaccine when I am there next. I travel there a lot for work and so could get both doses over the next year. So I am considering this.

Should I be worried over these results?

[LarkDescending]

These minor changes tend to sort themselves out in time - hence the advice to come back in a year. This was why the screening age was increased in England from 20-25, because young women were having unnecessary invasive and even damaging treatment for common changes which would have rectified themselves naturally. You may already have had an HPV infection which has cleared.

Given that you are in a settled relationship it is likely you have already been exposed to any HPV your partner is carrying (unless you’ve used barrier contraception without fail), in which case I am not sure what would be the point of getting vaccinated. The vaccination doesn’t protect against any strain to which you have previously been exposed, which is why they vaccinate schoolchildren at the pre-teen stage, before sexual activity begins.

[rosewater20]

@LarkDescending. It seems the point of getting the vaccine is to try to prevent HPV from strains that you haven't been exposed to yet — hoping that I haven't been exposed to all of the cancer-causing strains. I am kicking myself for not having had the vaccine when I was younger.

Does anyone know what it means that my test came back as being HPV negative? Is it possible that I don't have HPV or is just not detectable yet?

[LarkDescending]

I understand that about the strains but inferred from your opening post that you are in a faithful relationship, so whatever strains were present have been exchanged already.

[LarkDescending]

...and assuming monogamy one wouldn’t expect future exposure to new strains.

[rosewater20]

@LarkDescending, Ah yes, sorry I wasn't thinking clearly.

Yes, monogamous and no reason to think that would change. That being said, I have read enough of the relationship posts to know that things can suddenly change and I don't want to be in a position where I regret not taking action. But DP is wonderful and I am confident as I can be that things wouldn't change.

I find this whole thing, anxiety-inducing. I just went through three years of three very close relatives being diagnosed with cancer (not cervical), and I am terrified of having to go through that hell myself.

[LarkDescending]

Given that the HPV test came back negative it is of course possible thar you don’t have HPV and have never had it.

Honestly it is not worth stressing about these minor changes. In the distant past when I was young there used to be much more of a fuss about them - I was given laser treatment at age 20, as were many of my contemporaries around the same age. Subsequent research showed that minor changes in a young woman’s cervix were overwhelmingly unlikely to be sinister or permanent, and management protocols were updated accordingly.

As long as you do what you have been advised in terms of follow-up, this should not affect any of the plans you have for your life, including childbearing.