Cervical screening worry

[YepNameChanged]

I have received a letter following my cervical test saying I’m HPV positive- although it says I’m not to worry now but can cause issues. I’m really worried this will develop into cancer- anyone else had this? Did it clear on its own?

Bump

Anyone?

I was HPV positive for one of the risky strands about 12 years ago.

Another smear about 5 years later showed I’d cleared it and I was still clear at my smear last year. So far I’ve not had any issues in terms of abnormal cells.

I think most people have HPV at some point, it usually clears on its own and rarely develops in to cancer

Just do what they have advised and go back for a review as directed. If anything has changed, it might be pre-cancerous cells - but these are still not cancerous

Yes.
Once that was found they moved to annual smears.
My next smear was ok
Then the one after that I had stage 1 cervical cancer.
I’ve had a hysterectomy to remove it.

I wouldn’t worry. It’s a slow growing cancer and you are now ‘in the system’ so they know to keep an eye on you.

Yes I had persistent HPV infection for 8 years and last year my smear showed grade 1 cell changes. I have just had a follow up and I’m now clear of HPV and cells have reverted to normal. As previous posters have said HPV infection is very common and often the immune system will clear it naturally. Try not to worry too much - just make sure to go for any follow up appointments when called.

I’ve been asked to come in for screening next year- but I’m worried this might develop into cancer-

@MaybeAMoaner is it classed as a slow growing cancer?
I was thinking of getting another smear done privately

Try not to worry I had exactly this last year, I was hpv positive but cells normal. I was worried too but as pp says very common and only started screening for this recently! My one this year was all clear so the immune system cleared it itself out which is what very often happens

From what I understand, HPV on it's own is not too worrying and it's normal to be called for another smear in a year. The sample will have also been checked for cell changes if you have HPV, so you don't have that (as you'd be sent for a colposcopy) If you have any symptoms of bleeding after intercourse or pain, then definitely get checked out.

The letter says HPV positive but no abnormal cells

@YepNameChanged

The letter says HPV positive but no abnormal cells

Why would you get an additional private smear if this letter has said there are no abnormal cells?

@YepNameChanged

The letter says HPV positive but no abnormal cells

This is exactly like mine said, hpv can potentially cause abnormal cells but you haven’t got any. Your immune system will most likely clear the hpv. These days they don’t test your cells unless you have hpv. Having a private smear won’t come up with anything new.