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Original poster

Smear Test Inconclusive But I'm HPV Positive

17 replies

Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 20:59

Hello, can anyone help me/advise me? I got the result of my smear test today. It was inconclusive, they said they didn't have enough cells for a reliable result, but I'm HPV positive. I'm really scared. I've now got to wait 3 months for another smear test and I'm very frightened.
Best wishes,
Ruth

OP posts:
Ilovecheesetoasties · 22/08/2022 21:04

Please don’t worry. I did lots of research on this when I had an abnormal smear.

Even if you are HPV positive (and lots of people are), the chances of there being anything sinister are very very small. Even if you have HPV and cell changes, most of them are harmless and need no further action.

The numbers are very much on your side.

Original poster
Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 21:09

Thankyou for the reassurance. I'm very grateful. I guess I'm worried because they said there weren't enough cells to "get a reliable result". I'm worried they saw something sinister and just wanted more cells just to be sure. This, combined with the positive HPV - which does seem to be so worrying from my internet research is making me feel very frightened.

OP posts:
Theimpossiblegirl · 22/08/2022 21:11

It's so scary when this happens but it's very common so please try not to worry. I had the same and was fine, but the waiting isn't easy.

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Original poster
Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 21:29

Hi, thanks for this. do you mean, you also had an inconclusive smear test and a positive HPV, but it all turned out to be fine? Could you tell me a little more? I'd really appreciate it.

OP posts:
Theimpossiblegirl · 22/08/2022 22:06

Both on different occasions. They do so many that there are bound to be the occasional few that are inconclusive and you need to wait a few months to have the smear done again.
Was this your call back smear after a year or your first HPV positive smear?

1994girl · 22/08/2022 22:08

I have been HPV positive twice in a row. I was due to have my third smear in January but was pregnant at the time so I'll be booked in October (fingers crossed mines negative this time). I was terrified and Googled so much. But it's more common than you think, and a lot of people don't even realise they've had it. Try and keep your immune system strong (mines terrible) as sometimes it can show up when you aren't feeling the best.

Original poster
Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 22:18

This was my first smear for a few years and my first HPV positive. Thanks so much for your reply. I really do appreciate it. Sorry for being such a frightened info hungry weasel. I take comfort from what you say about a lot of the smears being inconclusive because they do so many.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 22:19

Thanks so much for this 1994 girl.

OP posts:
1994girl · 22/08/2022 23:30

Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 22:19

Thanks so much for this 1994 girl.

No problem, and if it is positive, then please don't panic. :) x

Original poster
Ruffles99 · 22/08/2022 23:35

Theimpossiblegirl · 22/08/2022 22:06

Both on different occasions. They do so many that there are bound to be the occasional few that are inconclusive and you need to wait a few months to have the smear done again.
Was this your call back smear after a year or your first HPV positive smear?

Thanks so much for this. I really appreciate the info. This was my first HPV smear (my last smear done three-four years ago with no HPV mentioned).

OP posts:
Hanstarlucky · 22/08/2022 23:44

I had some abnormal cells when I had my first smear at 21 I think it was back then, im 41 now, had a tiny operation where they just removed them, wasn’t put to sleep and it didn’t hurt

I then had a smear every year for 10 years all fine. Ever since all been fine.

there are so so many people with HPV. They didn’t test me at the time for it but for the first time on my last smear it was negative for HPV so I don’t think I have possibly ever had it

inconclusive just means not enough cells with taken and I know a lot of my friends who have had this result.

MogHog · 23/08/2022 06:31

Theyve only just started testing for HPV in the last year or two in England so that's why a lot of smears are coming back positive for HPV when they were not previously. Try not to worry too much ( I know easily said )

Theimpossiblegirl · 23/08/2022 09:02

I really think the information should be clearer. I was exactly the same when I got my first HPV+ smear. If I hadn't recalled seeing something on MN I would have been so anxious.

Original poster
Ruffles99 · 23/08/2022 09:59

Ilovecheesetoasties, Theimpossiblegirl, 1994girl, Hanstarlucky and Moghog - I want to thank you all for your kindness in replying to my questions. It was a very difficult night for me last night in a period of my life that's very challenging and you all gave such succour and support. It's also reminded me that there are some lovely and kind people out there. Thankyou so much. I will wait for this next smear test now with less catastrophising. x

OP posts:
1994girl · 23/08/2022 10:15

Ruffles99 · 23/08/2022 09:59

Ilovecheesetoasties, Theimpossiblegirl, 1994girl, Hanstarlucky and Moghog - I want to thank you all for your kindness in replying to my questions. It was a very difficult night for me last night in a period of my life that's very challenging and you all gave such succour and support. It's also reminded me that there are some lovely and kind people out there. Thankyou so much. I will wait for this next smear test now with less catastrophising. x

No problem, I was in the exact same position. :) Women aren't given enough information on these things.xx

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2022 10:17

This, combined with the positive HPV - which does seem to be so worrying from my internet research

Not sure what articles you've read but HPV doesn't automatically mean you've anything to worry about. Although I do understand as I was very worried the first time I was HPV positive. When I was still HPV positive the 3rd time, I was called for a colposcopy, that was nerve wracking but the doctor could find no traces of anything sinister.

Try not to worry OP x

Original poster
Ruffles99 · 23/08/2022 10:22

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2022 10:17

This, combined with the positive HPV - which does seem to be so worrying from my internet research

Not sure what articles you've read but HPV doesn't automatically mean you've anything to worry about. Although I do understand as I was very worried the first time I was HPV positive. When I was still HPV positive the 3rd time, I was called for a colposcopy, that was nerve wracking but the doctor could find no traces of anything sinister.

Try not to worry OP x

Thanks so much for this. That's really reassuring, and I'm so glad you got the all clear. x

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