Positive HPV screening - what does it mean?

[worriedwinston]

Hi

I've tried googling but not getting the answer I need to stop worrying.

I had my first smear test as I'm now 25. I've just received a positive screening but no abnormalities so to come back in a year.

I have several questions:
I've been with my DP 5 years - does this mean he has to have cheated?

I know DP has the genital HPV strain which means I would too but present no symptoms. My understanding is that this isn't tested for but I'm wondering if it would affect the result?

Sorry I'm just very upset!

No it dosent mean he had cheated, I also tested posative for hpv and worried my partner had cheated on me, you can naturally have hpv in your body. I didn't feel that this was made clear so asked at my next smear after having abnormal results. Like you I wad really upset my partner had been unfaithful at the time.

The letter should explain and also the nurse you saw?

Don’t panic. I also have HPV and this is the 2nd time I’ve had it. This is why they are vaccinating all the girls but you missed out on that. It’s actually very common and good that you had a smear so they can monitor you

As it was your first smear you may have had it for quite some time, it often has no symptoms - I do, I have a lot of discharge and sometimes it feels a bit burning

They should have tested the cells - what did the letter say? Return in 1 year? Sometimes HPV goes of it’s own accord

Call your surgery to discuss with your nurse if you are worrying x

I was vaccinated for HPV - I was the first year!

It doesn’t cover all strains, it covers the most common ones. And the testing doesn’t tell you what strain it is! Which is why they still do the testing

Sorry I'm just a bit confused.

Is it possible that I've had it since 16 in my system from my first boyfriend and it comes back? Is that possible?

Apparently that is possible yes. They think it's when you're immune system is running low.

80% of people in the UK have or have had HPV. Most people don't have any symptoms. It doesn't need to be from full sex just sexual contact and can stay in your system for a short time or long term. So either of you could have had it from any past partner, it absolutely does not mean anyone has cheated.

No it doesn't mean he's cheated. I've literally just had this conversation with my gp having had the exact same results as you. She said 80 percent of women in their twenties have it. It is very common and your body will probably clear it in its own

A subject very close to my heart. There are over 100 strains of HPV and only a handful are related to cancer.
Over 80% of the sexually active population will contract a form of HPV in their lifetime. Usually the body deals with it through your own immune system within the first 2 years. A problem can occur when it is a cancer related HPV and your immune system doesn't eradicate it.

This doesn't mean that your partner has strayed. I've been with DH for 25 years and pretty sure he hasn't strayed, but it can be related to sexual activity before we got together.

They will be monitoring you and this doesn't mean that you'll get cancer, you just need extra screening.

As for vaccines - NHS have been using the vaccine that guards against 4 of the main cancer causing HPV viruses. Guardasil 9 (another vaccine) protects against 9 types of HPV so will give greater protection when it is offered as standard in the UK. This will also help to protect boys against penile cancer and both sexes against anal, throat, head cancers as well as the gender specific types - cervical, vulval etc. I hope this helps.

I totally get you! I had a positive hpv screen in September by which time I had been with my partner 7 years and had 2 children. I had a negative screen after both children too which confused me more. I have to go back in sept and Assuming it will be ok. Don’t panic OP, you will be fine

Thank you all so much for your replies.

Another question - does the smear test detect genital warts causing HPV? I am 99% certain I carry that type because of DP but I didn't think it would be picked up!

Most people will have HPV at some point. Honestly, don’t worry. They know it can cause cervical cell abnormalities, though these don’t always then turn into cancer, which is why they want to screen you again in a year. Your body will get rid of HPV on its own. Don’t worry, it’s really normal and they’re on top of it. 🙂
And great job taking up your first smear right away x

I had the cancer related strain of HPV in my system for 3 years. Luckily I am had a great doctor who explained how it works and I just ignored it (whilst having the smears as advised etc) and it just went by itself, as it does for most people.