To ask about smear test HPV screening?

[Myfriendanxiety]

Just had my results from latest smear and it says my HPV test was negative so they are not further testing the sample. This is obviously good news, but I was just wondering how reliable this method is? I don’t know much about it was wondering whether people can be missed if they have cell changes but are HPV negative?

I actually came across this two weeks ago with my test... The nurse was a bit fluffy with her explanation, but I trusted the epidemiologists and researchers decided hpv testing was better. As it takes a lot to change protocols. Then I read this now- all explained nicely here

www.nhs.uk/news/cancer/hpv-testing-could-be-more-accurate-smear-tests-initial-screening-cervical-cancer

I was due mine this month are these still going ahead ?

I had mine around 3/4 weeks ago. I would guess they probably aren’t at the minute.

Both my children had routine vaccinations last week but I did have to plead with my surgery to do them.

I had mine yesterday and was told that routine 3 yearly cervical screening checks are on hold at the moment for 3 months, but if your last test showed borderline abnormal cells you would still be called in (mine did).

I guess you could just skip the invasive screening and order a self testing kit from Superdrug. It would surely just give you the same results.

@toooldforsims that’s really interesting. I’m going to look into the accuracy of those.

Mine would be the routine 3 yearly one . How easy is the self test ?

Can HPV only be transmitted sexually? So once you are negative if you are not having sex then what’s the point in another HPV test in 3 years time?

Superdrug info also says if your test is negative you could consider having the vaccine so I might do that as an extra protection.

My first smear results came back as stage 3 i had the treatment and my results have been negative since. I have quite frequent smears because of having the treatment. I was told it is not transmitted by sexual intercourse

It's passed on through sexual contact and can lie dormant and 'flare up'. So because you're negative today, doesn't mean you will be in two months for example.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about hpv. Here’s the NHS details, it can be passed on by any sexual contact -

www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/

@cptartapp I didn’t realise that. So is there no point in the vaccine then for me as although the rest says negative you are suggesting I could actually still have it.

Most sexually active people have it at some point in their lives. The vaccine isn't given early in secondary school to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active.
There is some recent research that shows the vaccine may be of benefit to those already sexually active, but you'd have to pay for it of course.
The number of partners and earlier you started having sex increases your risk of exposure.

*IS given early in schools