HPV - Terrified. AIBU or need a hand hold???

[NCScared]

Firstly, I am so sorry for posting this in AIBU. (Maybe I am being U)

I had my smear test a few weeks ago and today received a letter from GP that I have HPV infection.

Letter states that I should go back for another screening in September 2023!!!

I had the HPV vaccine when I was 14 in secondary school (before I became sexually active).

I’ve read the letter and all information online that HPV is really common and most people will have it in their life time. 9 times out of 10 it does not develop into cancer, but it can.

I suffer from health anxiety and my mum has breast cancer (treatable but incurable). I am terrified. I feel sick. I am 28 with no kids.

The letter says to call GP as soon as possible if you have bleeding after sex, between periods etc.

I do bleed after sex. Always have done. I’ve been under the gynaecologist for investigation for Endometriosis (NHS waiting times are shocking) so a lot of endometriosis symptoms are similar to cervical cancer symptoms. I am on the progesterone only pill that I take without a break so no periods. But did have a period like bleed for a few days a couple of weeks ago. (A week after the smear) I noticed there was lots of blood during the smear, I panicked and the nurse said it was normal.

My mind is going away with its self half of me tells me to calm down and accept this is very normal and common. But the other half of me tells me to speak to the GP and voice any concerns.

🙁

Go to your GP and discuss the results so they can put your mind at rest.

Cancers resulting from HPV infection generally take a long time to develop and that is why annual cervical screening covers most bases and why the gap is much longer between smears if you don't have HPV.

If you have bleeding and the medical professionals know about it and still advice the smear in a years time then that's the best course of action.

If it helps reassure you, about 5 years ago I got HPV positive on my smear test, no abnormal cells. I'm too old to have had the vaccine. Went back for a repeat smear a year later, the hpv had cleared. My understanding is that it can come and go. I've then had a further smear test since then which was also fine. Try not to worry (easy for me to say). Can you talk through your concerns with your doctor if you are really worried?