Hpv questions.

[Morrigu]

Was called for a colposcopy after having mild abnormalities from my smear and told I have one of the dodgy strains of hpv that accelerate the cell changes on the cervix. I should have asked which one it was but didn't. Colposcopy went fine and she didn't even need to take a biopsy as there was nothing there.

I've to go for a follow up smear in 6 months but considering I have this how frequently will I be called after that if nothing shows up in the next one?

Do you ever get rid of these strains of hpv (the more dangerous ones)?

Single with no interest in getting together with anyone but if at sometime in the future I do, do I tell future partner? I know it can be passed by skin to skin contact so assume condoms don't fully protect you and men can carry it to pass it onto other women, yes?

No idea on any of those ?s, I'm afraid, but bumping for you

Sounds upsetting to be told all that, and not be given more info?

I think I had smears every six months for two years, then yearly for a couple of years and then back to every 3 years.

Thanks for the bump Elibean and the info bangers.

I know normally I would have been asking for more info, especially as I love learning about medical things. I had worked myself into a bit of state before it though and being stuck in a small cubicle for ages with my claustrophobia didn't help. Neither did hearing the woman come out who had been in before me. She was crying her eyes, saying she was going to be sick and the nurse was going off to ring someone to take her home as she was shaking so much. Needless to say after all that, all sense of reason went out the window :)

Eek, I'm not surprised!

Could you make a double appointment with your GP to talk through what it all means? I suspect just more frequent smears, but in your shoes I would welcome the chance for a thorough chat with someone who has the latest info.

I think mainly it was because it was my first colposcopy so didn't know what to expect and was imagining all sorts, especially after hearing that.

That's not a bad idea. Might give it a couple of weeks for the hospital letter to arrive at the doctors then ring the head practice nurse to see if she can discuss it or ask her if I make an appointment at the gp if he can. Hate being in the dark and the internet is a confusing muddle. Would really like to know exactly what strain it is too.

I don't mind more frequent smears as they don't seem to hurt anymore since having vbac dd. Would rather go through that than the alternative.

They found no abnormal cells and just because they found HPV does not mean you will get cervical cancer. They are being rightly cautious. Even having abnormal cells often means a further test in 6 months shows back to normal. This is very common.
The Virus itself can transfer to a male, but know nothing of the % risks. And I read the body often cures itself , as " most women will get it at some times during their life but do not get cancer".

I had CIS 30 years ago, the op, and it never returned. I'd had thrush but not HPV . You will have regular check ups which can only be a good thing.

I'm in a similar position, although at my last colposcopy I did have a biopsy taken (after much humming and hawing about whether to bother by the consultant). I'm on 6 monthly recalls too. So far I've had mild abnormality followed by colposcopy, clear, mild abnormality followed by colposcopy with biopsy.

Most people kick the virus within 2 years but it is thought it can then lay dormant and flare up if you do something that suppresses the immune system.

Most people will get some strain of hpv in the lives. Some cause warts and verrucas, some cause genital warts, others have no visible symptoms but affect the cervix.

You're right that condoms don't offer complete protection.

I had the same results recently. My post-colposcopy letter said I need a smear in 12 months at gp.

Trying to find info I was given about hoc which came with my appt letter - I think whatever it said must have put my mind at rest though re hpv. I would suggest speaking to your practice nurse, or sexual health clinic, or even phoning the colposcopy unit to talk it through x

I don't know if you have seen my thread?! But I had colposcopy yest due to mild changes/high risk HPV. All ok with no treatment as yet but biopsy result in six weeks. Our clinic has the rule that any smear with a positive HPV will be tested.

The nurse said they advise women not to smoke so the body can naturally get rid of the virus as there is no treatment for it. I would say if you met someone then discuss it because it can definatly pass to a man. X