Just been tested positive for HPV virus

[Iputthescrewinthetuna]

Hi all,
Just had results from smear test. I have low grade dyskaryosis and tested positive for HPV virus.
Im scared!
I have been referred for a colposcopy.
I don't know what to expect!
Does anybody have HPV?
Am I over reacting to being a cryimg shaking mess?

Doesn’t something like 80% of the population have HPV?! It’s incredibly common and thankfully there’s a vaccine for it now.

I was diagnosed with it in my late twenties, I have one of the cancerous strains and have had one LLETZ procedure. I’ve recently been found to have low grade dyskariosis again and have a colposcopy next week. I’m not too fussed if I’m honest. I probably will put off my treatment for a few years as I am 43 and TTC after a recent loss so I just want to wait another couple of years until I give up TTC. Multiple LLETZ treatments can cause problems in pregnancy so I can put it off a few years and then havevthe treatment (it takes 10-15 years for mild cell changes to turn into cancer).

I can understand you being scared but try not to worry.
I have experience of this. Years ago I had it too, also low grade. I had regular colposcopy for a few years and eventually it went away and my smears are normal now. Just obviously make sure to use condoms etc.

Thank you for replies. This may sound thick, but should DP get tested?

The majority of women have the HPV by the time they reach middle age
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer but, as you may know, HPV vaccination has only commenced in the last decade, hence why cervical screening aka smear testing is so important
So, please don't worry about having HPV, keep going for your smear tests plus any associated appointments, and hope it all goes well for you

I've got it and was told it's nothing to worry about and most women have it.
I had my first abnormal smear at 20, no treatment needed after the colposcopy as my cervix was healthy. Had to repeat the smear 6 months later, then because that test was normal I'm back to every 3 years. Don't be scared.

I also have dyskariosis but it's never affected me.

Thank you so much. I am on a day out with my children. I am so glad you have all replied! I can now smile and enjoy my day! Thank you

👍. Enjoy the beautiful weather xx

I had the exact same thing happened ;and panicked too). I had a biopsy taken during colonoscopy and it showed up inflammation with no treatment necessary. Three years later and annual smears the HPV has gone.

Please don't worry, it can lay dormant for years. It's a shame the smear letter doesn't give information about it all though!

I am with my friend on our day out. She noticed I was a mess inside even though i was smiling. I talked to her she said she had it and now has clear smear results. So now I am more relaxed. My last smear before was clear. I have adenomyosis so have always had issues in that area. Anyway I am more relaxed. Have had a lovely day with my girls and my friends kids. We are now going home to let the men take over with the kids while friend and I have a well deserved cocktail.
One thing that has come good out of this, I will be quitting smoking tomorrow and will be taking my health more seriously!

SleepFree is right, HPV is a very common infection. This page also quotes the figure of 8 out of 10 people having the infection at some point in their life. (NB the page is on the Cancer Research website, it also has useful information about the link between HPV and cervical cancer - please try not to worry at this stage).

Over 74,000 women tested positive for a low grade dyskaryosis in 2017 (this is from the cervical screening annual report. That's 2.3% of the women tested. My understanding is that it's a mild change which in most cases self-corrects.

You might want to try to find out whether or not your HPV test looked for particular types of HPV. As mentioned on the Cancer Research page, types 16 and 18 are the high risk strains. I think it's worth asking at your practice once the results are back, to see if they can see this on the result. I don't think all labs are typing, although I don't understand why.

In short I think you are over-reacting but I know that I would be exactly the same in your shoes, it's impossible not to be a mess. But please do be assured that neither of the two things (HPV+ and dyskariosis) means you have cancer or even that you probably would develop cancer. This from the London Women's Centre states: CIN 1 grade is used to describe mild dyskaryosis, which signifies mild changes to the cervical cells. This affects only one-third of the cervical surface area. These changes definitely do not signify cancer and in the majority of cases will not cause cancer in the future. CIN1 usually corresponds to infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and will often resolve by itself within six months.

that's exactly why regular smears are so important.
to catch changes early.

as pp said, it's very probably not malignant and will possibly resolve on it's own. but if it is, if caught early chances of treatment working well are much much higher.

good luck!

Thanks to you lovely repliers, I am now going into this in a positive light!
It seems more common than I thought! It doesn't always mean cancer! I am taking this as a warning though, to look after myself! I never realised I took so much for granted until I got that letter!
I am so much less stressed than this morning! I was only 2 months over due for smear so I am glad I didn't not go!
This HPV virus is not as strong as I am, and I am sure it will come to nothing!
We are having a bbq now, bouncing castle up, children smiling and laughing! What can I say, I am a lucky lady and I am sure all of this will be absolutely fine

Dsis has severe dyskariosis and had a procedure under general anethstetic and is now all clear. Dont worry op you will be fine. Enjoy.your day

The vast majority of people have some form of hpv. I have tested positive and had CIN1-2 which I declined to have treated to see if it resolved itself. It did and I am on yearly recalls to make sure it doesn't come back.

I got my colposcopy letter through. 4th june. It as 3.30pm. Will I be ok for work next day? Im just sitting at a desk so no strenuous work? Any advice on if it hurts? I don't google health stuff, so I am relying on the experiences of you lovely bunch.

From memory the next day it felt like I had period pains, work is doable.

I've had quite a few colposcopies and have always been ok to go into work immediately after them. I've found them to be no more uncomfortable than a smear test and have had no pain during or after.

I'm back on 3 yearly smears now and didn't require any additional treatment. My last smear found no sign of HPV apparently.

Try not to worry too much (although I appreciate this can be easier said than done sometimes!).

Thank you.
I will be going into work the next day.
I am not worrying as much any more.
I do have little wobbles, but I have a chat with my mum or dad and they get me back onto a rational level.