Persistent HPV

[Kslj86]

Hi has anyone here got persistent HPV? I have been having yearly smear tests for 15 years. I had abnormal cells which were treated back in 2011 and I've had a few borderline cell changes which have resolved themselves without any treatment.

I had my smear done last year which showed no changes but high risk HPV ( previous smears were not tested for HPV) I have just had my results back today for recent smear and I am still HPV positive. I have read online that most womens immune systems get rid of the virus within 2 years and it's beginning to worry me now as I must of had this virus for at least 13 years as I am married and pretty sure my husband hasn't been unfaithful.

Is anyone else going through the sane?

@Kslj86 although I have to admit I don't know if mine is a reinfection. I kind of suspect my HPV has never gone away though.

Had first smear aged 25 in 2013- came back HPV positive and with CIN2 cell changes. I'm trying to remember all smears since then as I had my son in between and probably had one delayed because of this. My smear at the end of 29 came back positive for HPV and borderline but I had a colposcopy and it all looked fine.

I'm on yearly recall but was late going for the subsequent smear in September 2021. That one came back all ok, no changes but still positive for HPV.

I split up with my ex-h in 2018 but had been with him from 2011 before my first smear. I've had several partners since 2018 so no idea if it was a reinfection but I suspect not- I've a feeling my body has never cleared the virus. I don't think the level of stress I'm permanently under helps much- can't be good for my immune system.

I think it's highly likely your body has just never cleared the virus. Try to keep it in perspective that you are going for smears and doing all you can to look after yourself. HPV causes cancers but you also have to remember that most women won't get cervical cancer especially if going for cervical screening.

Trying to reassure myself writing that as I too worry a bit, it's not nice.

I'm glad my DC will get the HPV vaccine- given that the link between cancer and HPV has been established for decades I only wish that the vaccine had been created sooner...

Hi @LumosSolem thanks for taking the time to reply. It is such a worry as everywhere I read it states most people clear this virus in 2 years and you don't see any information on persistent HPV . I also posted on a other thread in Netmums and quite a few people have mentioned it can lie dormant for many years and sometimes re surface when the immune system is low.

I'm glad that they are doing yearly smears so that if the virus does cause abnormal cells it is caught early and treated.

I can vouch for it returning when immune system is low
I had 2 negative results and then a positive result after pregnancy with no change of partner

@Kslj86 your thread has prompted me to think about trying to boost my immune system a bit. I'm guilty of not looking after myself very well, I wonder if it would make a difference.

I worry a lot about getting cancer related to the HPV. I do wonder if the virus will ever clear.

@LumosSolem I used to attend the hosp every 6 months for smears after I had abnormal cells burnt off. Previous to that I always had borderline cell changes. I remember the doctor telling me if I stopped smoking I would be less likely to get cell changes.

I didn't stop smoking until 5 years ago and my smears have all been fine no cell changes just positive HPV so I def think it does help.

I have read about supplements u can take to boost immune system as well but not looked much into this yet but think I might.

Hi @fedup078 It must be pretty common and it makes u think does your body actually ever get rid of it for good or is it still there in more women than they think. It's quite scary to think that they are changing the way they do the cervical screening in Scotland they only test for HPV and if you are negative u are recalled in 5 years time. It's kind of worrying as you could have it and it could re appear at any time within them 5 years as it was lying dormant.

I don't think it ever does clear once you've caught it and I don't know how they could ever know considering when it's dormant its undetectable
I've seen a few posts on here recently from women married 20-30 years suddenly testing positive and it must be a massive shock
They really should be more clear that this is the case because I've known people who tested negative and thought they didn't need another smear again unless they changed partner which isn't correct at all

OP, I could have written your post a few years ago. Unfortunately in my case my DH was cheating.

There are some promising anecdotes about mushroom componds/supplements clearing HPV infections. I take one labelled AHCC. My next smear will be in November, though, so it will be a while before I can confirm if it worked for me.

@semideponent thank you for sharing about mushroom supplements- I'm going to give those a go

Hi @semideponent what ones do u use? I'm going to give them try.

I tried AHCC last year without success
I'm now trying concentrated reishi extract amongst other things but I don't have much faith tbh
I'd do anything not to have another lletz though

@fedup078 where about did u buy the supplements from? I've had a quick google but a lot seem to be on Amazon.

Took me ages to find them but I got them from Boots surprisingly

I’ve just been informed I’m HPV positive following my recent (no abnormal changes to cells).
I’m 56 and last smear was 5 years ago in 2017 pre them testing for HPV all my previous smears have been fine.
Happily married with same partner for 30 years so bemused at how I’ve caught it. As only one previous sexual partner prior to that & used condoms.
Am already taking multi vitamin & have bought some advanced mushroom complex supplement tablets from Boots.
Have not been unwell for a while so unsure why my immune system is low s

Sorry posted before I had finished….
Does anyone know if whilst testing HPV positive you should use condoms with your DH - would we be re-infecting each other? Should we refrain from oral sex?

My daughter is in a similar position unable to clear the virus after several colposcopies. She is taking the mushroom supplement and others mentioned on another thread.
Lycopene found in blueberries, beetroot and other dark red fruits is supposed to boost the immune system too.
She has also been recommended to have the HPV vaccine as studies show this can kick start the body's defence system into fighting the virus.
Not available on the NHS so she's paying privately.
Fingers crossed that she'll finally clear it.

This has the supplement suggestions for boosting immunity.

HPV virus. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_health/4402426-HPV-virus

I might look into the vaccine as I hadn't heard that
I'm already taking all the vitamins suggested on that other thread
I really really really want it to F off
I know a lot of people say lletz is nothing and I'm sure it is to most ppl but I'd honestly rather push out a large baby with no pain killers again

@stepfordwifey that's interesting about the vaccine. I tried to get the vaccine privately but because I'm over 45 they refused to do it as it's only licenced up to that age. I was told that as I'd probably already caught the virus by then it was pointless in any case.

Since then I have tested positive for HPV and had 2 abnormal smears. I wonder if it's worth trying again for the vaccine?

[quote Almostwelsh]@stepfordwifey that's interesting about the vaccine. I tried to get the vaccine privately but because I'm over 45 they refused to do it as it's only licenced up to that age. I was told that as I'd probably already caught the virus by then it was pointless in any case.

Since then I have tested positive for HPV and had 2 abnormal smears. I wonder if it's worth trying again for the vaccine?[/quote]
My daughter is in her 30s and hasn't yet had a family. The worry for her is that numerous colposcopies can shorten the cervix which increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. She wants to kick it in to touch asap. A pregnancy could also speed up worrying changes to the abnormal cells. She feels stressed about it at the moment.
Will update on her future progress.