Smear test hpv positive

[pitttapatter]

Hi there,
I'm 44 and perimenopausal.
I had my normal smear test last year and got the results, I'm hpv positive but thankfully no abnormal cells found. Got put on yearly recall so did my best to improve my immune system.
Just had the results of this year's smear and it's exactly the same, still hpv positive but no abnormal cells.
So have to have another smear next year. Should I have been sent for a colposcopy or any further tests in the meantime?
I'm slightly concerned so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks x

Anyone??? x

When I read things like this I wonder if I should have been more worried with having CIN2/3 abnormal cells last year.

I was quite blade about the whole thing.

No real advice, but I thought a colposcopy was to look at abnormal cells closer to see what grade they are... so if no abnormal cells then nothing to look at IYSWIM

Ham

I see what you mean! Hope you're OK.
I've read so much conflicting info online about hpv. Suppose the main thing is no abnormal cells which I'm so grateful for.
Thanks x

Hi, unfortunately once you are hpv positive you will always be positive. It is one of those viruses that stays in the system for life. Hpv is the virus that can cause genital warts but by no means will you necessarily present with warts. May people are asymptomatic. Being hpv positive though does mean a greater risk of abnormal cells developing in the cervix, which is why they will now want to you to have smears more often.

My first ever smear (at 20) showed HPV positive and very slight cell changes. No further investigation other than more frequent smears. Yearly smears for three years, normal cells every time. Every three years thereafter, normal cells every time. I'm 34 now.

It takes around two years to clear the virus from your system. I had HPV for many years but had an undiagnosed autoimmune condition and the HPV went once that was discovered.

This link is quite useful http://ahcchpv.com/hpv-dormant-period/

@JennyWren1978 please can you give a scientific reference for your statement that HPV is never cleared from the body?
Many thousands of women do indeed test High Risk HPV negative after either follow up or treatment.
@pitttapatter you've had an HPV test, then the cells were examined under a microscope to see if there were any abnormal changes in the cervical cells. Many women test HPV positive but the virus doesn't actually go on to cause the cells to develop an abnormality. The annual follow up is to re-assess and give your body time to clear the virus, as it's not currently causing any visible changes in the cells, that's why you haven't been referred for colposcopy.
See Jo's trust for further information.

Ok it seems I was wrong and need to update my knowledge of this virus. I was just going by information I was given years ago. Perhaps since then more research and therefore understanding of this virus has shown it is cleared by the body naturally.

Were you thinking of Herpes simplex or perhaps Herpes zoster viruses? Herpes zoster is the one that causes chickenpox and shingles. Both that and HSV aren't cleared by the body?

Thanks for all the replies and advice.
9/10 yrs ago I had CIN 1 which developed into CIN 3 whilst I was pregnant with our youngest. I had colp and Lletz and got the all clear (apparently it was only the tiniest of area affected.)
Test of cure showed all was well, and I tested HPV neg.
I had a few yearly smears which were all fine and then got put back onto the 3 yearly smears
All were clear up until last year.

I've been married for years and my first thought last year was that DH had cheated on me as how else could I have Hpv??? I've since read that apparently it can lie dormant for years ie. Not showing up on tests but still there, and perhaps perimenopause has reactivated it.

I've also found out if I still have it on next year's smear then I'll be referred for colp even if all cells appear normal.

In the meantime, I'm concentrating my efforts in boosting my immune system. Plenty of fruit n veg, sleep, exercise, and trying not to get stressed. I have health anxiety so it's hard at times but I'm glad I'm in the system and the main thing is that no abnormalities have been found.

Sorry for the essay!!!! and thank you all again xx