HPV+ Two years in a row

[Flutter12]

Last year I had my regular smear test which came back positive for HPV so I got a letter to say I needed to have one a year later to make sure the virus had cleared but I have just gotten my results back from my recent smear and I am positive for HPV again.
I have not had sex in over a year so I couldn’t have picked it up twice.

Has anyone had any experience with this? I thought it would clear on its own in less than a year?

I've had hpv positive smears on and off since 1984. I don't think it ever leaves. Just flares up from time to time. Had loads of colposcopies and a laser thing. I don't worry about it, just fairly confident that regular smears will pick up anything sinister.

Thank you! You have put my mind at rest!

I remember reading that it can last in your body for years. Only usually when your body has created antibodies does it clear within a year or two. I'm not doctor but remember reading something about it.

I have had this 2 years in a row now so know how you feel OP.
I remember reading in the blurb they sent that if you smoke it can take longer to clear.

Thank you for your replies.

I don’t smoke but I used to so that may be why.
I was panicking at first as I thought it was meant to clear within a year.

I’ve had the same thing. I cosmetics back from abroad last year, so it may have been undiagnosed and untested before that so I’m a bit worried. I know if you have it testing positive for 3 years they say have a colposcopy, and I don’t really want to wait.

I’ve just had my second test for HPV and am waiting for the results. I’m quite nervous about it to be honest. I was told if it’s positive again I’d be referred to the hospital. I wondered what for, what would they do?

@Aminuts23 they will have a look with a camera and probably take a biopsy
I think
It was 10 years ago I had pre cancerous cells removed
I tested positive again in sept so I have the wait for results to look forward to next year