HPV and changes in cervix

[DiaryofWimpyMumm]

Did anyone else ever receive this result back from their smear test?

I've to wait for a letter to attend the colposcopy clinic within 8 weeks. I also wondered how this would affect my HRT

Any advice or help or experiences greatly appreciated

I did when I was in my 20s and had a colposcopy - it was fine. Hurt less than my smear. Subsequent smear tests have all been clear since then with no indication of HPV. I have always made sure to have my smear test as soon as I got the letter. I don't know about HRT I'm afraid.

Thank you that's useful to know. It's the fear of the unknown I think

Hi DiaryofWimpyMumm, I have just received my result - low grade changes (dyskaryosis) and HPV present. I have an appointment to get a colposcopy.

The nurse I spoke to at the colposcopy clinic was very reassuring that I should not panic. From what she said (and from subsequent searches using Dr Google) is seems that in the vast majority of cases the treatment is either monitoring (and it will often clear up of its own accord) or some interventions to physically remove the cells that have changed. Apparently it takes many many years for cervical cell changes to progress to cancer, and unusual cervical smear results are quite common. Don't know about your HRT question.

Despite all this, I am absolutely beside myself with panic that I'm the unusual case, and would love a hand hold and reassurance from anyone else who has experienced this!

Can I ask how long you've been with your current sexual partner? Just wondering if people have been with their partner for years through many years of smears, and then suddenly got a positive smear result.

Whataday21, I also wondered that - has been many years for me. I understand that HPV can lie dormant, sometimes for decades.

@Whataday21

Can I ask how long you've been with your current sexual partner? Just wondering if people have been with their partner for years through many years of smears, and then suddenly got a positive smear result.

The last time I slept with someone was 8 years ago

I've woke up in a right panic about it this morning

@SpeedReader

Hi DiaryofWimpyMumm, I have just received my result - low grade changes (dyskaryosis) and HPV present. I have an appointment to get a colposcopy.

The nurse I spoke to at the colposcopy clinic was very reassuring that I should not panic. From what she said (and from subsequent searches using Dr Google) is seems that in the vast majority of cases the treatment is either monitoring (and it will often clear up of its own accord) or some interventions to physically remove the cells that have changed. Apparently it takes many many years for cervical cell changes to progress to cancer, and unusual cervical smear results are quite common. Don't know about your HRT question.

Despite all this, I am absolutely beside myself with panic that I'm the unusual case, and would love a hand hold and reassurance from anyone else who has experienced this!

That's somewhat reassuring

From those I've spoke to said they put a dye in to see whether the cells are cancerous and where they are.

I guess I'll just have to wait until my appointment comes through.

I've spoken to ladies with HPV but not any that have had this and cervix cell changes

Please don’t panic, I have had this several times now, most recently in October this year. Dyskaryosis and positive HPV, had colposcopy, nothing at all to be concerned about, repeat smear in a year.

This is a really normal presentation that nearly always results in this outcome.

It was painless and straightforward, consultant and colposcopy nurse were very reassuring.

@Arriettyborrower thank you that's reassuring

Thank you, @Arriettyborrower - that's also reassuring to me.

😊 good luck both, am sure you will both be absolutely fine

My appointment is 24th January to have colposcopy, sadly it's at a hospital miles away so I need to get 2 buses. My anxiety is through the roof with the thought of it.

@DiaryofWimpyMumm

My appointment is 24th January to have colposcopy, sadly it's at a hospital miles away so I need to get 2 buses. My anxiety is through the roof with the thought of it.

I also got sent to a hospital miles away- it’s a total pain isn’t it! I’ve been having the same results as you since 2018 and had two colposcopies. I also have a colposcopy lined up later this year. I’ve never had treatment, just a closer look at the cells. It is a little uncomfortable, but not painful and I actually prefer them to smears now! Please don’t worry.

Hi I've just come across your post, I've only just had my smear today so no results yet. But the nurse had to call the doctor in to take a look, I've got an ecotopian cervix and have been referred straight to colonoscopy. I'm absolutely terrified, literally burst into tears when I got to my car. I'm almost certain my smear will be abnormal. I know women go through this everyday and usually nothing much comes of it but I can't help but panic 😢

I'm sorry you are panicking.

Did you already know you have an ecotopian cervix? I had to look it up on Google, and it looks like it has nothing to do with cancer and doesn't change your risk profile. Do you think the doctors are just being really conservative - perhaps because of the (somewhat) unusual presentation, refer you to the next test, just to be on the safe side?

I should add, I've also been panicking about my situation - my recent smear revealed I have one of the high risk types of HPV and low grade changes - so I completely understand how you're feeling. But at least we're both in the system, so they can detect and nip any minor issues in the bud!

@lauramatth87

Hi I've just come across your post, I've only just had my smear today so no results yet. But the nurse had to call the doctor in to take a look, I've got an ecotopian cervix and have been referred straight to colonoscopy. I'm absolutely terrified, literally burst into tears when I got to my car. I'm almost certain my smear will be abnormal. I know women go through this everyday and usually nothing much comes of it but I can't help but panic 😢

I'm so sorry but at least it's being seen to. That's what I keep telling myself.

Thank you @MsMoody

I had some unusual cells on my cervix that came up through something else, still waiting for the results but I was really nervous about the colposcopy and the biopsy they did and it was actually absolutely fine. The people doing it were obviously aware I was nervous and had such a lovely manner it totally relaxed me, even making a couple of jokes. They also show you the video and talk through what they're seeing. I'd recommend looking at some cervix pics first so you know what to expect.

@Isonthecase

I had some unusual cells on my cervix that came up through something else, still waiting for the results but I was really nervous about the colposcopy and the biopsy they did and it was actually absolutely fine. The people doing it were obviously aware I was nervous and had such a lovely manner it totally relaxed me, even making a couple of jokes. They also show you the video and talk through what they're seeing. I'd recommend looking at some cervix pics first so you know what to expect.

Thank you I will have a Google

One week today and it will all be over with and I've managed to get a lift so no need for 2 buses there and back! Which is a bonus

I received this result. HPV, high risk cells, changes to cervix.
Went for colposcopy at the end of December. They had a look, applied the dye and then said they'd like to take some samples to biopsy.
I'm awaiting the results. The doctor and nurse were very kind and tried to reassure me that this is all very common, and a lot of women get treatment to remove the cells that have changes. I think she said they are burned off (sounds alarming but told its under local anaesthetic).
I try to put it from my mind, I'm due the biopsy results soon. They said 3-4 weeks. Try to remind myself how lucky and privileged I am to access such screening. Of course I'm still quietly terrified they'll return and tell me its cancer, but there's no sense in worrying until the results arrive.
I think the Dr mentioned from now on I'd receive annual smear tests, too.
Hope all turns out well with your treatment OP, this was is my experience to date and we're all here to support you in yours.

@Polecat03 you might be able to ring for yours. I got mine today and they said there were delays on the post.

@Polecat03

I received this result. HPV, high risk cells, changes to cervix. Went for colposcopy at the end of December. They had a look, applied the dye and then said they'd like to take some samples to biopsy. I'm awaiting the results. The doctor and nurse were very kind and tried to reassure me that this is all very common, and a lot of women get treatment to remove the cells that have changes. I think she said they are burned off (sounds alarming but told its under local anaesthetic). I try to put it from my mind, I'm due the biopsy results soon. They said 3-4 weeks. Try to remind myself how lucky and privileged I am to access such screening. Of course I'm still quietly terrified they'll return and tell me its cancer, but there's no sense in worrying until the results arrive. I think the Dr mentioned from now on I'd receive annual smear tests, too. Hope all turns out well with your treatment OP, this was is my experience to date and we're all here to support you in yours.

Thank you ever so much!

@Whataday21

Can I ask how long you've been with your current sexual partner? Just wondering if people have been with their partner for years through many years of smears, and then suddenly got a positive smear result.

The nurse who did my smear last week made a point of saying going from HPV neg to pos does not mean unfaithful partner - it can lie dormant in the system and ‘flare up’ randomly after years.

Hope all goes well OP.

Hi OP, really pleased you are getting a lift to your appointment.

I had the same results as you each year for 4 years (cell changes - mine were mild - and HPV infection). I had annual colposcopies and it never progressed to higher grade changes, so it was really just a case of monitoring. At my 5th colposcopy, the changes had totally receded and the cells had gone back to normal, and the HPV infection had cleared. I pay privately for annual smears, and they have remained normal and HPV-free ever since.

Sending a hand hold for your appointment and do keep posting if you are worrying or feeling frightened