Persistent HPV virus

[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 same?

Hi @Kslj86 I've had this and agree it's very scary. After my 3rd smear with HPV I was automatically sent an appointment for a colposcopy. Thankfully was given the all clear at that point. I went through the 'has my husband been unfaithful' nightmare but I have been persuaded by googling and conversations with various nurses and doctors that this isn't necessarily the case.

Hi thanks for replying :) what happened when you were referred to colposcopy? I'm hoping my body eventually gets rid of this virus. Do you know how long u had the HPV for?

You could have been negative in the last 13 years though as it can come and go
I had cells removed in 2009 but my first 2 smears since they started testing were negative whereas my last 2 have been positive

I don’t think it means you’ve had it for 13 years. It can lie dormant for many years abd can pop up every now and again when you’re immune system is low. I think it takes a long time for hpv to develop into cell changes so it’s good they’re monitoring you

• Your

I'm the same. Was positive a few years ago, then negative, then positive the last two years. I'm on yearly smears now. I think me and my husband just pass it back and forth between eachother. I've asked the gp and they don't seem to know much about it, just got told most peoples bodies clear it on their own. But couldn't tell me why mine hadn't! I think it can lay dormant then resurface again which is just annoying.

@Kslj86

Hi thanks for replying :) what happened when you were referred to colposcopy? I'm hoping my body eventually gets rid of this virus. Do you know how long u had the HPV for?

So it was a bit like a smear test but the doctor had a really good look using a powerful microscope:camera thing (not sure if that is technically accurate but you get the idea) to see if she could spot anything abnormal, which she couldn't. 3 smear tests with HPV so 9 years maybe?

@EM1912 Hi I didn't know it could lie dormant and re surface. I just kept reading about how your body usually clears it usually within two years. It is worrying as it could just resurface but with being on yearly smears hopefully it will be picked up if any cell changes.

I've had about 6 colposcopys over the past 25 years. Only two treatments.
I've been told by a nurse it is nothing to do with sexual transmission. Just sexual activity not even meaning over active activity. Your body's reaction to it.
I'm all ears.
It's good the monitoring is there. It's reassuring.
Hope all is good with you OP.

I've just had my smear results through and I have HPV and low grade dyskaryosis.
I had an abnormal smear test 20 years ago, which resulted in the cells being burt off.
I was wondering the same, have I always carried it or has it disappeared and now come back?
I've had a few stressful years, so wondering if that has brought it back out?