Smear Results- HPV Positive with Cell Changes

[FloraBird]

Hi everyone, hoping someone can pop here with some words of wisdom as I’m in a bit of a flap! I had a smear done a few weeks ago, previous one was 3 years ago and negative. I’ve just received a call from my doctors surgery (not sure if it was the doctor or the nurse on the phone) to say my smear came back as HPV positive with cell changes so there will be a direct referral to colposcopy. I wanted to ask questions but she said if I wanted to discuss the results further I’d need to phone back and make an appointment. I didn’t have my full course of HPV vaccines at school after having an reaction to the first which I’m now kicking myself about.

I don’t know what to expect at colposcopy and I’m obviously worried about the risk of cancer but I’m nervous about further tests as I really had to psych myself up for the smear test after I was sexually assaulted last year. I know I’m probably being dramatic but I could just cry right now

Sending you a big hug, as I know a little bit how you are feeling. I haven't been assaulted, but I was found to have HPV and CIN4 cell changes. This was 28 years ago and I had a colposcopy, which really wasn't much worse than a smear and then I had the dodgy cells removed by a procedure called large loop excision. I don't know if that is what they still do now. Since then I've had two children and loads of smears which have all come back negative.

I appreciate it is not great news but try and see it as a positive that the screening works and you are being monitored and will be treated. This is exactly what smear tests are for.

If you have a friend, partner or relative who could go with you to appointments, that may be helpful. Make sure all the medical professionals treating you are aware that you were assaulted and particularly anxious as a result - unless of course you don't want to.

All my smear test have been clear until my last one 12 months ago came back with HPV.
I had a smear done last week still waiting for results tbh im a little scared.

Please try not to worry this is so common and so well treated, very straight forward too.
I had this in 2019 and was convinced my life was over, 2 appointments and i was clear and have been since.
You will be absolutly fine, sending love

Don't stress! Honestly! The fact you had one 3 years ago and was clear is a positive in itself. These things take AGES to develop. My friend has the exact same thing a few weeks ago. Went for colposcopy and had some cells burnt away... it's SO common! Please do not worry xxx

For what it's worth, I found my colposcopy appointments less stressful than smear tests at the GP surgery. The colposcopy clinic is set up specifically for this and they're doing it day in day out so it's very professional.

My niece went for her very first smear test and it came back hpv positive with cell changes. I'm taking her for her colposcopy next week and she's a bit worried and stressed about it. Think her letter said if small amount of cells they can remove at the appointment and if more widespread will do a biopsy and go for further tests

Hi OP… just want to reassure you this seems quite common as i had HPV abnormalities aswell over a year ago so had to go for a colposcopy and it’s just the same if not easier than a smear … the worst bit is having to drink quite a lot of water before appointment then your appointment running a little late… but all came back clear (they tell you then and there) if they notice anything untoward…. the only good thing about having HPV is that your smears are more frequent until you get a few clear runs so at least you are being monitored more closely… sending you hugs ❤️

Thank you for the replies everyone, they’ve made me feel a bit better, I was in such a panic yesterday after getting the call!

My colposcopy appointment is now showing on the NHS app as the 10th March however I’m due on that week so assuming I’ll need to rearrange 😣

You can still have colposcopy during a cycle but if you are bleeding heavy it may be advisable to reschedule as they need to see your cervix clearly.
They also advise to avoid sex and using vaginal medications, lubricants, or creams for at least 24 hours before your appointment.