HPV high risk smear result - worried sick

[ChronicallyChill]

Please can someone give me some reassurance.

Had an overdue smear test last week. Results back on NHS app today saying HPV high risk, cytology negative, repeat smear in 12 months. Haven't had the letter in post yet. Smears have always been clear in the past before having two children.

Today is my birthday and I haven't been able to eat, I am worried sick so it has totally overshadowed it.

Please can someone tell me what happens now. I'm so scared I'm going to leave my children without a mum.

Also to add, I'm 36 and have endometriosis - not sure if relevant.

This just means you have HPV. Nothing more.
The vitiligo read negative so they have no need to check you further at this time. Don't worry.

Over 2/3 of women have HPV at some point in their lives! Normal cytology means no abnormal cells. The body usually clears HPV in a year in most cases. If it hangs around longer than 2 years it can cause abnormal cells.

The cytology is negative, that's the main thing. They're just being extra careful seeing you in another 12 months to be sure. I wouldn't give this any stress or worry.

This means that your cervical Sample has tested positive for one of the types of HPV which are known to sometimes cause changes to the cells of your cervix which can later go on to become precancerous. They have looked at the actual cells taken from your cervix at your smear because of the positive HPV and seen that you currently have no abnormal cells (cytology).
Lots of people go on to clear the HPV naturally without any treatment, which is why you'll be invited for a repeat smear in 12 months time to make sure this is the case. Happy to answer any questions!

If you've not been called for a colposcopy then you'll be fine. Most women have HPV at some point in their lives

Thank you, I'm worried as it was so overdue due to pregnancies and then a failed painful attempt, so now panicking thinking what if it's been there for years.

You're not going to die from HPV. You asked for reassurance, so that's the most straightforward response to your results.

There is nothing here to worry about - it's an all clear with a follow up in 12 months to ensure it's still all clear. Any changes that may develop will be slow and caught before they become anything worrying. Therefore literally nothing for you to be worrying about.

I don't understand why you would jump to panicking about leaving your children motherless based on that information? Do you have pre-existing anxiety?

Thank you.

I do have health anxiety, yes. I think it has been exacerbated by the fact that I've always had negative smears, and that this one was so overdue. I am also worried the letter will say I need a colposcopy and they'll find something.

You only get offered colposcopy with abnormal cells or HPV in 3 consecutive smears.