Real People Stories – Faye 

Three years ago, I received a test diagnosis of HPV, and I, too, felt concerned and upset when I was told.

After looking into it, though, I am much more positive about it. 

Some evidence suggests that although you carry it throughout your life. And you can fight it to a point where it lies dormant and can reoccur in waves, like a cold sore virus. 

You can also do things to boost your immune system and keep it at bay. Google AHCC/ vitamin C for HPV cancer treatment; there is evidence of a few clinical trials that have eliminated the virus in some women. 

Empowerment Through Knowledge and Self-Care

In some ways, knowledge is power, and you know now. Do the treatment research, look after yourself, eat well, and exercise, and that’s all you can do! 

And remember that although HPV is the cause of many cases of cervical cancer. Not everyone who has the virus will develop cervical cancer; actually, far from it! Recent research suggests that 80% of people have had this virus.

I am currently going through a round shake and health journey in my life. And I am aiming to treat my HPV test as part of it. I have also asked my partner to take AHCC and Vit C with me so we aren’t reinfecting each other (if that’s even a thing! I’m unsure, but what do we have to lose). We have a sex life just as before.

I haven’t considered how I would tackle the conversation with a new partner. And I guess that’s up to you and whatever you are comfortable with. 

I am very open with my friends and colleagues about my smear STD test and HPV cancer diagnosis. Because I don’t think it’s talked about enough. And you would be amazed at how many people say ‘Me too’ when you are brave enough to talk about it. 

Potentially, 80% of the people you know could have/or had this too!

So when you think about it like that – it’s less scary and isolating.

I encourage you to feel as positive as you can about it – research helped me 🙂

Belle

Hi all, sorry for posting this; I can see so many of you are having a much more rubbish time. And I feel for you completely; I am feeling very anxious and scared.

I am 43, and due to a very unpleasant experience during a smear, I put off going back.

Fast forward 8 years, and I have just moved to a new area and practice. I thought I would try again with a different practice nurse. I explained how awful it had been. She was so lovely, helpful, and, most importantly, gentle. This meant I could get through the procedure. I then get a letter stating abnormal cells and cancer. I am to have a colposcopy and biopsy. Cue immediate panic about the procedure itself. It was unpleasant and very painful; however, I did it, and there was a large white patch biopsied twice. I was told results would be 6 weeks, which meant Christmas week. 

Escalating Concerns: Physical Symptoms

Before I even went for the smear, I had abdominal pain like a nagging period pain on and off all the time. I bleed watery blood after sex and in between, too. This seems to have worsened since the colposcopy. And as time went by, I became increasingly scared about what it might be and what the results would show.

As I say, I am sorry for posting such a pathetic STD post, especially at my age. I have very few people to talk to as I am in a new area. My partner is fabulous, but I can’t talk to him about how scared I am, as bless him, he would worry so much. I have an Amazing new set of great in-laws, but again, I can’t confide in them.

I keep finding them asking if I have the results yet, making me more anxious. They keep saying they would have rushed it through if it were bad. Having dealt with histology pots in a previous job, I know there is rarely any urgent caveat as it costs too much. They all become equal in the lab, no matter what might be in the pot.

Apologies again, and wishing you all a peaceful weekend

Belle x

Victoria

I hadn’t heard of cancer until I received my diagnosis. Although HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, it can lay dormant and may not be active enough to show in a smear test. I think it’s only 5 years that the NHS has been screening for the virus. Previously, it was just for cell changes. Knowing that an STD is present means that any cell changes are picked up. STIs can be active and not create cell changes, active and cause cell changes or dormant and not show up on smear at all (when it’s dormant, it’s not active, so that it won’t be doing any harm)

So you could have had it before you even met your partner; he could have given it to you years ago. There’s just no precise science, unfortunately.

My fiancé and I had the same conversation when I was diagnosed with an STI after a test. We’ve been together for 6 years, but I did not have an STD smear exam at that time (I stupidly waited 9 years for my smear). I was positive he hadn’t cheated, and it led me to ask more questions of my friend, who’s a sexual health nurse, and the above is the info she gave me.

As I said, there are no certain answers as to how you got it or who from; the only thing you can do is focus on the now xx.

Beatrice

Tests show that there are over 200 types of STDs; it is a common virus, and if you’ve ever had warts, then you likely have got it. It is NOT like the infectious type of STI some of you are thinking of. It is endemic in the world population. Eight out of 10 people (80%) who are sexually active will have HPV. For most people, it causes no real problems, but for some women (women, not men), it has the potential to cause cell changes in the cells of the cervix. This is why young girls are now vaccinated against it. Not because they are promiscuous or need to be ashamed, but because it’s NORMAL to be in contact with an STD at some time.

Should you tell someone before dating? Why would you need to? They’ve probably had it anyway… The important thing for women is to go for their regular smear exam because the potential for abnormal cells is just one of those things women have to take on board, along with periods and contraception. Most women throw off the virus in a year or so. Even slight changes in cervical cells can be reversed and never cause a problem.

However, medical STD science has realized that tests show the presence of this common virus can, in some women, cause problems that could lead to cancer if not detected. It’s only in recent years that smears have been checked for the presence of Human Papilloma Virus to prevent the process of cell abnormalities. This is a good thing. If you’re one of the unlucky ladies needing treatment, you will hopefully find your way to this site for medical advice and STI forum support. You’re not alone, and you’re not bad. You’re just normal.