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Abnormal smear at 65!

(20 Posts)
Rosajoy1 Wed 13-Apr-22 09:43:37

I recently had what should have been my final smear having reached the grand old age of 65. Unfortunately changes in cells were detected but even worse I was HPV positive. I had a colposcopy and biopsy three weeks ago and am awaiting the result. I have been married for 43 years so this has come as rather a shock! Has anyone else been through this so late in life?

FannyCornforth Wed 13-Apr-22 12:31:25

I have just noticed this slipping off the list, so giving it a little bump.
Wishing you well

Dempie55 Wed 13-Apr-22 12:36:31

I don't really know much about this, but I have a feeling that I once read that the HPV virus can lie dormant in the human body for many years?

Oopsadaisy1 Wed 13-Apr-22 12:47:37

Many older people have an STD.
Apparently it will probably clear up on its own , with medication for any symptoms.

Rosajoy1 Wed 13-Apr-22 12:47:47

Yes I read that too. The consultant said that it can flare up if you have been ill. All a bit worrying though.

Esspee Wed 13-Apr-22 12:59:16

Great that this has been picked up. Without cervical smears more women would die of the disease whereas you can now receive treatment. I think I would be concentrating on that Rosajoy.
Best wishes for a complete recovery.

SuzieHi Wed 13-Apr-22 13:08:43

Went through this in my mid 40’s - laser treatment sorted it out( under general anaesthetic). Don’t agree unless knocked out!
Don’t dwell on how or why it’s surfaced now. It can lie dormant for years.
Hope you get it dealt with soon .

toscalily Wed 13-Apr-22 13:18:37

I hate to say this but perhaps a conversation with your OH is in order? Best of luck.

Rosajoy1 Wed 13-Apr-22 13:23:46

I’ve already had that conversation toscalily! I think that was what worried me most of all.

Kandinsky Wed 13-Apr-22 13:25:06

I was just about to say that.
I very much doubt the HPV virus has been in you for 43 years without being picked up before now.
Your partner could have been unfaithful & you really need to get tested for other STI.

timetogo2016 Wed 13-Apr-22 13:43:50

Oooooh my tummy turned Rosajoy1 when i read your post.
I really hope everything works out for you on both accounts.

markrob7484 Sun 17-Apr-22 20:31:19

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

Chewbacca Sun 17-Apr-22 20:36:41

Reported

Gossamerbeynon1945 Sun 17-Apr-22 20:40:37

I had the same problem. After the colposcopy, I took my husband to the next appointment with me. Totally different attitude, and I have had no problems since. I agree that this can flare up when you are under the weather. At the time I had an underactive thyroid. Doctor signed me off there and then, didn't have to go back.

welbeck Sun 17-Apr-22 20:48:56

is there no other way of getting HPV ?
kissing maybe ? i really don't know.
isn't it linked to cold sores ?

Oopsadaisy1 Sun 17-Apr-22 22:04:13

Welbeck it depends what you kiss!

It’s a Sexually transmitted disease and usually disappears with 2 years, according to Dr.Google.

welbeck Mon 18-Apr-22 02:06:40

i thought that it could lie dormant for years, decades ? saw that on tv.

Oopsadaisy1 Mon 18-Apr-22 19:55:17

Herpes (Cold Virus) is HSV and can live for years in your body

HPV is an STD and usually last for 2 years or so, again info from online. Dr, Google and various Health Websites.

Rosajoy1 Wed 20-Apr-22 10:11:04

My consultant explained that although HPV usually clears within a couple of years it can remain dormant for decades and be triggered by illness. I really only posted on the forum to see if anybody else had experienced the same issue. Thank you for the few messages of support. I was fairly horrified to find out that I have an STD and yes it sparked a long discussion between myself and my husband but my consultant’s explanation means more than anything that can be found online.

Mandymoo456 Sun 27-Oct-24 20:49:25

Hi I'm 62, I've had two smears and both HPV positive with no abnormal cells, I'm due back April, has anyone else had this so late in life?