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HPV positive aged 64 years

(17 Posts)
alyssinmagination Mon 04-May-26 04:24:39

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honeychu Wed 04-Mar-26 04:20:14

One thing discussions like this highlight is how vital health literacy is. Understanding what HPV is, how smear tests work, what a colposcopy checks for, and how monitoring systems operate can make the whole process feel a little less overwhelming. When people understand the science behind viral infections, cell changes, and screening intervals, it helps reduce anxiety and empowers better decision-making.

That foundation actually starts much earlier than we realise. Basic biology education — learning about cells, viruses, the immune system, and how the body heals — builds the confidence to navigate situations like this later in life. Clear, age-appropriate health education during school years can make a huge difference in how comfortably people manage medical information as adults.

At UNICCM, the focus is on providing structured online learning resources across core subjects, including science topics that help young learners understand how the human body works. Strengthening comprehension and critical thinking skills early on supports lifelong confidence — whether reading medical results, understanding screening systems, or simply advocating for your own health.
www.uniccm.com

nanna8 Wed 04-Mar-26 02:41:02

New Zealand just now but we are travelling

2507C0 Mon 02-Mar-26 08:55:11

Nana8 where are you geographically?

nanna8 Mon 02-Mar-26 06:09:19

I thought you meant HIV at first which is a whole other problem for some. The cut off for free tests here is 74 years old but with a doctor’s recommendation you can get them after that. We have a half and half system with many paying for private health.

Tioper Mon 02-Mar-26 04:19:48

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2507C0 Sun 01-Mar-26 22:43:54

Jools 66. Yes indeed. Most people either have it and have symptoms, or have no symptoms but carry it, or have had it at sometime in their lives and it has been defeated by the immune system. It's very sneaky and it's passed by intimate contact between people and most people have that going on in at least sometime in their lives.

jools66 Sun 01-Mar-26 21:42:01

HPV can also cause oral cancers meaning that males can also be affected

2507C0 Sun 01-Mar-26 17:03:04

It is a virus. It is usually passed around by having sex but can be carried elsewhere. Once you have it, it behaves like the chicken pox virus and "hides" or else is eventually defeated by the body. It can pop up again at anytime. Is it extremely common and can cause cervical cancer. That's why smear tests are offered to all women until they reach 65 I believe. Then, who knows 🤷‍♀️? Ageist imo

Paperbackwriter Sun 01-Mar-26 16:46:01

This is why the recently-developed vaccine is so wonderful. All young people should have it. I hope they do!

Bea65 Sun 01-Mar-26 16:08:59

I’d never heard of HPV Virus until my DD had test via school screening 10 yrs ago and confirmed she had HPV …AND MANY of her friends…

My DD now has regular screening tests once a year but has been told she may be infertile…what has caused this ?.

Sadie5803 Sun 01-Mar-26 15:20:21

The system isn't fit for purpose once you get to 65, ive had cone biopsy and lazer treatment in the past years, how will I know if it hasn't reappeared again ...GOT TO PAY AND GO PRIVATE, im sure all this is part of a bigger plan, get rid of us all after a certain age....NO more pension to be paid to us,

Mandymoo456 Sun 01-Mar-26 14:43:17

That is true, things are changing all the time tho in tests, I'm glad I'm going yearly at the mo and hope it's a repeat of last time although the colposcopy did sting it was like acid burning, what us women have to go through, wish you well for the future 😊

2507C0 Sun 01-Mar-26 14:12:26

No. Not just you my friend. I was first diagnosed 45 years ago. Had treatment and it went away but years later showed up in a smear test. Had treatment and it went away and it reappeared about 5 years ago (when I was about your age) Had another colposcopy and nothing found but next smear tear still showing but no red flags so I have to have smear tests every three years until something changes, either it goes away or it needs treatment. My question is, if it goes away on its own and I no longer am called for smear tests, if it reoccurs I will not know! It's a strange system! It seems that if I wanted to have a mammogram once I no longer get called automatically, I can have one. If I wanted a smear test after I'm no longer called, I cannot have one. Seems the only way then is to go private. Seems a bit odd to me. It isn't always the case I know, but it is possible to see evidence of a problem in breasts ( I realise not always) but impossible to see if there's something wrong internally or even in the vaginal area, until there's blood or pain. Seems nuts.

Mandymoo456 Fri 27-Feb-26 02:48:08

That's encouraging to hear, I went for colposcopy last year and found no abnormal cells so I'm due another smear next month, thought it was just me , thanks

Flippin2 Thu 26-Feb-26 22:28:37

I had HPV first diagnosed in 2014,had colposcopy and smear test for the next two years,cells were removed and further smear tests were clear,last one was last year age 67..

Mandymoo456 Thu 26-Feb-26 18:10:57

Anyone else going through this?