r/PreCervicalCancer

I recently had my first cervical screening and found out that I’m positive for HPV 16. I’ve been with the same partner for 9 years, so this result really caught me off guard. I understand now that HPV can stay dormant/undetectable for years and that a positive result doesn’t necessarily mean it was recently acquired.

My doctor has referred me for a colposcopy, and naturally I’m pretty anxious about what they might find. I know HPV 16 is considered one of the higher-risk strains, but I’m having a hard time separating “high-risk HPV” from actually having precancerous or cancerous cells.

For anyone who has been HPV 16 positive:
What did your colposcopy show?

Did you have normal cells, CIN1, CIN2 or CIN3?

Did you need a biopsy or LEEP?

Did you eventually clear/test negative for HPV 16?

Has anyone had HPV 16 show up after being with the same partner for many years?

I’d especially love to hear from people whose HPV 16 was discovered during routine screening and who had no symptoms beforehand. I’m trying not to assume the worst while waiting for the colposcopy.
Thank you ❤️

I’m 21F in Staffordshire (UK) and have just been put on a 2‑week‑wait cancer pathway, but instead of being booked into a colposcopy clinic, I’ve been referred straight to a gynaecological oncologist, which I can’t find any clear NHS guidance about.

My cervical history is messy: I have endometriosis and PCOS, and in late November 2025 (Worcestershire Trust) my endometriosis consultant noticed a suspicious cervical growth during a routine clinic appointment for my endo surgery waiting list and referred me to colposcopy. In early December 2025, that colposcopist found a friable, papillary, abnormal cervix, but biopsies showed papillary endocervicitis and microglandular hyperplasia (benign). In early January 2026, during my robotic endometriosis surgery, the surgeon again saw an irregular, vascular, suspicious cervix and took more biopsies, which were benign. Later that month (late Jan 2026), I saw another colposcopist who was very dismissive, barely examined me, said it was just a large ectropion, cauterised it, and discharged me. She advised switching to the POP, but due to NHS delays I stayed on the combined pill until last week.

Today (Aug 2026), I was seeing a community gynae in Staffordshire for an unrelated pelvic physio referral, but mentioned my post‑coital bleeding and pain during sex had come back badly. She examined me and found a grossly abnormal cervix, “never an ectropion”, with growths covering most of the lower cervical lip, a network of blood vessels, and yellow‑green discharge (not STDs/STIs as they tested for this) and immediately referred me on a 2WW pathway directly to gynae oncology, not colposcopy.

I’m trying to understand why someone with recurrent but previously benign glandular cervical changes would bypass colposcopy and go straight to oncology, and what non‑cancerous conditions could cause recurrent cervical growths, abnormal vascularity, discharge, and changing appearances. Is this normal in some NHS Trusts, and what other benign explanations could fit this pattern besides cancer?

From my understanding, to be referred directly to oncology there must be a serious concern of cancer? I’m just not sure what the norm is here! Any feedback would be much appreciated!

I had colposcopy done recently, due to an abnormal pap and HPV45. It was painful, and I’m terrified while waiting for the biopsy results. Prior to the Pap smear I had a few weeks ago, I cannot remember when my last one was.

I can assume it was a normal Pap smear, if I never received the results that I came up recently. My partner made me feel so low about this. Once I told him everything that’s going on. He kept asking how I don’t know when my last pap was. He asked how often I went prior to our relationship. He said he’s a man and knows how often women should be going to get it done, and why I didn’t know.

Umm..I’m just scared and feel alone and cornered after having this procedure done. Idk who else to talk to or what else to do. I can’t stop crying and just feeling bad.

Hey everyone, sorry if this violates the rules since I haven’t technically been told it’s pre cancerous yet. If it does just let me know and I will delete

Got the call today that the hpv isn’t going away, and that it’s the high risk one. Don’t know much else other than that I have to have the procedure done (I was in a fog and can’t remember the name but I assume y’all know) to see if it’s pre cancerous. I was fairly uneducated on every part of this so I’m definitely panicking. My doctor didn’t seem worried, but part of me feels like she was purposely trying to sound that way. Idk. I’m terrified.

I’m not really sure what I’m looking for but if you read this far and feel like you have something worth saying to me please do. I can’t believe this is really happening and I’m not looking forward to months of panicking until I can get an appointment with the specialist.

I have my LEEP in 10 min and I’ll be under general anesthesia. Wish me luck 🍀

I’m not scared but I’m very very annoyed at myself for having to go through this.

Happy to answer any questions you may have after I wake up!

Hi all

i had punch cervix biopsy on weds 12th August (it was just the colonoscopy(probably spelt this wrong!) and they asked if I wanted to have biopsy there and then )

I said yes as after 45 mins trying to find my cervix I didn’t want to go through that again!

when they gave me the do not sheet it says no swimming, I’m so annoyed as they knew I was going on holiday (21st) to a place in dolomites which I paid more for the view/swimming.

I still have some bloody like discharge (not a lot) but extremely bloated. i also think I’m panicking and probably tensing my tummy too.

if you’ve got this far i guess my questions is

did anyone go swimming after when had a little discharge still?
also is bloating like this normal per say on day 6?

thank you!

Got this in my pap. Freaking out.

Pap and/or Molecular Results Cytology Results: Epithelial Cell Abnormality
Atypical Glandular cells, favor neoplastic process
HPV mRNA E6/E7 Not Detected

Anyone had a similar result? What was the outcome?

Hi yall

Just wanted to know how far along were you after the LEEP procedure that you got pregnant? My doc to wants us to wait the 6 month mark, which puts us at October but I am so ready to be a mom!

Thank you 🙏🏻

Hey ladies. As my LEEP approaches, i'm starting to freak out a little about the pain. Some people in reddit say that it didn't hurt at all, some people say that it still did. I don't know what to believe, i guess i'll find out soon but wanted to check maybe any positive words from someone, or advice on whether to take some painkillers before as well etc?

Hi. I feel like I still haven’t fully processed this and am still kind of going through the trauma of everything but long story short, I have CIN 3 cells. I was scheduled for a CKC last Tuesday but when I woke up, my doctor told me they were unable to do the procedure because my cervix had become flush with my vaginal canal and there wasn’t enough to do the procedure. Instead, they simply did a colposcopy. They told me that I most likely need a hysterectomy in order to make sure it doesn’t progress to cervical cancer since they cannot remove the cells through a CKC or a LEEP.

While I was trying to process that I started bleeding through my pads every 10-15 minutes. They tried to give me a clotting medication to stop the bleeding but I ended up back in the OR because the medication did not work.

I was admitted overnight so they could monitor me and make sure the bleeding had completely stopped. I’m now being referred to a hematologist because my doctors are worried I will bleed out during my hysterectomy. I also have a history of hemorrhages after both of my c sections that required blood transfusions. I got out of this one with only needing iron.

Honestly I’m really scared. I haven’t really fully processed the idea of needing a hysterectomy. I know that I do not want more children but it feels like the choice is being taken away from me because what if I had changed my mind in a year or so? Now I won’t be able to change my mind. And I’m so sad.

I was already so stressed about the CKC but I was hoping it would work and everything would be behind me. Instead lol a super simple procedure turned into this giant mess and now I am going to lose my uterus.

I guess I’m just looking to hear from others who have had to go through something like this. Or words of support from others who people.

Non malignant CIN1 and I’ve been crying all weekend since I found out. I feel so dirty and disgusting and I keep reading stuff about how it gets worse and how I’ll never be negative again and I’m freaking out.

If anyone has stories about it regressing without treatment, please help. I want to get surgically treated because I just want it gone but I don’t think I can. I feel like I can’t even think straight after this

I tested positive for HPV with LSIL, and I have my gardasil shots. I was referred for a colposcopy and I told my doctor I easily pass out due to anxiety, especially with medical procedures. I pass out with shots and blood draws like 80% of the time, so they said they would put me under for the biopsy. I don’t have anyone to drive me home after. I went back and forth with them for a bit about this bc I kept telling them I don’t have a ride, they said that’s ok just find one. I. Do. Not. Have. One. It’s not an option. There’s also no Uber/taxis/Lyft/etc in my area. They finally said they wouldn’t put me under. I asked if I can just do the colposcopy and not a biopsy unless there is a clear sign of abnormal cells and they said no, that “a colposcopy is a biopsy”. I thought they were two separate things but they said that’s not true. I’m thinking of just canceling the appt entirely because I’m scared they’ll perform a biopsy even if I retract consent partway through the appt.

Hi everyone!

I noticed that I had genital warts at the beginning of July, but my gynecologist postponed the removal because of my vacation and menstrual cycles. My removal is scheduled for Tuesday (August 18), but since the beginning of July they have spread quite a lot. I have them around my anus, on my vulva, and even internally.

I’m having them removed using radiofrequency ablation, and I’m wondering if it will be possible to remove all of them in one treatment, or if I’ll need multiple sessions.

I’m also worried about scarring. Will the scars remain permanently, or do they usually fade over time after radiofrequency removal?

Has anyone had a similar experience? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you!

I have been testing positive for HR HPV for at least 3 years. I did not have pap smears in my 20s, so it's unclear to me exactly how long I've been living with the virus.

In 2023, my pap came back as HSIL, but I was pregnant so we waited to do the colposcopy until after delivery. The colpo in 2024 came back as LSIL with CIN 1 on the 6:00 biopsy spot and benign cell changes on the ECC. Since then, I've had another baby and a repeat colpo in 2026, which came back as HSIL CIN 2-3 on both biopsy spots (4:00 and 9:00) and also CIN 2-3 on the ECC. Different doctors performed my colposcopies and both said my cervix looked healthy except for a spot or two. I am confused/concerned about how the ECC result changes so drastically just over a couple years.

I am scheduled to have a LEEP next month, but feeling just a little hesitant about it just because of the mixed colpo results. I will go through with it anyways because I want to do whatever I can to avoid developing cervical cancer. I do wonder though to what extent that having multiple children and inflammation might play a part in the CIN progression. The doctors make it sound like the ONLY reason for cell changes is the high risk HPV, and I do believe them, but it also feels like something else can be going on. I have been sleep deprived and more stressed for 10 months since the birth of my second child, so I am sure that's not helping the whole situation. Has anyone else has an experience like this? Particularly postpartum women?

I am taking curcumin and green tea suppositories in the meantime to hopefully combat the negative effects of these E6/E7 proteins from the HPV. I am also taking a bunch of supplements that are recommended in the natural protocols for clearing HPV and healing cervical dysplasia.

Anyways, just looking for solidarity!

35F – CIN 2 after HSIL Pap, recently had a cone biopsy. Looking for similar experiences
Hi everyone! I’m 35 and wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has gone through something similar.
In January 2025, my Pap smear was normal. Then in July 2026, I had an abnormal Pap that came back as HSIL/CIN 3 (severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ on cytology).
I had a colposcopy with multiple biopsies on July 31. Thankfully, the biopsy results came back as CIN 2 rather than CIN 3, and my gynecologist recommended a cone biopsy/conization.
I had the conization this past Friday (August 14), so I’m currently waiting for the pathology results, especially to find out whether the margins are clear and whether the cone confirms CIN 2 or shows anything different.
I had the HPV vaccine when I was around 18, before becoming sexually active, so this whole situation has been surprising and scary for me.
For anyone who has had a similar experience:
Did your cone pathology match your biopsy (CIN 2), or did it come back higher/lower?
Were your margins clear?
Did you need any additional treatment afterward?
How long did you wait before returning to exercise, especially running, cycling, swimming, strength training, or push-ups?
What was your follow-up schedule like after the cone?
Did you eventually test negative for HPV?
I don’t plan on having children, and I’ve also thought about potentially having a hysterectomy in the future, but for now I’m waiting for the cone pathology and taking things one step at a time.
I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences, especially from anyone around my age who went from an HSIL Pap → CIN 2 biopsy → conization

I am 28F, had my first screening in 10 years. It came back as:

• Higher risk for significant cervical abnormality
• HPV other (not 16 or 18)
• High-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)

The doctor did not tell me much, aside from the fact I was being referred urgently to see a specialist for a colposcopy and biopsy. I am currently still waiting on an appointment.

Given the presence of HSIL, can I assume that I will also need a LEEP or similar?

Additionally, I am in Australia and the screening does not test for cancer. I know it is likely just precancerous, but I am concerned about the timeline - it has potentially had ~10 years to develop. How often does the colposcopy reveal that the HSIL has developed into cervical cancer?

Thanks in advance.

I had my LEEP at the end of April, and have had four periods since, on time. I have noticed though that suddenly I’m experiencing cramps for several days before my period comes, each day feeling like it is going to come, but then it doesn’t until a few days later. This is something new for me and wondering if it’s related to the LEEP. Another new thing I noticed is a drop of very faint pinkish discharge a day or two before my period really takes off. Once my period starts, it’s back to normal and haven’t had any changes.

Has anyone else noticed these things?

So I very recently had my LEEP procedure (in Ontario Canada) and wanted to share my experience with everyone!

I had a tiny spot of HSIL CIN 2 so I had to get the procedure done.

Leading up to the procedure I wasn’t nervous. I knew in the back of my mind it was coming up but I didn’t let it get to me so I could enjoy my summer. However on the day of, when I got to the hospital, I completely succumbed to my nerves. I was most nervous about the injection going in. There was no way in my mind multiple injections in the cervix was not going to hurt.

The nurse guided me through everything, the run down of the procedure and what not to do post procedure. You know, the usual.

When it was time to do the procedure, I was panicking and my breath was shallow, rightfully so. No way is a LEEP procedure fun.

The speculum going in felt worse than the ones used for a pap or even colposcopy. It hurt more. The doctor specifically said it’s different and it will be more uncomfortable, I guess it’s coz they really have to get in there.

Once it was in, it was time for the injections. The nurse knew I was freaking out about it so she calmed me down by holding me and starting to ask me questions, to distract me. That 100% helped. I felt the SLIGHTEST pinch, but it only lasted less than a second. I didn’t feel the needle at all, and I certainly didn’t feel the 4 other injections that followed. I was shooketh tbh lol. But then the numbing agent did its thing that everyone doing the LEEP was warned about. My heart was racing so fast, I started getting jitters, my legs were shaking and my breath was even more shallow than when I was just nervous. That was annoying for sure.

It was time for the actual LEEP. The machine was loud, as everyone has said. But not too bad tbh. The doctor went in and proceeded to laser a little piece off as they would in a LEEP procedure. The entire time the nurse was still talking to me, asking me generic things to distract me. Seriously, it works!

Literally, just a minute goes by, and the LEEP was done. I can’t believe it was that quick! The waiting, anticipation and mind going all over the place is really just the worse part. The injection wasn’t even that bad! If anything the speculum going in was really just the worst part.

Now on to the healing. The first day back from the procedure was fine. It’s like I never had a procedure done. No bleeding etc. 2nd day there was a lot of cramps, especially at night with very light spotting. I will say I get pretty tired in the evening. Same thing with the 3rd day etc! So let’s see how this fairs!

If you have to do a LEEP, don’t worry! Do it! It’s not TOO bad (at least with my experience). Of course we shouldn’t have to go through it and it’s a horrible ordeal but it can save you! Do it! Get checked, and if you need to do the LEEP, do it! You got this

Let me know if you have any questions