I'm 44 years old and just recently had my annual pap test. My doctor sent me a letter with the following: "recent pap smear showed no cytologic or cellular abnormalities; however, testing for the high risk subtypes of the HPV were positive". The letter goes on to say how common HPV is and not to be overly concerned at this point and to come back for yearly pap tests. Well, I can't help myself, I'm concerned .... Overly concerned. I have had pap smears every year since I was 16 and they have always been normal. I don't know if I have been previously tested for HPV or if it's something that is tested along with the pap test. I have read online that it can clear up but can come back - I dont understand all the info - I don't understand how if you have you will always have so wont I always test positive for it now. Some articles suggest that it will clear up in about 24 months ??? Can someone help me understand. Also should I wait a year for another test or be checked more frequently?