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I was in your situation a few years ago and was pretty nervous too - part of my nervousness was that it's a part of the body that I didn't know what to expect in terms of sensation. It's not like knowing what it feels like to stub a toe or something you've done a million times. So anyway. I was nervous about that and I read up on what to expect and one thing I read suggested breathing deeply during the procedure so I definitely did that. My doctor said it would feel like a little 'pop' when she took the tissue and I didn't know what that was going to be like either! In the end it was uncomfortable but NOT painful. There was some cramping after and I took Advil or something similar (ibuprofen) for the rest of the day just to be on the safe side. It was okay in the end - I had 'atypical' cells and she didn't treat them - she said they would likely clear themselves out in a year or so. I got the all clear within two years although I am definitely mindful when I have appointments now and want to make sure I'm totally healthy. I am sure everything will be okay with you - I don't have much more info but I wanted to share with you in case it helped ease your mind a little!
Fortunately for me I have not experienced anything that you are going through but with this pregnancy I have come across some symptoms that I never heard of when I have spoken from a number of moms when they were pregnant. So the first thing I did was Google it.
Googling the procedure should come up with numerous documents and even patient reactions which may help you stay calm. I just like knowing what I can expect so it is less of a surprise and also I can keep myself sane and take the appropriate precautions.
I have this done very three months.
I had cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma) and had surgery two years ago - I've had it all - colpo's, LEEP's, Cone's...
I can tell you, that dysplasia is VERY common. High grade doesn't necessarily equal cervical cancer, so don't freak yourself out. There are several types of cells - you could have ASCUS (google it), which are atypical squamous cells, which is not scary and usually resolves itself.
I assume they'll test for HPV once they've take the samples from the colpo. Basically, they're going to do what will feel like a pap to you - but they'll use a solution on your cervix which will make it easier for them to see abnormal cells. They'll generaly take a few punch biopsies - these can hurt, but they're not horrible and it's just for a minute. Expect to cramp afterward and bleed a bit. They'll probably put a solution in your cervix to stop the bleeding, and you'll pass that later. It's really gross, so don't freak out - it's normal.
The main thing is to just have the colpo and relax. Wait for the results, but don't freak out about them. This is very common and usually means nothing. Best of luck with everything, it'll be fine!!! If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me!!!!!
I just had a colposcopy in September for similar reasons. Just wanted to reiterate that everything Laylabelle said about the procedure is 100% accurate. I did take the rest of the day off from work after mine, which I'm glad, because she took 3 biopsies and I was bleeding and cramping a bit. Turns out I'm fine - got the all-clear within two weeks - and I'll bet you will be too! Good luck!
I had the same thing happen a two years ago and let me tell you... I freaked out. I'm kind of a hypochondriac and I was terrified. Turns out, I really should have just chilled out a bit. Everything my doctor said was absolutely right: abnormal does not mean cancer. They will do the colposcopy and then probably watch you every 3 or 6 months for a certain period of time. I had 2 abnormal PAPs and then 3 normal ones... I have just been given the clear to go back to annual exams rather than twice yearly ones. Something like 75% of abnormality goes back to normal with no intervention whatsoever. Most of the other 25% they are able to take care of before it becomes cancer.
In terms of the actual colposcopy I agree with the above. I took a magazine and read during mine to keep my mind off of it. It was uncomfortable and when she took the biopsies it did hurt/pinch a little... but it was not as bad as say.... getting a shot or something. Afterwards I did have cramping and a little bleeding but the next day I felt fine.
Just try to stay calm. Realize that this is WHY you go in for screenings... to make sure that you catch these things early and take care of them before they become serious :)
Thanks guys!!
Everyone seems to be on the same page with this! Much more of a relief! I am worried about the old Dr Google philosophy, which just got me more scared!
Hearing real life stories is much more positive!
Im going in on the 4th December for my colposcopy. The man is going to come with me, because he is even more worried than me. But he is going to go for a walk while im in there and then drive me home - its a reasonably long drive, so with all the cramping talk, its probably a good idea!
Im doing a biathlon the next day, could be interesting!!! My GP said it would be ok, and so did the gynae over the phone, but its not the end of the world if im not in any condition to compete!
Thanks again for the reassurance guys! Im feeling way more positive! As i am usually after a session on the hive!!!
I've never had one, but two close friends in college did and they both said it was totally fine and nothing to worry about. Just relax, you'll be ok!
same thing happened to me, the colposcopy was only a litttttle bit more uncomfortable then a pap, so don't worry about that. also, my gyn told me that people my age (mid 20s) often have irregular paps (I had 2 in a row that is why i had the colposcopy) and it is nothing to worry about 99% of the time. don't fret! you're fine :)
I would like to reitterate everything lalabelle has mentioned. I go in every 3 months and have had to have 3 colps and a LEEP since I had a severe reading 3 years ago. I was really freaked but since all of this mess I have finally gotten a normal reading! Thank goodness.
I am sure you are going to be fine. Talk to your doctor about any questions and fears you have.
I had a coloscophy back in August and it wasnt that bad. It was like a pap but with cramping involved. I went back to work the next day and was fine. Good luck and try not worry about it too much.
Hi Girls,
Thanks so much for the support and reassurance.
Colposcopy wasnt bad AT ALL! I think my Pap-smear is actually worse :-)
however, i did have to have a loop-excision of the lesion as my gynaecologist confirmed that it was in fact a CIN 3 lesion.
Surgery wasnt painful, i opted for the general anaesthesia rather than local, it was over in what felt like a second and i had less pain than my normal monthly pain!
And the man looked after me with chocolate and ice-cream! Wonderful!
Miss Sydney - I'm so glad that it all turned out with good results. I actually just went through the same thing a couple of weeks ago and was VERY scared, but they were able to remove the CIN lesions and I'm hoping that when I go back in a couples months that all the bad cells will be healed and it will be back to normal :)
I just heard back from my surgeon and my margins were clear too, good news! Just have to go back in 6 months for another colposcopy.
I know I hate reading an old post that doesnt have follow-up from the OP - so here goes:
My margins were clear after the surgery.HPV was positive, no surprises there.
I had a colposcopy at 6 months post surgery and it was clear.
I have since had my 12 month post surgery pap smear and HPV and both are clear. HPV is gone (good work immune system).
Just one more pap-smear and HPV test in 12 months and then if that is clear, it is as though it never happened!
A funny side story, I did get quite excited to make that appointment knowing that I wouldnt be Miss Sydney anymore, I would be Mrs!!!
I have been in your shoes before too - so glad everything turned out ok for you!
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I have just had my first abnormal pap smear and whilst my doctor is reassuring me that it is only a screening test and nothing is even confirmed. It was CIN 3 - Severe dysplasia, which is the highest grade... Both me and the man are freaking out!
Has anyone had this before and from a female reality perspective, how painful is this colposcopy thing? I dont find the pap smear painful at all. Im having the colposcopy in a few weeks.