Colposcopy experiences?

[ParisGellar]

I'm going to be referred for colposcopy, because I have IMB, PCB and a cervical ectropion. I've never had a smear before as I'm too young, so don't know if I have CIN/abnormal cells. I have had a baby, so I can deal with pain (sort of!).

The reason I'm posting is to ask for some experiences of colposcopy. How long did it take? Did it hurt during? After? Did they examine your vulva first? Did you receive anaesthesia? And I'm still breastfeeding so if anybody has been bf whilst having one of these, can you continue or do you need to stop for a while? Thanks all

[CwtchMeQuick]

I had one a few weeks ago. The procedure itself didn't actually hurt but unfortunately I had to have a biopsy and got an infection which was quite nasty. Try to relax as much as possible, it's uncomfortable but no more than any other internal examinations I've had. Take a pad with you as the ones they provide at the hospital are huge and if they take a biopsy you're likely to have a little spotting afterwards. They say you might have mild period type cramps for a few hours after but in my experience it can be really quite sore so just look after yourself. If you have any problems after, any signs of infection or extreme pain phone the ward straight away. They'll be happy to put your mind at rest but I was so poorly with my infection it's not worth taking any risks. Hope it all goes well

[CwtchMeQuick]

Oh and the whole thing took about 20 mins including them talking me through it before hand. Take a urine sample with you as they need to do a pregnancy test. They didn't examine my vuvla, and no anesthetic but I did take two paracetamol an hour before and ibruprofen after

[Lovelongweekends]

I had one recently whilst pregnant as had been bleeding and they were looking for polyps.
The lady doing it was lovely and very reassuring, there were also two nurses present- mainly to distract the patient I think!
They chatted to me first then took me into the room and I got undressed and sat in chair with stirrups. Actual examination took about 10mins and was a bit stingy but not too bad and not painful. Had no anaesthesia and was given a huge hospital issue pad afterwards!

[ParisGellar]

Sorry cwtch and love that you have both been unwell thanks for your responses. I'd read online they do a full external inspection so I'm glad that's not true. Also glad to know how long it takes approximately, I get anxious when I don't know how long things will take. Giving birth was traumatic for that reason!

[Amanda89x]

I had mine on Wednesday, it only took 10 minutes and was only slightly uncomfortable taking a biopsy and they said the results would be available in 4 weeks time. Hope it goes well! X

[CurbsideProphet]

I have ecropian cells on my cervix, so have had them removed twice (the buggers keep coming back!). I found it quite unpleasant, but I've not had children yet and find the speculum so uncomfortable. The plus is that it didn't take long (less than 5mins from speculum being put it, then taken out) and the Dr made sure I felt as dignified as possible.

[ParisGellar]

Thanks Amanda and culp, I'm hoping it'll be ok then! The speculum didn't particularly bother me when I last had a pelvic examination. Glad it only lasts 10 mins or so