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Conception

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Original poster

Colposcopy & TTC

30 replies

Anitamartini · 27/12/2023 17:54

Hi all

Forgive me if this is longwinded.

I'm 37 and I came off contraception at end of September with the intention of beginning TTC #1 in January, have been taking vitamins and monitoring ovulation to get a picture of my cycle.

I attended a cervical check appt in November and nurse stated everything looked good but with the caveat that she cannot tell whats happening on a cellular level. Fast forward to 14 or so days later and have a letter in the post that I am HPV positive and have they have then testing my cells which have some abnormal changes so I've been refered to Colposcopy on first week of Jan, just after I finish my period.

I'm not worried about the scope or the treatment (excluding worst case scenario, don't want to entertain that thought) that may be necessary, Im more concerned if TTC will be delayed 6 months.
Im wishing the days away at the moment.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? Any insight would be really appreciated.

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Outliers · 27/12/2023 18:40

Apart of worst case, I can't imagine what ailment or treatment would postpone TTC 6 months. Antiviral aren't typically a long course.

Assuming it is a worst case scenario -and from what you said, I don't think it is - they will have caught things super early.

Original poster
Anitamartini · 27/12/2023 19:27

Thanks a mill for the reply @Outliers

From my readings of it if they require laser treatment to remove the abnormal cells they will do a test of cure 6 months later to see if its been successful, id be anxious if they tell me to hold off until then.

I do realise I'm getting ahead of myself but just had Jan start date in mind and would be hard to swallow beginning June.

Thanks again.

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MAY324 · 27/12/2023 19:47

I’m in almost exactly the same position as you!! My colposcopy is first week of jan which will be the week before ovulation so we won’t be trying that month. I’ve read that you can still have most treatments whilst pregnant. I would just wait and see what the outcome is. If it’s CIN1 then I think it’s just another check in 6 months but CIN2/3 would need some treatment and I think you can try again after a month for that. It’s horrible though, I completely agree! I feel as though I’m just sat wasting time as we now won’t be able to try until February cycle 😫

Original poster
Anitamartini · 27/12/2023 20:51

Thanks for your message@MAY324 I'm sorry you're in a similar situation to me.
We have the same cycle it seems too :)

You're right and I don't know the grade yet so if they said I can try in February I would grab that with both hands! Hopefully we both can start ASAP!

What date is your appt? Mine is the 4th so I'll keep you posted.

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4LeafCloverBaby · 27/12/2023 21:05

I’ve had this done. I had abnormal cells that had to be layered off. They said nothing to me at all about TTC or anything. I spotted for a couple of days & then was all healed. Had another smear 6 months later & I was clear. Th abnormal cells are very common.
It’s on the outside of the cervix so I really wouldn’t worry 😊

nhsmummmy · 27/12/2023 21:36

I was in a similar situation a few years ago.
I had abnormal cells but they said removal increased the risk of miscarriage slightly. They advised to carry on TTC and they would continue to monitor cell changes.
I had colposcopies throughout pregnancy then another and a smear 6 months after baby was born.
They sorted themselves out and I didn't need treatment at all.
They monitored me again after 12 months now I'm back to normal 3 yearly smears.

MAY324 · 27/12/2023 21:46

Mine is on the 9th! Fingers crossed we will both be absolutely fine. It’s a common procedure but hard not to worry about when it’s you having it 🙈

Original poster
Anitamartini · 27/12/2023 22:18

Thanks so much for your replies @4LeafCloverBaby and @nhsmummmy
I actually feel relieved now :)

I haven't told anyone we are starting ttc yet so when I told my sisters and a friend I felt like I was only telling them half the story.

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Original poster
Anitamartini · 27/12/2023 22:23

Yeh exactly, I'll update with how mine goes @MAY324

I hope we'll be on a TWW thread in the near future 😀

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Haggardly · 28/12/2023 01:13

Hi I was HPV positive last year. Unbeknownst to me, my body cleared it and they didn't tell me. I wasn't TTC last year but had a chat with my GP recently as my cycle had been a bit sideways - I was worried. I told her we want to start a family. She said even if I still had HPV , there's no reason I couldn't TTC. Have a chat with your doctor/s :)

J3llycat · 28/12/2023 14:46

Joining as in the exact same position! Do let us know how you get on. I recently found out I need a colscopy due to low grade changes but also was planning on ttc soon. Amazing how many women this affects!

Original poster
Anitamartini · 28/12/2023 15:10

Thanks for sharing your experience @Haggardly
It's good to know your body cleared it aswell, I read that happens quite alot.

Yeh I can't wait now to have a concrete answer and by this time next week I'll hopefully know more 🙂

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Original poster
Anitamartini · 28/12/2023 15:21

Crazy isn't it @J3llycat

Sorry you're in a similar situation but I'm glad I posted the question as it's actually made me feel a bit more positive then I had been feeling. Hopefully you'll feel the same.

What month are you hoping to begin ttc? I'll definitely update, this time next week it'll be finished and I'll have a better picture.

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J3llycat · 28/12/2023 15:38

@Anitamartini yes definitely, felt uplifted by everyone's responses so thought I'd join on 😊 haven't actually got an appointment date yet so just awaiting that letter, hoping for as soon as possible too! We're aiming for April for various reasons so a bit of time in between, counting down the weeks!😂 what about you?
Also know how you feel about telling those close half the story. Gutting to have this come up, but as other posters have said it shouldn't be too much of an issue as it's slow moving and the high chances are it'll regress back to healthy again.

However I've definitely over-googled!

Original poster
Anitamartini · 28/12/2023 17:43

Ah lovely, once we get January out of the way April comes around fast :)

Our aim was January but have this roadblock to get out the way first, my fertile window is a few days after the scope, depending on what they do on the day could be a total write off but I've kind of accepted that may well be the case.

You shouldn't be too long getting an appointment and with low grade changes I'd say they want to get you in the system to keep an eye on them @J3llycat

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J3llycat · 29/12/2023 07:37

@Anitamartini hopefully it'll be just a simple check then a recheck in a year 😊 I'm going to mentally prepare for it all though so it doesn't come as a massive shock, I think they treat on the day if they need to but expect its less of a probability in our cases. Nice and soon then that's so exciting, fingers crossed for you 🤞

Also, have you read up on use of AHCC to help clear it? I panic bought some after my letter came through and started taking it yesterday, just in case it helps even a little bit.

clouise30 · 29/12/2023 07:47

@Anitamartini Hi! I've had reoccurring HPV for the last few years and had 3 different LLETZ procedures. Last year I had cell changes again, CIN 3 in June, cell removal in August, waited for results which was about 4 weeks and then my consultant was happy for us to TTC from the September and I fell pregnant in the October and my DD is now 6 months in a couple of days. It can be really daunting but it can also be absolutely fine so please try not to worry too much! I remember reading online not to TTC for 6 months but my consultant was more than happy for me start after the month!

The other thing to be aware of is if you have treatment then when you are pregnant you will go for cervical scans to make sure your cervix isn't shortening prematurely. Good luck!

Original poster
Anitamartini · 29/12/2023 11:57

@J3llycat I think you're right to prepare yourself, I go from thinking one extreme to the next and doesn't help that I've been consulting Dr Google MD!
I booked the day off just incase.

I've read a few bits, doesn't hurt to take so I might grab some too if I can face the shops 😅

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Original poster
Anitamartini · 29/12/2023 12:19

Hi @clouise30

Congrats on DD 😀
That's great you got the go ahead so soon after the procedure , reading the 6 months wait was what threw me after getting the results but from your experience it must not be the general consensus, that's really nice to know.
Thanks so much sharing that advice and your experience.

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clouise30 · 29/12/2023 13:49

@Anitamartini thank you 😊!

Me too it was definitely a hard few weeks but all worked out perfectly so I wanted you to hear a positive story because the internet is bloody scary sometimes!

Interestingly, being pregnant has actually helped my body shift HPV for the first time in about 5/6 years. I'm immunocompromised but while pregnant my white blood cells increases to normal levels (bodies are wild!) and my follow up smear at 12 weeks postpartum was completely clear!

J3llycat · 02/01/2024 18:43

@Anitamartini have you had your appointment? Hope it went well if so 🤞

Original poster
Anitamartini · 02/01/2024 22:01

Hey @J3llycat
Ah thanks for thinking of me.
Not yet, its on Thursday, can't wait to get it over with now 😬

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J3llycat · 03/01/2024 07:15

@Anitamartini good luck!! Not long now. Mine is in 3 weeks so a bit longer to wait, would have it today if it was offered! Fingers crossed for you 😊

J3llycat · 04/01/2024 18:01

@Anitamartini how did you get on today? 🤞I've been googling waaaay too much today so in another hole 😅

Original poster
Anitamartini · 06/01/2024 00:45

Hi @J3llycat
You're very good to think of me ❤

So I arrived at the appt and they sat me down and went through my smear results which had stated I had tested positive for HPV and had cin3. I didnt know they graded the cells from smear so that was a bit of a surprise for me to find out before the scope, they asked did I have children and so I asked then if you treat me today will I have to wait months to begin ttc and they said not at all, just need to get Lletz and wait 6 weeks. They were actually quite effusive with that.

There were 3 people in the room and I got into the chair and they were talking me through it quite a bit. Telling me I would feel hand first, then speculum, then put in dye etc. I could see it on the screen but there was a Healthcare assistant in the room and she was standing infront of the screen most of the time.
They were speaking to each other saying they couldn't see Cin 3 and that they would appear to be Cin 1 and in the end they said they would take a biopsy which requires an anaesthetic ,I actually asked to not tell me when she was doing it because I could feel myself tensing up and they were lovely about it.
We sat down after and they both thought I've Cin 1 so will sent biopsy to lab to confirm and will go from there.

I booked the day off and came home and slept for the afternoon :) I felt grand after but last night had a tiny cramp in middle of night but woke up fine this morning. Some discharge today but thats it.

I know, it's actually a horrible wait, you just want peace of mind more than anything 💐
Did you get a date yet?

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