Abnormal smear results

[cornflakequeenie]

Hi

Last week I went for my first ever smear test - I kept putting it off but managed to pluck up the courage and go. I don't know why I was fussing as it really wasn't that bad - I've given birth for goodness sake!

I got the letter back this morning saying that I have moderate cell changes and that I'll be examined further, most likely involving a procedure to get rid of them. I'm so scared about it all. People keep telling me I'll be OK, and their probably right, but I just want to be told that by the doctors.

I go away next week to France, it's the first holiday we've had for two years. My Mum lives out there and she hasn't seen DS since he was three weeks old, and instead of relaxing, all I'm going to think about is this.

I've called them and told them I'll be away and not to book me in until I get back. I'd hate for an appointment to be arranged whilst I was away, and then someone else misses out.

I had to go to the doctors today for something else and mentioned it to her whilst I was there, and she said it could be a sexually transmitted infection. I know for a fact I haven't slept with anyone else, and the only sexual partner I've had is my husband

So now, she's put it in my mind that maybe DH has been playing away. I know he wouldn't do that to me - but then do I?!

Has anyone else had the moderate cell changes?

Sorry for rambling, I could just do with a lil hug and maybe a small large Gin and Tonic
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First of all, I cannot believe that the doctor said that about the STI.

Abnormal cell changes are often caused by a virus that is transmitted sexually, so if your husband has had a partner before you then it might be that, however I'm pretty sure that the changes can occur for an unknown reason, ie they just happen.

I have recently had LLETZ treatment for moderate cell changes. I had an abnormal smear result, and then a colposcopy, which is very similar to a smear, where they insert a speculum and then look at the cervix under a sort of microscope. They then dab a solution onto the cervix to show up where the abnormal cells are. They will also do a biopsy where they take a tiny sample (didn't even hurt). They can do the treatment there and then under local anaesthetic, or you can go back for it in a few weeks. I chose to go back as it was my 30th birthday the next day.

Unfortunately when I went back for the treatment I was very very nervous, and I also have problems with pain down below, so he did have a bit of trouble even getting the speculum in.

He decided it would be better for me to have it done under general anaesthetic. I actually think this was much better for me, as I had no idea what was going on, I wasn't nervous, and I assume it was easier for the gynae to do the procedure because he wasn't having to prize my clamping legs apart . However a GA shouldn't be taken lightly - I had to go for a pre op assessment, DH had to take time off work etc, for a 20 second procedure!

Anyway, aside from that, try not to worry - three of my friends, my mum and my sister have all had this done and after the treatment they have all had normal smears from then on.

unmumsnet ((((((((((hugs))))))))) for you

The cell changes they look for in a smear test are changes typical of those caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They can detect other abnormalities and infections in a smear test, but that's not what it's designed for. A report that says you have CIN2 or moderate dyskariosis is basically saying that your cervix has changes to some of the cells that are typical of HPV changes. It is possible the smear report is wrong, of course, but it is overwhelmingly likely that changes like this are caused by HPV.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection in that it is generally caught by close genital contact with infected skin/mucous membranes. You do not need to have penetrative sex to catch it, just close contact, and it can be passed on even if you use a condom, as the condom cannot cover every inch of the man's genital area. It can also be passed on via the mouth, as the mucous membranes inside the mouth are almost as attractive to it (the strain that can cause cervical abnormalities) as the cervix. It is a virus that can hang around for years without any symptoms whatsoever whilst still being transmissible to others. In other words, if your dh didn't claim to be a virgin who had never even got sexually close to another woman before, he does not need to have been unfaithful to you for you to have caught this infection off him. You could have been infected for years and years, as cell changes do not occur automatically a short time after infection - some people never get symptoms even if their body doesn't clear the virus, some people only get cell changes a long time after being infected and even with those who do get cell changes, the majority will not go on to develop cervical cancer.

ps moderate changes are less likely to revert to normal on their own than mild changes, so they normally do treat moderate dyskariosis. I've been treated for severe dyskariosis and the treatment is the same for moderate and severe changes, and for persistent mild changes - they basically cut out the abnormality, normally these days with a heated wire, then cauterize the area. The lump they remove is tested to confirm the smear result and check all areas of abnormality have been removed. The abnormality does not normally ever return, although some people are unlucky, which is why they give you smear tests every year for the next 9 years after treatment. It is, obviously, not a pleasant procedure, but it is over with very quickly and usually you can just get straight back to everyday life afterwards, or by the next day.

Useful website here

Many thanks for all your help and messages. I'm feeling much, much better today - even more so that I've done some research and now know a bit of information on it.

I know a lot of women go through this, I just didn't expect me to be one of them.

I'm so pleased I went for my smear, I kept putting it off - it just goes to show that it's such an important thing to get done.

Thanks once again, Mumsnet really is a helpful place to be.
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