Colposcopy?

[EasilyBored]

Anyone ever had one?

Results from my last smear are moderately abnormal, so they're booking me in for a colposcopy to look at the cells, possibly treat them there and then, or maybe take a biopsy.

I. Am. Bricking. It.

I used to be fine with smears, as I've had borderline changes a few times so have pretty much had one a year since I was 18 (now 28). But since having DS in December (horrible delivery), I'm terrified. I about had a panic attack when I Went for the smear the other week. It's specifically the speculum that terrifies me, and I find it really uncomfortable. Do you think I can ask my GP for something to calm my nerves before I go? Or is it better to just try and woman up and grit my teeth?

Anyone have any experience of having one? Is it as bad as I'm imagining?

It's absolutely fine. I've had 2 and it's just like a smear but they do a bit more prodding around. And there's a camera but you just turn away.

If they're going to take a biopsy, they'll numb it first & I swear you will hardly feel it. They're also really quick too.

You might want to take a painkiller beforehand in case you're extra sensitive 'down there' and to make you feel better that there will be no pain.

Worse things about it are the stirrups and it's a bit cold...

I had one once and had a biopsy as well. I remember the biopsy feeling uncomfortable as it is 'internal' and I did feel faint afterwards .. although I am prone to feeling faint anyway.

But it pales into insignificance compared to having a membrane sweep.

Everyone's different, but at worst it's like bad menstrual/ labour cramping and it's quickly done so maybe think of it like that. If while they're there they take a biopsy it takes seconds. I took a deep breath, counted to 10 and it was over. You can do that, you know you can.

Yeah, I think it's no so much what they miht do when they're in there, but the actual speculum bit itself? That's the bit I hate about smears. I guess I'm just going to have to get on with it, but I may have to spend the rest of the day curled up eating hobnobs, rather than 'getting back to my usual routine' as the leaflet so helpfully suggests.

Where I went the Dr and Nurse were incredibly lovely. In fact so much so that I sent them a little note afterwards to say thank you. Anticipation's definitely the worst part. Good luck.