Colposcopy experiences

[MemoriesOfAnotherFuture]

Abnormal cells have been found in my cervical screening (smear) test, and I’ve been called for a colposcopy. Wondering about others’ experiences of having a colposcopy- the actual appointment, the outcomes, etc?

Anyone?

I had one last year it really wasn't that bad. I was given a gown to change into and stripped from the waist down. I did feel embarrassed but that's because I am quite awkward and easily embarrassed. The nurses were lovely and spoke away as normal they made me feel at ease. I had a biopsy didn't feel a thing. I can't remember what it was but they put some sort of substance on my cervix (totally gone from my mind what and why) and I was told due to this I may have some ash like discharge. I don't think I did get this but I did get some mild spotting afterwards no pain though. My results came back clear, I didn't actually receive them until I chased them up a couple of months later. Hope all goes well.

I had it 7 years ago so treatments may have changed since then. You go in and get changed in a gown then up on the table with your legs in stirrups. They had a screen that I could watch what they were doing on but I chose not to. The doctor put a dye in that stung a bit and burnt some cells away that had shown up with the dye. She also did some punch biopsies. I was really tired afterwards. My results took a week to come back and I had to return to colposcopy for further treatment (loop diathermy) to remove more cells. I had to go for 6 monthly smears for the first 2 years then yearly afterwards. I had CIN 3.

Same as that, was uncomfortable but not painful. Kind of like a mild version of that funny bone feeling but you know down there . The nurses were lovely and kept me distracted. A lot of The time they turn the camera towards you if you'd like to see the procedure. You can say no though! It was very quick. I went on to have further treatment which was more of the same really, a bit more intense, and after a few check ups was discharged and back to regular smear intervals.

Oh I forgot about the big screen behind me at least a 32 inch I didn't look

I’ve had a few. Nurses are generally lovely and keep you distracted. Didn’t hurt, just was a bit uncomfortable and had some cramps afterwards as well as feeling tired. I took a couple of paracetamol beforehand and made sure I had the rest of the day free to take it easy.

I think you have to take it easy for few weeks afterwards too - so no exercise or anything strenuous, baths or swimming - but they should give you aftercare advice

Thank you for these replies everyone

Actually, unpleasant crampy pain and surprised myself by fainting afterwards. Make sure youve eaten and get someone else to drive.

I've not had one in 8 years but I had several before that.
I found it slightly easier than a smear test because I was in a gynea chair that tippws my pelvis to the correct angle. And there were two nurses. One to do the examination and one to support me. I don't know if this is now standard procedure.
It did sting when they did the biopsy and I had a couple of days off work afterwards while it settled down, it was a bit crampy.
I also had diazepam for my first colposcopy. The others were fine though.

Oh really, fainting and a day off work? Luckily I’m a teacher and the appointment falls in half term next week.

I teach and had the afternoon off for my colonoscopy. I would advise you to take pain relief - as well as having no pain it made it all hazy - I didn't particularly want to remember

I had one last week and I was so afraid, I had abnormal results (high grade severe dyskaryosis) from my first ever smear (I'm 27 and only braved going because we're hoping to have IVF).

It was fine. I panicked when I first went in the room but the nurses were lovely, they really put me at ease and explained absolutely everything that would happen first. It didn't hurt at all, you feel the speculum going in but I didn't feel anything else. No stinging/burning when the liquid was sprayed on the cervix, I had three biopsies and didn't feel a thing from any of those.

I had mild period pain type aches for a few hours after but that was it, a bit of spotting for a few days too. I have to have LLETZ at the beginning of November so I'm apprehensive about that but honestly the colposcopy was fine. The nurses talk to you the whole time and really reassure you, but there was no pain or discomfort.

I second taking some paracetamol before, I did about 40 minutes before my appointment so no idea if this helped but I did not feel anything! 

Having one mid November, very scared...

Good luck with your OP and hopefully clear results if biopsy is needed. 💐

If it helps I had no pain at all. I can't comment on not being able to go to work as I don't work at the moment but I am a single parent, at the time my children were 6 and 6 months so I didn't have the opportunity to take it easy nor did I feel the need to. It didn't seem to effect me so try not to worry too much about that .

In comparison to giving birth (not my forte!) it was child’s play....more just a more uncomfortable than average smear...& that includes letz incision etc.

Thanks all. I was feeling smug as my smear was so quick and painless, compared to ones I’d had prior to having my DD, and was thinking that would be it for 3 years! And of course I can’t help googling all the possible outcomes etc. We’re lucky to live in a country with a good, free screening programme, whatever the outcome.