Smear and IVF

[busybee345]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience:

I was due to start a private round of IVF on my next period. At my nurses apt they said that I should get a smear asap due to being on an annual recall which was due again in August. I managed to get a quick apt and get the results back which are that I now need to go for a colposcopy. I have been for 3 before and luckily never required any treatment other than once where I had a small biopsy.

We are both devastated that this is another set back and are worried that if they take a biopsy that might delay us starting even further. Does anyone have any experience of this?

TIA xx

Hi @busybee345,

if you’ve been asked to go for a colposcopy the clinic won’t proceed with treatment until you have the all clear. I had a similar situation recently and they said they can’t go ahead because, even though everything is probably fine, there is a slim chance that it is something sinister is there (which couldn’t be treated if you are pregnant)

having had a LLETZ following the discovery of abnormal cells at my third colposcopy, which surprised me, I personally would make sure you’re all good before continuing

Assuming you have mild cell abnormalities (CIN I) if you are on an annual recall. Your clinic will probably want to see the letter from the Colposcopy Clinic confirming that it’s CIN I (mild changes) and that no further treatment/action required, other than annual smear. The NHS doesn’t treat mild changes (e.g., with LLETZ), as it’s felt that they are relatively low risk and you just have to go for a smear every year.

You’ll know on the day whether they will want you to have a biopsy or not. Ask if they can get the letter out to you as soon as possible. My hospital was able to send it within a week. That is what you will need in order to start treatment.

If in the worst case scenario you need further treatment and it’s really going to delay things, perhaps ask if you can freeze embryos with a view to proceeding to transfer once you have had the biopsy/treatment.

If you can see a gynaecologist privately (e.g., you have private health insurance), that will also speed things up.