Has anyone had a colposcopy?

[daisydee43]

My smear test results came back saying I need a colposcopy which I'm having at end jan - it's sounds like a horrible procedure and although they keep reminding me I haven't got cancer cells, the pamphlet says otherwise

I had one in December 12. It wasn't that bad. They had a look, put a thing on my leg full of drugs and did what they had to do. Was a bit shaky after and needed paracetamol but was fine after that.

You are definitely jumping the gun posting this in "life-limiting illness"

I've had one. It's fine - feels the same as a smear, although it takes longer so you put your feet in stirrups to be comfortable - you're covered with a big sheet so you don't feel exposed. They are very routine gynae exams, to the extent that hospitals do so many every day that most have a dedicated colposcopy suite.

Are you up to date with your smears? It is extremely unlikely that you have cancer. Your smear has detected pre-cancerous cells. This is not cancer. If left alone, the cells might go back to normal, or they might turn cancerous. The point of the colposcopy is to have a proper look and treat of necessary BEFORE they turn into cancer. This might involve a biopsy (doesn't hurt) or removing the cells (they give you local anaesthetic so you won't feel this).

Honestly, it's not too bad. Many, many women have them. Please try not to worry.

I had it about 10 years ago. It's not that much worse than a smear, just takes longer and you can watch it on a tv screen if you want, I didn't.

They have a look at your cervix with a sort of magnifying glass and dab on different solutions to highlight any abnormal areas. If there are any they will remove them there and then, using local anaesthetic, so that it's gone.

It wasn't the most pleasant thing I've ever had done, but certainly not the worst. Its a bit uncomfortable, not painful, and all smears since have been normal.

Remember, it's not cancer, it's pre-cancerous changes that may or may not become cancer. Best to get rid.

Daisy - why don't you re-post this in general health where there is more traffic? Do you have the grade of your smear test results - CIN1 CIN2 CIN3?

You probably have pre-cancerous cells which means that, if left untreated, you could develop cancer in several years.

The purpose of the colposcopy is to determine if the cells need treating or just monitoring, i.e. another smear in 6 months to see if they've gone back to normal.

I had a colposcopy several years ago and it certainly wasn't a "horrible procedure" and I am, without doubt, the biggest wuss around

I had one and it was pretty much the same as a smear. Less uncomfortable in fact but did last longer. I think they are very, very common because they err on the side of caution these days and remove everything that could possibly turn cancerous. Especially if you have hpv as well.

I got all clear during colposcopy and didn't need a biopsy or further treatment.

x-posted with others Hope you feel a bit more relaxed about it now.

It's not bad had two of them, really nothing to worry about. Instrument used to view cervix same as for smear, then they squirt some dye then they take a look, and i have had a little brush kind of taking cells from the cervix again presume for further analysis? They showed me my cervix in a screen too which was quite interesting. Found a mark on my cervix left over from childbirth and that was it.

It's not dignified, but only in the same way as a smear.

Yes, it's honestly not as bad as you'd think and is in no way a definite indicator of life-limiting illness.

I've had two. I'm still alive.

It's worse than a smear but not as bad a having a coil fitted.

I even got to see what they were doing on a TV screen while they were doing it. I also cried and had to have the nurse hold my hand because I am a huge baby

I've had lots but have now been discharged from the gynae clinic because the cells they had picked up seem to have cleared up on their own. I'm now back on the normal 3 yearly smear register :)

They really not too bad OP. I actually find them less bothersome and more dignified than a normal smear. As others have said, being called for one is not an indicator of a life limiting illness. In my case, I just had them on a six monthly basis for a while without requiring any further treatment.

I've always found the staff in the colposcopy clinic really reassuring and professional and the procedure has in no way been an ordeal for me. Please try not to worry.

I had one years ago - for cell changes (mild) that they'd found during routine smear.

It was like a prolonged smear test, only there was a screen rigged up to the scope, so the doctor could see what was going on.

They didn't take a biopsy.

I had contracted HPV.

My HPV went about 3 years later by itself.

Good luck - it sounds much worse than it is, really! Tell the doctor in charge how scared you are - they are usually very understanding.

I had one due to unexplained bleeding a few years ago. My GP suspected it was cervical erosion/ectopy and she was right - a harmless condition which my mum also had, and went away after her first pregnancy.

Please try not to worry. Do tell the doctor if you're feeling nervous on the day - he/she will understand. They were very kind to me and, though the experience itself wasn't pleasant (as others say, a bit worse than a smear), it wasn't anywhere near as a bad as I'd expected. Take the rest of the day off if you can, take some cocodamol if you're sore afterwards, get some trashy magazines or a DVD and take it easy.