Colposcopy

[merrygoround23]

Hi,

Can anyone shed some light on what I'm to expect at a colposcopy?

I went for my smear test today, I'd had to put it off as I fell pregnant just as it was due.

I discussed symptoms with the nurse and she referred me for an urgent colposcopy, I don't think I took much in after that I was extremely exhausted and not really with it.

I had a baby 5 months ago, I had a haemorrhage and needed clots manually removing, needed a drip to help my womb contract and it's all been down hill from there really. I didn't have any blood loss following the haemorrhage.

6 weeks later my period came and lasted a month, I assumed this was a post partum loss. I got the copper coil fitted, my period has been consistently late and I'm bleeding when I wipe every single day. I bleed more after sex and I find sex to be incredibly painful.

I've avoided google as I know I'll think the worst but I'd rather real people can help me with what to expect and any tips if need be?

I should add, nurse checked my coil and said it's in the right place. I am aware I should bleed more with the coil, it's just strange as this was happening pre-coil too

A colposcopy is very similar to a smear, but the raise you up to eye level and put a camera in there. I've had several, they're not very comfortable but shouldn't hurt. I've also had both loop and punch biopsies where they take a sample of your cervix, not actually painful but can slightly hurt.

In my experience the nurses are lovely and it's a small price to pay for piece of mind

@lanbro thanks!! Im glad it's like a smear, I can completely manage that

Did you not get a patient leaflet with your appointment letter?

A colposcopy is daunting but not too bad. Nurses are there to chat/distract you.
If you end up having a biopsy there can be some period like blood after and they have pads in the changing room if you need them.

@thickthighs73 I got absolutely nothing other than a mighty panic.

I was told "reception will phone you to come and pick up your appointment letter"

I had come off a night shift, so my brain wasn't exactly taking information in very well, but she gave me no further info other than "it'll probably be due to a traumatic birth, try not to worry"

I hadn't actually been worrying, I put it down to the birth and the coil but now when I think about it I'm starting to worry