Hpv positive... Large loop excision???

[AmberRH1993]

Hi all,
I tested positive for Hpv last year and now again for the 2nd time in a row. My colposcopy biopsy came back clear but they offered a Large Loop Excision where they remove the area of affected cells from your cervix.
At the time I decided against it as I wanted to try for another baby and heard that it can weaken the cervix and increase chances of miscarriages and premature labour.
We are now actively trying for baby #2 and I have my colposcopy booked for next week but not sure whether to go for the removal or not?
Id love some advice from anyone who has experienced anything similar and what they decided to do. 😊

I went ahead with a large loop excision between dc2 & 3. It made no difference to my carrying of dc3 - I didn’t need a cervical stitch or anything like that. She’s 10 now so it was a while ago but I think I was offered extra midwife appointments to be sure nothing untoward was happening. My view is it’s probably best to get the dodgy cells out now but I’m a belt & braces type!!

I don’t understand. Are you saying that you have a large area of pre cancerous/ cancerous cells? They don’t remove chunks of your cervix just for testing positive for HPV

If they’re lazering abnormal cells it doesn’t generally affect fertility or ability to carry a child to term. I had LLETZ, followed by 2 cone biopsies before falling pregnant with my 2 dc. I was given closer monitoring but didn’t need a stitch and I don’t think the extra monitoring is even done if you’ve only had LLETZ.

I don't understand
It came back clear but they have offered to remove cells?

Just to clarify, I was offered the excision last year to remove the non cancerous cells that contain hpv.
I'm not sure if they will offer the same this time but wanted to be prepared incase they did.

I didn't understand why they wanted to remove some cells before rhey had even got the biospy back either - they offered it at the colposcopy.

Is it not that they have indemnified cells that are CIN 1,2 or 3? I’m no medic but I think it’s the HPV that causes the cell changes to this pre-cancerous state which is what they’ll want to remove. Do you have your letters/notes of previous results that you can look over to clarify things for yourself?

They can see during the colposcopy what cells don’t look right which is why they will have offered at the time. In the end it saves time & money (as most will say yes please, get rid of it now).

My biospy results came back CIN negative and I had to attend another smear 12 months later which was 2 weeks ago. On my letter today it said this...

So you now have CIN2 (high grade dyskariosis) OP which is why they will be recommending treatment. Risk of premature labour is slightly raised but still not huge. You will just need to tell your midwife and they will assess your personal risk.

i would take the medical advice and have whatever treatment they recommend.
things can gallop out of control. act now. have the treatment.
good luck.

I would talk to your consultant at your next appointment, explain that you are actively trying and are cautious of having anything done before next DC. Your consultant will either agree or strongly advise you on treatment...go from there!

Thank you all for your advice.

I'm going to meet with the consultant and discuss my options.

You’re being treated for the moderate dyskariosis, not for being HPV positive. This should only be a small area which can slightly raise the risk of premature labour but is rarely an issue in a normal pregnancy. That said, read up on it on places like Jo’s Cancer Trust and the NHS website to ensure you can make an informed decision. It was all very rushed when I went. It’s not something that goes away by just ignoring it though and LLETZ is the least invasive of the options available.

@PossiblyDreaming

You’re being treated for the moderate dyskariosis, not for being HPV positive. This should only be a small area which can slightly raise the risk of premature labour but is rarely an issue in a normal pregnancy. That said, read up on it on places like Jo’s Cancer Trust and the NHS website to ensure you can make an informed decision. It was all very rushed when I went. It’s not something that goes away by just ignoring it though and LLETZ is the least invasive of the options available.

Oh I understand.. I assumed from the letter that I was being treated for the hpv and was told it goes away through time hence why I opted not to do the lletz last time with such haste and wanted to wait for it to go away by itself. If I'm actively trying to conceive at the moment, what is the recovery time after lletz before I can try again - if you know that is?

Recovery time from LLETZ is minimal- I had some mild spotting for the evening after…that was it. I think I let one or possibly two cycles go before trying again but definitely no more than that (I was keen to get on with it!!)

Hi OP I had high grade abnormal cells removed in August. I mentioned in the appointment that we were trying for a child and she took a biopsy to see if I was a good candidate for cold coagulation instead of LLETZ. It basically means burning off the dodgy cells so healthy cells grow in their place and is safer for any pregnancies that follow (not that LLETZ is unsafe at all) it's just lower risk. I was a good candidate and went ahead with cold coagulation in the end.

Would be worth you mentioning this to the dr carrying out your colposcopy?

Oh and I was told to wait 4 weeks until no more spotting/discharge then we could try. Got pregnant immediately and am now 19 weeks with no problems

@showmethegin

Hi OP I had high grade abnormal cells removed in August. I mentioned in the appointment that we were trying for a child and she took a biopsy to see if I was a good candidate for cold coagulation instead of LLETZ. It basically means burning off the dodgy cells so healthy cells grow in their place and is safer for any pregnancies that follow (not that LLETZ is unsafe at all) it's just lower risk. I was a good candidate and went ahead with cold coagulation in the end.

Would be worth you mentioning this to the dr carrying out your colposcopy?

This is a great idea.. Id rather deal with the issue rather than putting it off for another year or so worrying if its getting worse. Last time I went for the colposcopy, I think they mentioned the burning as an option. I'm currently in my TWW and AF is due on 28th. My appointment is on 1st Feb so if I'm not pregnant this cycle, I'm going to push for the coagulation and deal with it right away before we continue to ttc baby #2. Thank you so much - you've no idea how reassured you have made me

Happy to help! My dr was really understanding, hope yours is too. You'll feel so much better knowing you have dealt with it x