Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

Colposcopy for suspected cervical ectropion

10 replies

polkadelo · 01/02/2023 18:28

Hi all,

Just looking for a hand hold I guess...

I have suffered with anxiety particularly relating to my health for a while now but it has got worse over this past year since my mum passed away quite unexpectedly. I had a couple of incidences of light spotting at the end of November outside of my period so went to my GP who examined me and she said my cervix looked a little red and a lot like what they call a cervical ectropion (a harmless growth of cells on the outside of the cervix that can cause spotting and more discharge). I have not had this spotting again since but have had a bit of discharge that is white/creamy coloured.

She said she would refer me non-urgently to gynaecology to have a colposcopy which is apparently standard procedure. She said I'd be waiting 6-8 weeks to be seen but unlikely to be more. I got a letter through for 14th March... which would be 16 weeks after my GP visit! I have managed to get a cancellation for 22nd Feb but I am just so worried now with how much time is passing that if it is something serious it will have got worse.

I have read lots about how cells take a long time to develop into cervical cancer which is reassuring but I have never had a smear as I am only turning 24 this month so am not eligible for another year. I know the stats are on my side but I am just overanalysing everything atm and going to the worst case scenario.

I am really trying to manage my anxiety and get a grip on it so I have avoided running to a private clinic (which I could afford at a push). I don't want to get into that habit though and I need to learn to trust what the GP has told me. The more anxious I am feeling, the more tempting it is... I could be seen privately next Monday but that is only 16 days before my NHS colposcopy... Any advice pls!

OP posts:
Lilbitconfused · 02/02/2023 09:18

I have this too although I wasn’t having any bleeding at all.

I got referred on Tuesday and I’ve been called in tomorrow which has made my anxiety through the roof because my Dr said it could take 2 months as its non urgent . However now they told me it’s urgent and my anxiety is through the roof

since you’ve stopped spotting I believe it’s a good thing since. I think it’s girly standard procedure to be referred regardless just to be sure it’s nothing sinister

take care

SamPoodle123 · 02/02/2023 09:54

@Lilbitconfused I am like you and freaked out when they give appointments so fast. If they take weeks or months, that means they are not worried, so less anxeity for me.

I had an abnormal pap and I got a call direct from the colposcopy clinc to book me in straight away....this was before I even got my results. I FREAKED out. Finally my GP told me my smear was high grade moderate dyscaryosis....and the GP letter came AFTER I attended my colposcopy appointment yesterday. I am not waiting for bioposy results...which the doctor marked as urgent. He said I would get results in a week. That freaks me bc I am like why is it marked urgent!?!?! I wish I had asked him...not sure why I did not. I feel terrible worrying with anxiety.

Original poster
polkadelo · 02/02/2023 11:26

Maybe give your doctor a call and ask why they have changed their mind? Are you sure it's defo been referred as urgent? I know some people are just extremely lucky getting an appointment quickly in their area. If you are feeling anxious I'd defo give them a call so you get some answers.

OP posts:
IWantToMakeTheBestDecision · 07/02/2023 19:16

@polkadelo I've sent you a PM

BCxx · 11/02/2023 14:15

No help really but I’m in a similar boat. I’m pregnant though 🙈 I went for a routine smear and found out the following month I was pregnant. The results took a while to come back but just found out a week or two ago that it was abnormal. I had read lots about the waiting times for a colposcopy but I’ve had a letter in this morning for one on Monday! I fear this means they know something I don’t, or are just running a very very efficient clinic. I’m terrified of the actual procedure. I don’t think they’ll be able to do a biopsy or anything while I’m pregnant so I’m so worried I do need treatment and it’s postponed. Really just feel like crying today but having to act like everything is fine while out shopping with my husband, trying not to worry him more. Hope you’re okay, you don’t have long to wait now

IWantToMakeTheBestDecision · 11/02/2023 15:46

@BCxx It will be ok! In the past I have had awful excruciating smears in GP surgeries where the GP or nurse has rammed it in with no care and I wanted to scream the place down. The colposcopy is different because it is carried out by someone who knows exactly what they are doing and they've likely done many hundreds if not thousands. They are experts. I had one and yes, it was a bit uncomfortable but at no stage was I in pain. It's really similar to the smear. On your back, legs up. They put a speculum in - ask for a small one - and then some dye and a camera so they can see the cervix on a big screen. You can look if you're not squeamish! I'm sure the speed is due to you being pregnant. That automatically puts you at the top of the list. Good luck. It will soon be over. The procedure is about 5-10 minutes. I had a nurse to hold my hand. Hopefully you will too. Ask them to talk about holidays or something you enjoy doing. It will make the time go quicker.

BCxx · 11/02/2023 15:50

@IWantToMakeTheBestDecision thank you so much for the reassurance, I really hope I have a similar experience then. I hadn’t told my mum or sister as I didn’t want to worry them but now need childcare so have had to tell my sister. I’m sure I’m imagining it all to be much worse than it is. I’m just so scared of pain, especially there 😩 but I’m sure I will be fine!

SiennaSienna · 11/02/2023 15:55

I had a colposcopy aged 21 (long story, had a smear as part of a standard gynae appointment in Germany but was living in the UK) the doctor contacted me in the uk with the results asking me to undergo an urgent colposcopy. It took a while to explain to my NHS doctor but I got referred and had the colposcopy. That was 23 years ago. I’ve had two children since and had actually forgotten about it. The procedure was fine. Good luck xx

Lilbitconfused · 11/02/2023 16:02

IWantToMakeTheBestDecision · 11/02/2023 15:46

@BCxx It will be ok! In the past I have had awful excruciating smears in GP surgeries where the GP or nurse has rammed it in with no care and I wanted to scream the place down. The colposcopy is different because it is carried out by someone who knows exactly what they are doing and they've likely done many hundreds if not thousands. They are experts. I had one and yes, it was a bit uncomfortable but at no stage was I in pain. It's really similar to the smear. On your back, legs up. They put a speculum in - ask for a small one - and then some dye and a camera so they can see the cervix on a big screen. You can look if you're not squeamish! I'm sure the speed is due to you being pregnant. That automatically puts you at the top of the list. Good luck. It will soon be over. The procedure is about 5-10 minutes. I had a nurse to hold my hand. Hopefully you will too. Ask them to talk about holidays or something you enjoy doing. It will make the time go quicker.

Yes exact this. It is done by a professional who is gentler and though a bit uncomfortable, not as rough as the smear tests done by some nurses . A nurse was also there talking to me

BCxx · 11/02/2023 16:12

@Lilbitconfused great thanks, you’ve both really helped calm my nerves. I’m glad I only saw the letter today in a way as I can only worry until Monday morning now!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page