Colposcopy - what to expect?

anniehoo

Have just been told i need to get a colposcopy (indept cervical check)done and was wondering how painful it will be. Has anyone had an experience of this that they could enlighten me with thanks.

LegacyUser

Hi,

My wife got one done recently. There is no pain involved at all. The only discomfort she had was the clamps used to keep it open for inspection. The spray a mild vinegar solution in and around the cervix which brings up abnormal cells in a different colour. Its all over with in 5 minutes.

If you need to get some cells removed, you will more than likely be getting the LLETZ procedure. Again there is no pain, just some period like symptoms for a few weeks after while you heal.

So don't worry about.

Best of luck.

michellie

Hi

Ive had a few colposcopy's over the last 2 years, Its just like a smear test, actually I think its not as bad as a smear-i think this is because the gyno who is doing the colposcopy is doing that day in day out, so its more comfortable for you. Ive also had lletz to remove the bad cells when they moved from CIN11 to CIN111, and that too was fine! Try not to worry about it and be relaxed, because its easier for them to perform it on you when your relaxed;)

Westfalia2

Hi Annihoo,

I found out on Monday I needed one too. Rang the nurse in the Well Woman Centre and she was fantastic - really put my mind at rest. Give them a call if you need to clarify anything. Have a look at the Ladies' Lounge forum here too - there's lots on the subject. You will see posts about taking folic acid, eating tomatoes and the like to help the cells return to normal. The nurse assured me these are all myths - there's nothing you can do about it. Just stay healthy and rest in the knowledge that if there is anything wrong, you've caught it in plenty of time. I have to wait about three months for mine so assuming there's nothing to panic about. Good luck!

LegacyUser

My GF is going for one of these checks next week. I'm worried sick about it. But it's good to read that there is no pain involved. Is this a fairly routine procedure?

anniehoo

Thanks for all the replies...and even happier that theres little or no pain invloved. This procedure seems to becoming more common. Due to smears being sent to the US now there is seemingly a higher proportion coming back as "abnormal" so instead of repeating the smear they seem to be sending women for this colposcopy procedure.

Westfalia2

Hi again Anniehoo,

I'd recommend ringing a nurse or doctor wherever you got it done and ask them to explain your results to you. I know in my case I'm having it done because my repeat smear showed the same low-grade abnormality as the first one, I don't think it has anything to do with where it's tested; either there's something that needs to be checked or there isn't. The way I see it is that it definitely isn't a problem now but has the potential to become one so they're just getting a closer look to see if there are any dodgy cells. The nurse said in 57% of cases the cells revert to normal themselves, OK, that's still 43% that don't but taking care of it is a very simple, very common procedure. I made the mistake of scaring the crap out of myself by reading stuff on the web about it. Much better to get it from the horse's mouth, as it were.

Lady Muck

There is absolutely nothing to the colposcopy, it is just a smear basically but they use a magnifying thing to look more in depth. If you need treatment, it isn't exactly the nicest thing in the world but it is bearable and is usually quite quick.

You will be fine.

Cleopatra12

Colposcapy is fine.. Just to note, when i have had mine done(3 times, damn cells.. revert please!), the gyne had a tv screen where they use camera to look at the cervix. you may ask them to turn it away from you... Personally did not enjoy looking at own cervix.

michellie

Cleopatra12 wrote: »

the gyne had a tv screen where they use camera to look at the cervix. you may ask them to turn it away from you... Personally did not enjoy looking at own cervix.

I didnt like that either, they had that beside me when I was getting the lletz treatment and the nurse actually told me not to look at it...not nice!!:o

LegacyUser

Hi there OP,

I've had 3 or 4 colposcopys in the past few years. And the procedure is indeed painless, the staff are wonderful and will put you at ease.

However, I think you need to keep in mind that it is an invasive procedure, into a very private region!! The 1st time I had it done I was fine. But the 2nd time I kind of freaked out a bit...........nothing to do with the staff or anything, I think it was more in my head.
But, apparently, it is a common reaction. So, just be aware, you may react (or over-react) to the whole thing. Try to make sure you'll have someone with you to drive you home etc.

That being said I've had 2 more procedures since and, while I'm not the biggest fan of them, they were fine.

Best of luck.

jmbkay

A colcoscopy isnt too bad, I have had a few. But men coming on here, saying they are painless??? It isnt awful but no picnic either, I think its the thought of whats going on. Bring someone with you to get you home and take it easy for the rest of the day.