Having a colposcopy procedure

[GemLou]

 

My cervical screening has come back as abnormal cells. It says low grade and shows HPV. I have to have a colposcopy procedure but I am sooo worried because I find my smear tests painful and really uncomfortable. Has anyone else had a colposcopy and could tell me what it was like and what happens? I've heard that might put dye on but I'm not sure. I'm just soo worried. Please help 😭😭😖

[Wiseman2]

20 minutes ago, GemLou said:

 I have to have a colposcopy procedure but I am sooo worried 

This is a question for your physician and Drs office. They have to inform you of everything you're asking as a matter of informed consent. You can also research on respected medical information sites, such as Mayo clinic for more general information. It may also help to speak with trusted female friends and family. 

[Batya33]

Yes I think I have many years ago. Yes it was really painful, I am sorry.  But fast.  I don't know about dye but the dye is harmless. I've had MRIs with IV dye.  Uncomfortable yes but manageable.  Treat yourself to something nice after.  Good luck and please do have the procedure so you can make sure you're ok.

[Wiseman2]

2 hours ago, GemLou said:

It says low grade and shows HPV. 

Also ask your physician to do a complete STD screen. Ask if you're an appropriate candidate for a vaccine.

It sounds like your BF won't use condoms? As you know HPV, although quite common, is a sexually transmitted disease. You'll have to refrain from sex for a while.

It's not a good idea to get anecdotal accounts of the procedure because only your medical care professionals can give you appropriate info on your situation and what types of discomfort or pain control is involved for you specifically.

[Lambert]

3 hours ago, GemLou said:

 

My cervical screening has come back as abnormal cells. It says low grade and shows HPV. I have to have a colposcopy procedure but I am sooo worried because I find my smear tests painful and really uncomfortable. Has anyone else had a colposcopy and could tell me what it was like and what happens? I've heard that might put dye on but I'm not sure. I'm just soo worried. Please help 😭😭😖

Try not to worry.  It's one of those things that is difficult but you make it more difficult by suffering it before it happens.

Take a Tylenol or an ibuprofen before you go.  Wear comfortable clothes to the appointment. Do something nice for yourself after.

It'll be over before you know it. Try to put it out of your mind.  Worry and panic never helps or fixes anything.  It just prolongs the suffering.

[JoyfulCompany]

Colposcopy is part of the annual exam in my country. It's not worse than giving a smear test probe. The most uncomfortable part is the speculum, but I wouldn't call it painful. They rub some kind of acidic solution on your cervix, observe with a colposcope and look for areas with atypical cells, if any. That's all. No longer than a few minutes. But if they find something suspicious, they may take biopsy - I don't know how painful that might be.

[CariadCymru]

I have had a few colposcopy procedures in the past 18 months due to abnormal cells and HPV

it is uncomfortable but no worse than a smear test, they will insert the speculum and put a vinegar solution on to the cervix and observe the cells and usually take a biopsy which is virtually painless

Trust me the thought of it is so much worse than the actual procedure, it’s over in a few minutes