Colposcopy

Hi, 

I am 25 years old and had my first ever smear fast back on 23rd June, I got my results back on 20th July to say I had HPV and abnormal cells- low grade dykaryosis. I have been referred for a colposcopy. 
 

I recently called the hospital to chase an appointment as it's been over 2 months not hearing anything. They advised the waiting list is just very long and there's still many people in front of me so I just need to wait. I'm been extremely anxious!! 
 

I don't have periods as I've been on the depo for many years but I've been bleeding a little yesterday and today, I also had a small cyst on my libia which did clear up after a week but I think all these things are happening because the stress of not knowing what the colposcopy will say or even a date to wait until. 
 

how can I call my anxiety as I've been stressed back since June when I had my smear. I can't just not worry as I am one of those people who are impatient and just need to know, I hate being in limbo  

 

 

  • Hello Danielle and thanks for posting, 

    Having abnormal screening results can be stressful at the best of times and waiting longer than usual for a colposcopy won't help.

    Bear in mind that cervical screening is all about prevention. A lot of the time, abnormal cells triggered by HPV go back to normal once our immune system has got on top of the virus, but this can take a few years.  After colposcopy women with low grade changes usually end up being monitored and re-tested in a year to see if the HPV clears and the cells go back to normal. But I appreciate that for now there is a bit of uncertainty about what is going on and you might find yourself more able to rest easy if you had the reassurance of the colposcopy to confirm things.  

    In the meantime if any symptoms are worrying you while you are waiting, talk to your GP or the practice nurse and get their input. I imagine that when the smear was taken your cervix looked healthy otherwise you would have been referred to colposcopy without waiting for the screening results and seen urgently. 

    In terms of managing anxiety it might help to look at the tips on the NHS website:  www.nhs.uk/.../anxiety

    If you want to talk anything over please give us a call. Our number is  Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays, 9-5.

    Best wishes,

    Julia

  • Hello, and thank you for your reply. 
     

    I was considering looking into paying private but if there is nothing to worry about I may leave it down to the nhs. I just know it will take many months more and I don't know how much can change in 6 months. 
     

    I will leave this in their hands, thank you.