Hi, I just wanted to post something to reassure anyone who might be in the same position as me about the colposcopy procedure.

I had no symptoms or health concerns  but after attending my routine smear I received a letter saying I was HPV positive and that some changes had been detected on my cervix which they needed a closer look at. Enclosed was a leaflet explaining the procedure and also one from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. This made my mind go into overdrive and I was very anxious about what this all meant - was I going to get cancer? I'd had a really tough year over the pandemic working from home in a stressful job, and had suffered from depression and anxiety as a result, but had just started to feel like my old self again - I really didn't need this! 

My letter said it would take around 8 weeks but due to the pandemic causing delays, I had to chase it up and eventually was offered a cancellation for a colposcopy after around 9 weeks.

 I was very anxious but the doctor and nurse were so kind and empathetic, they completely put me at ease. I told them I find the smear test quite uncomfortable so the doctor used a smaller speculum and I can honestly say it was completely painless, even during the 2 biopsies I had done. I just had to do a big cough and that was it. I did take 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen beforehand which helped, but it was totally pain free.  The doctor said the changes on my cervix look mild, but once the biopsy results are back they will confirm that and if so then I would just need a follow up smear in 12 months. Keeping my fingers crossed that this is the case.

I wanted to share this to reassure anyone who has received a letter similar to mine, the colposcopy really  is nothing to be afraid of and you will be in and out before you know it (it took around 15mins but 10 of those were  talking to the doctor).

Hope this helps, take care everyone.