Hello

This sort of result is really not uncommon for a smear test. I've had it, my mums had it, my mother in law, my manager at work, a few friends!  It can feel really scary, but the screening is there to help catch this sort of thing before it possibly turns into cancer, and low grade is the best abnormal result you can get. You've done the best you can by going to your smear and it's a good thing you're getting it looked at. 
 

I had exactly the same result four-five years ago. I've had a lot of colposcopies since. And several biopsies, between two hospitals. The biopsies found it was indeed low grade and I've never needed any treatment, it was just left to see if it went away on its own. Which it is doing, so I'm back to regular smears. They can give you an idea at the colposcopy itself if they think they're looking at anything majorly sinister. They can't tell you 100%, but they can still be very reassuring. They may want to take a biopsy and will only offer the LLETZ if they are sure you need it at the time of the appointment (which they're not usually with low grade) You don't have to say yes and can return another time. 

If anything it's more comfortable than a smear because they have more equipment to make you comfortable and the modesty sheet is much bigger - plus this is their area of expertise. And they don't have to scrape any cells off, they're just looking and perhaps taking a biopsy. There's always a nurse in with the colposcopist and they are always great. The biopsy (if you need one) is uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful, though it can be a little sore after. Results can take a while to come back and the wait is hard if you're worrying, but concentrate on any reassurance given at colposcopy and this can help.  
 

I haven't had a LLETZ because my changes weren't enough to warrant it, but if you do need one they can do it under general anaesthetic if needs be. 
 

If you're feeling really worried, phone the gynaecology department you'll be going to. They're usually great at reassurance. I also ask to only see females as they're a lot

less unwieldy with the speculum I don't fear going now at all and prefer it to a smear. 
 

I hope that helps a bit - I felt exactly like you did first time round until my friends and family shared their experiences and I realised I really wasn't alone. 

all the best x 

Hello

This sort of result is really not uncommon for a smear test. I've had it, my mums had it, my mother in law, my manager at work, a few friends!  It can feel really scary, but the screening is there to help catch this sort of thing before it possibly turns into cancer, and low grade is the best abnormal result you can get. You've done the best you can by going to your smear and it's a good thing you're getting it looked at. 
 

I had exactly the same result four-five years ago. I've had a lot of colposcopies since. And several biopsies, between two hospitals. The biopsies found it was indeed low grade and I've never needed any treatment, it was just left to see if it went away on its own. Which it is doing, so I'm back to regular smears. They can give you an idea at the colposcopy itself if they think they're looking at anything majorly sinister. They can't tell you 100%, but they can still be very reassuring. They may want to take a biopsy and will only offer the LLETZ if they are sure you need it at the time of the appointment (which they're not usually with low grade) You don't have to say yes and can return another time. 

If anything it's more comfortable than a smear because they have more equipment to make you comfortable and the modesty sheet is much bigger - plus this is their area of expertise. And they don't have to scrape any cells off, they're just looking and perhaps taking a biopsy. There's always a nurse in with the colposcopist and they are always great. The biopsy (if you need one) is uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful, though it can be a little sore after. Results can take a while to come back and the wait is hard if you're worrying, but concentrate on any reassurance given at colposcopy and this can help.  
 

I haven't had a LLETZ because my changes weren't enough to warrant it, but if you do need one they can do it under general anaesthetic if needs be. 
 

If you're feeling really worried, phone the gynaecology department you'll be going to. They're usually great at reassurance. I also ask to only see females as they're a lot

less unwieldy with the speculum I don't fear going now at all and prefer it to a smear. 
 

I hope that helps a bit - I felt exactly like you did first time round until my friends and family shared their experiences and I realised I really wasn't alone. 

all the best x 

Hi, 

firstly I just want to say thank you so much for responding and your experience and knowledge has already made me feel a whole lot better. I am honestly trying not to worry but it is just so hard. 

So if I needed the LLETZ would I be able to tell them I would prefer under general?

again I cannot thank you enough for repsondingvand giving the experience and information you have you really have put me at ease. 

Amelia x  

Hi lovely sorry it's taken a while! I know it's so hard not to worry and I was really anxious with my last lot because I'd been told the HPV would go away and I was examined two years later  during pregnancy at a new hospital and they kept throwing around the word "lesion" with no further explanations. The wait was honestly the worst bit, the biopsy post baby really wasn't that bad.

 I was 27 when they first found mine too, and also pregnant then so I had to wait 12 months to have my biopsy and even leaving it that long it didn't change much. likelihood is if it's low grade you'll be ok, and even if it is something sinister it sounds like you would have caught it very early.  
 

Yes you can request general for any procedure (even the colposcopy) but it can make the wait a bit longer. Usually with low grade they just leave it and see if it gets any bigger. Just remember most low grade changes are PRE cancerous, not actually cancerous, and it's a positive thing to catch them at this stage :) 

glad to provide some reassurance!