Been told I have low grade dyskaryosis from high risk HPV. Very worried about having a colposcopy next week

Good morning all, 

I recently got told (on 21st May) that I have 'low grade dyskaryosis' from high risk HPV. This has left me feeling confused and terrified. I've been told to not worry as it's low grade and very likely not to amount to anything. However, having to wait such a long time to know exactly what is going on is driving me nuts. 

I have to attend a colposcopy next week and I have a lot of worries, needles, stirrups and being in pain. I've seen so many videos on Tiktok and none of them are positive so it's given me very little confidence. I am also a victim of sexual abuse so for me having to bear all in a very unflattering position is making me feel sick. (I do not have any children and don't plan to) 

Please, if anyone has had similar experiences to mine or diagnosed with the same grade dyskariosis as me. Could you please let me know how you got on with the colposcopy? I need my mind putting at rest because I don't want to have to reschedule or cancel out of fear. I'm 34 and the older I get the more I worry. 

Thank you. 

  • Hi there, 

    on here for something else but as a Cervical’s cancer survivor and having had many colposcopies your post caught my eye. 

    colposcopies don’t involve needles - so remove that worry from your mind! With your circumstances and history of sexual abuse it would be worth maybe emailing the department beforehand or calling (get a friend to call) so they have a heads up. Take some paracetamol and ibuprofen before hand. Colposcopies don’t hurt but I’ve always found that taking something beforehand relaxes me a little. If they do need to take a biopsy (normally a sharp pinch sensation) you will have some painkillers in your system. 

    I understand totally your worries. But it honestly is not so bad. The only thing that goes inside you is the speculum (like screening) and the colposvope is like a magnifier that they look through. It doesn’t go inside you. Jo’s trust used to have really good info but sadly now closed down. Have you heard of Eve Appeal? They have an ask Eve service/helpline that is really good. Whatever you do don’t cancel it. X 

  • Also - wear a long skirt or dress so you can keep that on and flip it up if you feel more comfortable than removing trousers. They cover your belly/top of your legs with a towel to lessen your feeling of being exposed. The ‘stirrups’ go under your thighs. I was sometimes offered the chance to watch on a screen what was happening. I always declined!!! 

  • Hi there, 

    Thank you so much for taking time to respond. I'm glad that there are no needles involved, I go into hysterical panic if there is a needle. I called the gyno and told them about the sexual abuse and they have put me with a female doctor. I won't be able to take ibro as I'm on anxiety tabs but paracetamol I can definitely take! I'll take two to be safe. With those, allergy tabs and my pill I'm gonna be off my nut lol. 

    I have an outfit in mind so that is all good and glad to know that I can have a discreet sheet over my legs! Your comment has given me some hope so thank you. 

    Also I am so so glad to hear that you beat this nasty illness. Absolute warrior! 

    Thanks again x