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

Hi I haven't been on here for a while and just saw your post. Ive had quite a few colposcopy  appointments and like you I was very nervous and dreading my first one. I was diogonised with pre cancerous cells of the vulva a  few  of years ago now,but I am still being monitored by my gynecologist yearly now,used to be every 3mths,then changed to every 6mths,and now yearly, as I was told it needs keeping an eye on ,as coukd turn cancerous as I was graded stage 3. It is embarrassing  but my gynecologist is a nice man ,and as he told me us  gynecologist do this  every day ,we've seen it all there is nothing to be embarrassed about, but we know every lady that walks through that door is embarrassed and we try to make each one of you as comfortable about the procedure  as much as we can. It's not invasive,it's over quickly ,and the nurses are great too. I understand it may be more uncomfortable and embarrassing fir you,as you've been sexualy abused in the past, bit please do go  it could potentially save yoir life ,and also put your mind at rest if its good news . Hope all goeswell. Wear a dress or a skirt ,that way you wont need to take everything off of your bottom half  just your knickers, and tights of your wearing any. Good luck you've got this .

Thank you so much for your response. I did see this before I went for my appointment but only just had the chance to sit down and reply. Went today and it wasn't as bad as i thought. I'm being kept an eye on once a year now. I'm just glad it's over with to be honest 

Ahh bless you  you did amazing going,,yes it's always a relief when it's over agree. It's not the most flattering position that they put you in lol,but so glad you've been. My next one will be around this november/December, so  it's a while yet, but i know it will be here before I know it,Take care and just chill out this eve doing something that relaxes you and makes you happy. ,so pleased that you like me can go a year till your next check up appointment.  

Totally agree, not as bad as i expected. Still very overwhelming though. Everyone has their own experience I guess

I hope your next one goes well. Yes, just so glad it's over with

Thank you,yours too..