I've been meaning to come back on here and get an update from you about how the colposcopy went, I'm glad all was good and you can relax and look forward now. It's such a relief to just know. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders when I finally got confirmation and I'm sure it would have been the same for you and every other woman on here.

Thank you first of all for everyone being so open, its helped me feel I am not alone in this. Im only 25 (just about to turn 26) and I had my first smear in November 2019. It came back with HVP and asked me to come back in a year. Fast forward to November 10th (This year) and I had my second smear. Now only 16 days later I have had a call from my local Hospital saying I have to come in for a colposcopy on the 8th December.. so I am guessing its urgent. I have not had the letter yet (she said she called as my address was wrong) I am so so worried! so scared and anxious and am dreading it but at same time wanting it to happen now so I know. My mum has told me not to worry but I just cant help it and feel sick with worry! 

So sorry I didn't reply. Didn't get a notification about your message. Yes, I was really concerned on my first round about how layed back professionals were and how reluctant they were to discuss the situation. Given you're CIN1, I definitely wouldn't worry about the likes of hysterectomies. A close family friend had one done a few year back because her colposcopy came back as CIN3 and was over age 50. 

If you can get a private consultation as part of something you already have set up, I'd take advantage of it, but if it's a case of paying for it, I'd wait until after your NHS one. The staff when you get there explain everything and really reassure you. But naturally you do think the worst! Wishing you all the luck for your appointment next month and if you think of any other questions between now and then, you know where we are x

Very similar situation to mine. Second smear and got this sudden and scary call booking for a colposcopy with no prior knowledge or letter. You'll be in the position where you're thinking the worst, that they must have found something bad and you're going to die. It's the most horrendous feeling. Googling can help with some things, however mostly scares you further. This feed is one of the best out there where so many people who are going through/ have gone through the same thing are here to answer questions, ask questions and generally support each other.

You're in the position where they will have found you have CIN2 or CIN3. Both are considered moderate, which is why they have to see you within 14 days of them establishing your result.

CIN2 can be common for anyone under 30, so if this is the case, they're likely to take a biopsy when you have your colposcopy and you go back every 6 months to be monitored. The colposcopy is very similar to a smear. The biopsies are taken by a piece of equipment that looks a cross between scissors and a hole punch. The actual biopsy doesn't hurt, more so you can feel it. First biopsy didn't have any after affects and went straight to work where I'm relatively active. My most recent biopsy last week I had period pain like cramps after it.  If CIN2 is still CIN2 once you hit 30, or it gets worse, increasing CIN3, they'll then give you treatment. If you have CIN3, they're likely to give you treatment now.

Treatment is usually a procedure called LLETZ, which involves local anesthetic to numb the cervix (it can be done via general for those who have this preference). They then use a laser used to burn off the abnormal cells. I've never had this procedure due to being 28, but I know I'd rather be being monitored and have to have this done, than the unlucky women who don't have their smears, so aren't monitored and end up battling cervical cancer. If you have any questions for any of us, please let us know xx

Unfortunately it depends on where you live depends on how the deal with the procedure of smears. I'm in Liverpool and 1 1/2 years ago they changed the procedure.

Previously they completely the smear, checked for abnormalities and for HPV as standard. If you had abnormalities, whether HPV positive or not, you were sent for a colposcopy.

Now however, they complete the smear and check for HPV only. If you are HPV negative, you get your smear again in 3 years. If you are HPV positive, it is only then they check for abnormalities. If you are HPV positive with no abnormalities, you have a repeat smear in 1 year. If however you have HPV positive and abnormalities, you are then referred for a colposcopy. The purpose of this is to reduce the about of unnecessary colposcopies for those with abnormalities, as abnormalities can be a natural thing for the body. Cervical cancer is when HPV is affecting the abnormal cells, turning them cancerous. 

Some places in the UK still operate with the previous procedure, others with the latter. Hope this makes more sense now. 

Yes, it is always in the back of your mind and the anxiety flares back up when your appointment is due. 

So sorry to hear your friend lost their battle with this cruel illness. It's good to hear your professional is caring and sensitive to this, monitoring you more closely.

Different places have different procedures and initially I didn't like the idea of the new procedure here, but now I understand it, I completely agree with what they are doing. 

Wishing you all the luck for your appointment in 2 weeks xx

Thanks so much, Kat. Best wishes to you also. 
-- Kristin 

Hi, I recieved my first abnormal smear letter Friday. I'm 35, I apparently now have hpv and high-grade severe changes. Waiting for the colposcopy on Tuesday.  If I'm honest I am in extreme fear that I have cancer now and I am struggling to calm this thinking pattern. I'm generally fine with procedures its just the idea of what they will find that scares me and makes me so shaky. 

Any advice is appreciated x

Hi K-elf,

Have you had regular smears up until this point. "High-grade" merely means you have CIN2 or CIN3 - their choice of wording of high isn't the best choice as it makes you think of the worst. Given you are 35, it's likely one of two outcomes on Tuesday. 

First, they will do the colposcopy. It's very similar to a smear, may be a bit uncomfortable, but doesn't hurt - the more you tense, the more uncomfortable it is. It's the metal clamp-type instrument used to open you up like what they use in the smear. The nurse will insert this and the assistant is likely to make small talk conversation to calm you down, I.e. What you do for a living, the weather, etc. Once opened up, they use a spray on your cervix - this is like the brown stuff that you used to use in science in school. It doesn't hurt at all, it might just be a bit cold. This will help show up abnormalities.

The nurse who is doing it looks at countless cervixes a week, so can usually tell from looking if she thinks it's CIN2 or CIN3.

If you're CIN2, one of two things will happen. They'll take small biopsies of your cervix. This procedure feels like a small pinch, nothing to worry about pain wise for the actual procedure, but you may have period pain like cramping later in the day or feel nothing at all. They may then ask you to come back in 6 months time.

Another option for CIN2 or if you have CIN3, you will be referred for a procedure called LLETZ. For this, you'll be given local anesthetic to your cervix. Lasers will be used to burn the abnormal cells off to ensure it does not develop into cervical cancer. It's very abnormal for abnormal cells to develop into cervical cancer in the 3 years between smears, so assuming your previous was clear, try to calm yourself and not assume the worst - I know this is so difficult to do.

You're in the best position now being seen on Tuesday and will now be monitored by specialists who are such amazing people. Emergency appointments are so scary and everyone with suspected CIN2 and CIN3 get these, but as I say, you'd rather be seen quickly and not necessarily need it, than not have your smear and have no idea. 

If you have any questions, we've got a good group of girls on this feed to answer anything for you xx