Hello,

I felt I should write something here on this forum regarding my first Colposcopy. There never seems to be a follow up when somebody has had a colposcopy and I would like to share my experience with you.

It all started when I had my very first abnormal smear result. My previous 2 smear tests had been normal.

My first reaction was panic! I started to google cervical cancer and was left in a state of anxiety. I was convinced that this was it for me.

It didn't help that my abnormal smear was showing high grade dyskaryosis, the words "high grade" were very upsetting.

After 2 weeks of waiting and worrying my colposcopy appointement had arrived. I was a bag of nerves whilst in the waiting room. All I could think is this is really going to hurt and scared that the Dr was going to tell me I had the big C!

When my name was called I thought "this is it, my fate will be decided now". The Dr sat down with me and the first thing he said was, "you do not have cancer". In my mind I was thinking, you haven't even had a look yet, how do you know?

Basically, an abnormal smear comes about from a change in the cells of your cervix. It does not mean you have cancer. It can take up to 20 years for cancer to develop and that's only IF the cervical cancer is activated.

The Dr explained alot to me and made me feel at ease. Next it was the colposcopy......

My advise is to wear a long lose fitting skirt like I did, otherwise you'll have to walk from the little changing room to the chair with you little tush hanging out!

I had to sit in a big chair that had to bits either side to put my legs on. All you need to think is how many women have colposcopy's everyday and what the Dr is seeing is no more than what he or she sees everyday. That is what they are qualified in.

The nurse then helps you get comfortable and stays right by your side all the way through it.

When you are ready, the Dr puts the same kind of speculum inside you that is used for your smear test, then there is a kind of funny looking set of binoculars thing that sits on the outside of you vagina, they do not go inside. The Dr then opens you up.

THIS DOES NOT HURT - It may feel a bit uncomfortable but it doesn't hurt. It feels no different to the smear.

I didn't need any treatment so I cannot comment on that but I did however need a biopsy - which again didn't hurt. I was told to do a huge cough on the count of 3 and that was it, biopsy done.

I would recommend looking at the screen to the side of you, of your cervix so you can see what the Dr is seeing, he/she can then explain to you the condition of your cervix.

This all took less than 15 minutes.

You should take a sanitary towel with you as afterwards there can be some blood or discharge.

For the rest of that day I had period cramps which is normal. They can last 2 to 3 days - everybody is different. You will also have a brown coloured discharge. This can last 3-4 days - again everybody is different.

So to conclude - The worry comes from not knowing. If this is all new to you then worry is at the top of your list but now I have had it done once, I know what to expect if it happens again in the future and I KNOW it isn't half as bad as you expect it to be.

I hope this has helped a few women out there and if you have any questions please contact me and I'll try to answer them for you.

Thank you.