Colposcopy (not colonoscopy) in 2 days - terrified!?

Question

I've had an abnormal pap and I go in for a colposcopy in 2 days. At first I was okay, but now I am absolutely terrified! Will this affect my fertility? I feel like I'm the only person out here dealing with this! Someone out there who's been through it would really help!

I've been reading your responses - thank-you all so much. Knowing other people go through it too makes me feel better!

Answer 1

i had this done last fall. don't worry! all will be fine. its possible your physician can prescribe a days worth of something to calm your nerves. also, take some ibuprofen beforehand. it'll be a little pinchy in there, but if it gets too much for ya just let them know and they'll stop. afterwards you'll feel kinda crampy so just take it easy, get a heating pad, take another ibuprofen and keep off of your feet. you'll be fine, hun. as for fertility, it won't harm you. its just taking small snippets of tissue for analysis. be brave, and hang in there!

ps- i was reading other responses, and let me tell you, you won't bleed heavily, you'll spot a bit. bring a pad or a liner with you. one answer up there is WOW. a colp is done to remove cervical tissue for testing! either way, good luck darlin.

Answer 2

Here is a long winded answer on the details of a colposcopy. I hope this information helps you..


A colposcopy is a procedure used to evaluate abnormal tissue, which obviously you all ready know. The colposcope itself is basically a microscope on a stand. It gives a lighted, magnified view showing greater detail than can be seen with the naked eye. Your cervix will be painted with a solution of acetic acid that removes excess mucus and helps highlight abnormal tissues. You will lie on your back with your knees bend and feet resting in stir ups. The colposcrope is passed through the speculum and focused on the cervix. The doc. will note abnormal areas. If a biopsy is performed, a special scissors like instrument is inserted and used to take tiny specimens from the cervix.

The procedure takes 10-15 minutes and is usually done in a docs office. You may have a brown vaginal discharge for a few days as well as slight bleeding and possibly an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge. You shouldn't use tampons or have sexual intercourse for a several days while your cervix heals. If tissue is removed for a biopsy, you may have some minor discomfort as well as some cramping and bleeding.

I hope this information helps you. It really isn't as bad as it sounds and it goes very quickly. I hope all works out well and the results turn out to be minor. Take Care of Yourself. :)

Answer 3

I had a colposcopy done about 3 years ago when I had a pap smear come back abnormal. It's really not that big of a deal, but it definitely isn't the most comfortable thing in the world. If they don't have to do a biopsy, it shouldn't hurt (I'm not sure how many women have a colp without a biopsy, but I did have one and I think many others do as well). They place a speculum in you like they do when you're having a regular pelvic exam. Then, the dr. will put acetic acid on your cervix. This has to sit for several minutes. Then a colposcope, which is basically a lighted microscope, is used to magnify the view of the cervix, etc. Areas that turn white after the acetic acid is applied might be considered "abnormal" and are viewed more closely to determine if they might be precancerous or cancerous. A biopsy is often done on these areas. Some drs. will use a topical anesthetic or a cervical block to help prevent pain. My dr. didn't and when the biopsy was done, I felt a sharp pain for a few seconds. Even though the dr. told me she was going to do it, I still wasn't prepared for it because I didn't have any idea what it would feel like. If I remember correctly, it was a sharp pinching sensation. The pain went away quickly, though. It just kind of took my breath away for a few seconds. Your dr. should tell you when he/she's doing the biopsy so you're not surprised. I didn't take anything like Advil beforehand and my dr. hadn't warned me to, but I would highly suggest it. I hadn't brought a pad or anything to wear afterwards, so I was given one at my dr's office. You definitely need to wear a pad because a solution is placed on the cervix to control bleeding. It looks like mustard but becomes blackish when exposed to blood. This solution WILL expel and you'll get a dark discharge that looks like coffee grounds for up to several days. It WILL stain your underwear/clothes if you don't wear a pad, so be sure to take one with you or ask for one at your dr's office (theirs are usually huge and bulky, so it'd be best to take your own). Do NOT wear tampons after the procedure to try to absorb it, you have to wear pads. I did cramp for a good part of the day and that's when I had wished I taken some Advil beforehand. It was pretty much like bad menstrual cramps. The dr. told me to call if I had any pain more severe than mild to moderate cramping and even told me they could call me in something for the pain if I needed it. Fortunately, I didn't. I would suggest planning to take it easy afterwards if you can. I had it done in the morning and took the majority of the rest of the day off from work.

You'll be fine, your dr. should explain everything to you before he/she starts. If they don't, ask them to, it will make you feel a lot better to know exactly what they're doing so there aren't any surprises. I know it will be hard to do (believe me, I know), but try to relax as much as possible during the procedure. Being uptight will only make it hurt worse! Good luck!

Answer 4

I had it done in January. I did not hurt at all. Some people feel the pain more than others though. First off all they do is take a lil pinch of tissue you barely feel it. They send that to be tested. Its a simple 5 to 10 min procedure. No they don't give you anything to dull or not feel the pain it isn't that bad. You'll be fine just don't tense up.

Answer 5

I went through this procedure when I was about 19...(so about 18 years ago!). You will be fine. You may want to take some tylanol or advil for pain...and just try to breathe and relax. This is a common procedure and I am certain the medical staff will treat you well and with respect. Good luck!

Answer 6

I have know lots of people who have this done, and they are just fine. You will be OK! You should not take any Advil because this causes your blood to thin also and it will cause bleeding. Ask your doc if Tylenol is OK, that is the only one I know of that can be used.

Answer 7

i went through it 10 yrs ago at the age of 16 not too big of a deal.....takeadvil(no asprin....thins the blood) before dr. visit though cause it is a little uncomfortable and you will have cramping and bleeding after......bring a pad. as far as fertility........i've been preganant 6TIMES SINCE. you'll be fine. good luck and god bless.

Answer 8

It will be done in outpatient surgery.You will feel nothing.They put you to sleep and you won't remember a thing.Your doc is wanting to rule out a tumor of your intestines.It will not affect your fertility.

Answer 9

Care Bear is 26 and has been pregnant six times? For crying out loud, cross your legs.....

Answer 10

Call your doctor and ask as many question as you can think of.