I found out that I have HPV last August 2008 from my gyno. Since then I have been to the gyno every 6 months, and I still have it now, a year later. I was at the gyno in August and they said they wanted me to come in for a colposcopy this month. I am going next week and I am scared to death. Can anyone tell me what to expect? I am expecting the worst.
Thank u..
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Hi Dodedoo, Do you know what your pathology reports have shown and what tests the doctor has done so far?
I had a colpo a year and a half ago. The colpo itself is just slightly more uncomfortable than a pap. You get in the stirrups, the doctor inserts the speculum, then he/she swabs the cervix with a light acedic solution (like table vinegar) or iodine. The solution turns any dysplasia a different color. The doctor then looks at the cervix with the colposcope at several magnifications.
The doctor will most likely biopsy any dysplasia that he/she finds on the outer cervix. I didn't have this, since my outer cervix was clear. I've heard women refer to it as a pinch. Other women say they didn't feel it because their doctor told them to cough so they didn't feel it.
If you are over 30, and you've had a persistent positive for high risk HPV test results, then I STRONGLY encourage you to ask for an ECC (endocervical curettage). It is the only nonsurgical way a doctor can sample the cervical canal. The cells in the canal are very different from the ones on the outer cervix.
Hello, I just got a colposcopy just five days ago, so I thought I would respond to your post. I am 22, and a total wuss when it comes to medical procedures. And to be honest, it was not a "pleasant" experience...but it was not as bad as I expected it to be. When they were doing the biopsy of the outside of the cervix, I could barely feel it (although I did have a little cramping). However, when they did a biopsy of the inside of the cervix (they don't always do this) it was very painful but only lasted about 10 seconds. My only advise is to take a valium (for anxiety) or maybe some advil before for the cramps (I have been cramping and bleeding a little bit ever since, and it has been about 5 days). Also i brought my I-pod in and listened to music while they were doing it, and that really helped. Hopefully this was helpful! It is all over before you know it.
