Since I had my first cervical screening at the age of 25 and ended up with abnormal cells and going into hospital for a colposcopy, I’ve become a bit of a smear test advocate. They are such incredibly important tests, which take minutes and can save lives. But there’s a lot of misinformation and misconceptions around them too. Today I want to share my colposcopy experience with you.
Photo by Rowan Chestnut on Unsplash
A quick run down of my colposcopy experience:
I had my smear results back after 3 weeks to say I had “low-grade dyskarosis {which means abnormal cells} and was positive for HPV”. For that reason they booked me a colposcopy appointment at the hospital 3 weeks later.
Thankfully, my colposcopy results came back normal – everything was fine and I could go back to having screenings every 3 years. However at 28 when I went for my second screening, it was still showing HPV. So I have to have a test every year, to keep an eye on it.
Related read: HPV & Cervical Screenings – Let’s Talk About It
Now, we all know what a smear test is but a colposcopy? A colposcopy is a further examination of the cervix. It’s performed at a Women’s Outpatient clinic at the hospital and takes around 5 minutes. The entire appointment should take about half an hour (not including wait times… we all know what those are like at hospitals).
What happens during a colposcopy?
You’re asked to undress from the waist down and told to lay on the chair with your legs in the stirrups. This isn’t very dignified but it’s the best way to keep everything still so they can get a accurate look. A speculum is inserted (exactly the same as in your smear and you can ask for a smaller speculum – they will be available) to open you up.
There is a camera which doesn’t touch your body which magnifies your cervix onto a screen for the examiner (either a doctor or a nurse) to see. You can choose to look at the screen or not – it’s entirely up to you (I chose not to). Two different dyes are then applied to your cervix which makes the abnormal cells show up white (if there are any) and it also determines how fast they appear and the texture. This is all valid information for the doctor or nurse to decide what the next stop for you is.
Related read: 10 Years On – Why Has the Jade Goody Effect Wore Off?
What does a colposcopy feel like?
I can only go by my own experience here but the speculum felt just like a bit of pressure opening you up. It’s not particularly comfortable (what “downstairs” examination is?) but you get used to it. The dyes themselves stung a little as they were applied but the nurse said that’s very normal.
It wasn’t unbearable by any means and didn’t hurt at all. It feels a little invasive but that’s to be expected, I think, considering where the cervix is located. They did have a nice comfy pillow and the table / chair itself was fairly comfortable, so that’s always a bonus!
This basically sums up my colposcopy experience. I had two wonderful nurses – one of whom had a Little Mermaid tattoo that we got talking about for a while! – which really eased my nerves as well.
Related read: My First Smear Test Experience
Why did I get called for a colposcopy?
If you have abnormal cells which are picked up from your smear test, then chances are you’ll be called back for a colposcopy. This doesn’t mean you have cancer and it doesn’t always mean you will need treatment. The lower the grade of abnormalities, the chances of them going back to normal on their own is higher.
The cervix is a wonderful thing and it can change all by itself without you even knowing. The colposcopy will then be able to give a better indication of the level of abnormalities and you may have a biopsy taken in the appointment if they want to investigate further. Again, having a biopsy doesn’t mean you have cancer – it just means that there’s an area that they want a closer look at to determine whether you will need treatment.
Things to remember if you get called for a colposcopy:
- Do not panic. I panicked. A lot. It didn’t help.
- Read all the information they send you with your letters – they send it for a reason.
- Take someone with you to your appointment. Moral support is always good. They can come into the examination room with you as well, if you want them to.
- If you’re really nervous, tell the nurses. They won’t mind and the nurses are so bloody lovely you’ll want to hug them. They are used to women being nervous at these appointments so they can accommodate to how you’re feeling.
- Ask them to explain your results and what they find if you feel this will help you.
- Take a pad with you; you may experience some bleeding after especially if you have a biopsy taken. If you forget, make sure you ask the nurses for one!
If you’re due to have a colposcopy soon, I hope reading about my colposcopy experience and these advice helped you put your mind at ease!
For more information about cervical cancer and the importance of attending your cervical screening, check out the NHS website.
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