Colposcopy

Question: colposcopy? has anyone had a colposcopy done before? i just recieved a letter from the doc. saying i need one because of abnormal cells were found. is this to check for cancer or could it be something else?

Answer: I had a colpo done last year because of an abnormal pap smear. I was awake during the procedure. It was a little uncomfortable when they took the biopsies ( a little pinching feeling) and I had spotting for a couple of hours, but was nothing too major. The colpo is used to diagnose a multitude of things. In my case it saved my life. I had Stage 1B-2 cervical cancer, went through chemo, radiation, and surgery and am so far cancer free. Have the colpo done. It can help detect different things and possibly save your life and/or your fertility. Good luck and God Bless

Question: Colposcopy? I've had a colposcopy and the doctor told me that the results came back showing mild to moderate displasia. Now she wants to do the freezing of the cervix procedure. How uncomfortable is this? What is the likelihood that once I get this done that the HPV will go away for now? How worried should I be at this point?

Answer: HPV unfortunately will never go away....but if you're talking about the outbreak being gone, there's no time frame on that. I was unfortunate enough to receive this wonderful curse from my now ex-husband, and unfortunately I didn't find out I had it until I found out I was pregnant. Unless cancer cells are found at this stage, you can't do anything about the outbreak while pregnant. The outbreak went away on it's own, (thank goodness) in a couple months and I've not had another one in over 11 years! So, I'd assume if you're being treated, it should be cleared up in just a couple weeks. Be VERY careful with your partners. Be sure to use protection from here on out. There's no way to put a time limit on these things, unfortunately. I've been LUCKY not to have had another outbreak in that long of an amount of time. As far as the freezing procedure, I couldn't tell you since I was not allowed to have it done because I was pregnant.

Question: How often is it suggested to have a colposcopy when you have had an abnormal pap smear for the last 3 years? Had an abnormal pap smear for the last 3 years (HPV) and had a colposcopy done 2 years ago now have to have another one done. Just wondering if anyone has ever had to experience having to have more than one colposcopy done?

Answer: I have a colposcopy every 3 months. If your abnormal paps keep continuing, honestly I would think you would want a colposcopy at least annually. The pap smear is a screening tool. It can't provide a diagnosis. If they continue for years, I myself would be want the more thorough checkout of the colposcopy. Also make sure to ask for an ECC to check for abnormal cells higher up in the cervical canal. Some doctors always do and ECC, but not all of them. I always figure, if they are already in there, might as well check!

Question: How does a colposcopy (cervical biopsy) compare to inserting an IUD - in terms of discomfort? I have to have a colposcopy next month and I'm scared to death. I got an IUD last year and I actually, literally screamed when she put it in it hurt so much. If you have had both, how does it compare? I am interested both in the actual procedure and the day or two following. Thanks so much!

Answer: I have had both done and when I had my IUD put it in only pinched for like a few seconds then it was over. I didn't have any pain the next day or anything! My doctor was awesome! (I know all pain tolerances are different, but Im a total WUSS when it comes to pain!!!) The colposcopy hurt a little more, and there was a little bit of spotting afterwards, but it wasn't so bad that I was screaming or anything. You can't have sex for a while after the colposcopy, but it was nothing major. I took some tylenol afterwards and I was fine. I did go home and relax (cause the hubby thought I should) but was up on my feet the next day.

Question: How common is it to have an abnormal pap 6 mths following a colposcopy? The colposcopy followed an abnormal pap and then an hpv test. The results of the hpv test concluded a high-risk type of hpv was detected. The colposcopy concluded mild dysplasia. The first pap following the colpo was abnormal still. I wondered how common that was only 6 mths after a colpo.

Answer: Usually it can take up to (or more than) 2 years for a pap smear to come back with normal results. Till then, make sure you continue to see your doctor every 3-4 months until instructed otherwise. This is VERY important because if cervical cancer develops and is diagnosed early on, the survival rate is extremely high.

Question: How long after a colposcopy can I get a Mirena IUD inserted? I recently went in for my annual pap smear and asked I could get the Mirena IUD. My doctor wants to do a colposcopy. I am 24 yrs old. I am hoping that everything comes back okay. He said he doesn't think I have cervical cancer. I want to get the Mirena soon, and I am wondering if I have to wait after a colposcopy. And if so, how long? Thanks in advance for your answers!!!!!

Answer: Chances are your doctor will wait for the results of your test and then discuss it with him. I hope all comes out well for you too!!!

Question: What are the effects of having laser hair removal and a colposcopy which resulted in a biopsy? I had a laser hair removal done on my bikini area in the morning and ended up having to have a colposcopy which resulted in a biopsy in the afternoon. I have been cramping badly and very swollen for the past week after the procedure. I went to see my doctor to ensure I was okay but she said I was just healing. Last night I was cramping so bad that I began to vomit. Today, I am still cramping but not vomiting. Should I be worried?

Answer: Well laser hair removal and culposcopy of the cervix aren't related. I'm not clear when you had the culposcopy done, but it is not unusual to have cramping if you have a biopsy done. Did you have a cone biopsy? If so that takes a larger cone size shaped size out of your cervix which can cause cramping. Check with your doctor, but usually motrin works well for uterine cramping. You can take up to 800mg every 8 hours if the cramping is severe. Most over the counter motrin/ibuprofen is only 200mg, so that means 4 tablets. BUT read the label to be sure.

Question: Is it smart to have scheduled a Colposcopy when I'm attending a wedding that evening? I'm really scared to have this done in general. I'm afraid it's going to hurt too much. I have a wedding to go to later that day and I'm afraid I'll be in too much pain or bleeding too much to enjoy myself. Should I try and reschedule? Can anyone tell me what to expect for a few days AFTER the Colposcopy?

Answer: Hi hun! OK ~ I was in your exact same situation in December last year when my doctor scheduled me for a colposcopy after my 2nd pap-smear in 2 years came back abnormal. I worked myself up into such a state that I started hypoventilating in the doctors office!!! I was absolutely terrifed and it wasnt even scheduled for 4 weeks =D I did the same as you (check back through my questions!!!) I started posting questions on Yahoo answers asking for people who had been through a colposcopy and while some hit the nail on the head, the majority just put me in a worse panic! SO! Armed with my best friend, I lugged myself off to the hospital after a sleepless night and sat in the waiting room in tears and shaking while I waited for the doctor to call my name. Finally the moment came and I was taken into a small doctors room with a "overseeing doctor" and two nurses... though I think one was a student as she just stood there and took notes! They make you sit back in this chair (like you see in the movies) and put your legs up in stirups ~ its all very flattering and then (going to be honest here!) they put a spectrum into your vagina like they do in a pap smear and then on a really long cotton bud they wipe some iodine around near your cervix. You cant feel this bit I promise... it doesnt burn or sting, it just feels like a pap smear... uncomfortable. Then they put a little long camera inside your vagina. You cannot feel this either I promise. I also think the camera might have a little light on it? because the iodine is meant to show up the cells that keep appearing as abnormal. From there, the doctor just had a little look around and then told me to put my clothes on....... WAS THAT IT????? ARE YOU SERIOUS?????? Now everyone is different, but I am definatley no hero! It was eactly the same as a pap smear, just a tiny bit longer...and I went back to work, went out that night and went swimming at the gym too =D You will be fine!!! If you have any more questions then please email me because I wish someone had told me not to stress so much!!! Good luck babe, you will be perfectly fine!!! =D

Question: How much does a Colposcopy usually cost? I have just recently been diagnosed with mild dysplasia. Now, I have to find a doctor who can conduct a colposcopy. How much does this usually cost? I am uninsured. http://familydoctor.org/082.xml?printxml A colposcopy is a way your doctor can examine your genitals, vagina and cervix closely. A colposcope is an instrument that shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the view for your doctor. I currently live in North Carolina.

Answer: No people it is really COLOPOSCOPY and it is Cervical, nothing to do with your colon. Mine was $350 for the gyno and then another $380 for the lab to process the cells and stuff. That is before insurance (under my deductible), so I would assume it'd be the same for you. Just watch out for doctors that are "affiliated" with hospitals, then you have to pay DR and Hospital both. And it hurts horribly, but only for like one second, I swear! Good luck, I'm sure its nothing, like most! Wait, I just reread your question...be prepared it is NOT just a light. They will use that and then in 98% of cases they will biopsy you right there. That is what I am referring to in my answer. A little squirt of alochol to numb the area and then a little snip from each spot that looks abnormal.

Question: How long should you wait to have sex after a colposcopy/biopsy? I had an abnormal pap and went in to have a colposcopy done. The doctor took two biopsies. This was Friday (6/12/09). The doctor never said anything about when I could have sex again. He just said I couldnt use a tampon for four days. So I was wondering how long I should wait for until my boyfriend and I could resume intercourse?

Answer: Hi. I had a colposcopy yesterday, after too having an abnormal pap. My doctor gave me an information sheet, and it said that you should wait about a week before having penetrative sex. Hope this helps. Fingers crossed to a good result too.