Colposcopy 

Introduction 

Cervical cancer

Andy Nordin, a gynaecological oncologist, explains the symptoms of cervical cancer, who’s most at risk and the treatment options.

Try not to worry

If you are referred for a colposcopy after an abnormal screening test you should never automatically assume you have cervical cancer. Less than 1 in a 1,000 women referred for a colposcopy are found to have invasive cervical cancer requiring immediate treatment.

The reason so much emphasis is placed on screening for cervical cancer is that it there are easily recognisable changes to cells that can develop many years before a cancer can develop. And diagnosing and treating these cases at an early stage can prevent cancer from ever developing.

A colposcopy is a procedure where the lining of the cervix (the neck of the womb) is closely examined. It is carried out by a colposcopist (a specially trained doctor or nurse) who uses a magnifying instrument called a colposcope to check the cells that line the cervix for abnormalities.

When is a colposcopy performed?

A colposcopy is carried out when the results of a cervical screening test indicate that there are abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. See Colposcopy - why it is used for more information about cervical screening.

Modern colposcopy clinics are fitted with video equipment that allows the colposcopist to view the examination on a television monitor. The patient can also watch the procedure if they want to, which may help to reduce any nervousness and anxiety.

Outcome

After closer examination of the cervical cells, the colposcopist will be able to determine the extent of any cell abnormalities and whether any treatment is required.

If the colposcopy confirms that there are cervical cell abnormalities, a biopsy may be carried out. This involves removing a small sample of tissue for closer examination and testing.

The treatment of abnormal cervical cells is almost always 100% successful. Following treatment, it is unlikely that any cell changes will occur in the future. See Colposcopy - treatment for more information.

  • show glossary terms
Cervix
The cervix is at the lower end of the womb. It connects the womb with the vagina.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a special magnifying lens, known as a colposcope to look at the cervix through the opening of the vagina.
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
Smear test
During a cervical screening test, a sample of cells from a woman's cervix is taken and examined for abnormalities.

Last reviewed: 14/01/2011

Next review due: 14/01/2013

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41 Comments

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

JoJoCS said on 04 February 2012

I am 38 and mum to 2 boys, I had a colposcopy, loop treatment and 2 biopsies taken 3 weeks ago. I didnt sleep the night before and was extremly anxious about it. The colposcopy, treatment and biopsies were a little uncomfortable and painless. The local anaesthetic was quite frightening because the adrenaline in it gives you a faster heart rate and the shakes but that didnt last very long and the nurse was very supportive. Everything was explained clearly as it happened and the staff did their best to reassure me. It was not a nice experience at all but who would expect it to be? I felt a bit rotten and sore for 2 or three days and had a bloody discharge and tender tummy. 3 weeks later i am fine. I had my results yesterday and it turns out i had cancer on my cervix, they removed it all during the colposcopy and i will be absolutely fine. My honest opinion is it IS an unpleasant experience, take someone with you for support if you can, take a couple of days off work if you can, but for goodness sake GO. If i hadnt gone I dont expect I'd be here in 10 years time and i am so grateful.

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BeccaL said on 24 January 2012

I felt compelled to comment on this page as many of the stories seem to be horror stories. I had an abnormal smear result after my first smear test and was invited for a colposcopy. The procedure was uncomfortable but not painful, although I did bleed for a few days afterwards. The doctor and nurse were really reassuring. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and while the colposcopy isn't a great thing to have done it is an essential procedure to check on abnormal cells.

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LH86 said on 16 January 2012

Staff at LRI were great however pain of Loop procedure I definitely wasnt told about beforehand! Had to have 8-10 injections as anaesthetic didnt work so i felt everything and I am still in agony and bleeding 5 days after although I dont feel my symptoms indicate an infection I think I am just one of the unlucky ones and i admittedly did have to have a lot removed. Im only just mobile again and everything seems to take twice as long at the mo. dreading seeing what state ive been left in down there when ive healed properly! and really hope i dont ever have to have this done again - roll on my results in 4 weeks time!

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sarahc33 said on 15 January 2012

I received a borderline smear result the day after my mothers funeral in November. I was dreading my colposcopy appointment which was on 25th November 2011 and was a nervous wreak when the day actually came and was suffering from extreme anxiety and depression. The nurse was kind and tried to reassure me , but i found the doctor extremely unsympathetic. When he walked into the treatment room and saw the distressed state i was in, he shook his head. I was told that i had mild cell abnormalities and he took a biopsy. I found the biopsy procedure like a very sharp pain with some mild cramping and wasn't offered any pain relief but it was tolerable. I waited 7 long weeks over christmas and new year and after phoning to chase up my results last week, i was told that the biopsy was too small!!! I have been asked to return next week to repeat the whole examination again. I am disgusted. I would also like to add that the literature that is sent out is extremely vague and misleading. I'm not as distressed about going this time, but i will certainly put my point across regarding the long wait and misleading info and asking for my biopsy to be pushed through histology faster.

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sarahc33 said on 15 January 2012

I received a borderline smear result the day after my mothers funeral in November. I was dreading my colposcopy appointment which was on 25th November 2011 and was a nervous wreak when the day actually came and was suffering from extreme anxiety and depression. The nurse was kind and tried to reassure me , but i found the doctor extremely unsympathetic. When he walked into the treatment room and saw the distressed state i was in, he shook his head. I was told that i had mild cell abnormalities and he took a biopsy. I found the biopsy procedure like a very sharp pain with some mild cramping and wasn't offered any pain relief but it was tolerable. I waited 7 long weeks over christmas and new year and after phoning to chase up my results last week, i was told that the biopsy was too small!!! I have been asked to return next week to repeat the whole examination again. I am disgusted. I would also like to add that the literature that is sent out is extremely vague and misleading. I'm not as distressed about going this time, but i will certainly put my point across regarding the long wait and misleading info and asking for my biopsy to be pushed through histology faster.

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VC1982 said on 08 December 2011

I went for my colposcopy this morning and have to admit I was dreading it. There was no need. The doctor and nurse were lovely and put me at ease. Yes, it is a little uncomfortable but I've had more painful smear tests.

The doctor took 2 biopsies which just felt like small scrapes. I did bleed a little and I've had a slight crampy feel since but nothing bad.

This procedure was quick, relatively painless and I wouldn't put off having it done again (not that I want it done again!!)

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brevity said on 29 November 2011

I had a punch biopsy a week ago. The doctor and nurse were lovely. The procedure was quick, but I did find it painful - like really bad period pain - but this eased off over the next hour or so. I had very slight bleeding and then a very light and yellowish discharge - I called the specialist nurse at the hospital and she said it was part of the healing process, which was reassuring. I have had no pain except on orgasm - and not much pain then (I haven't had pentrative sex, as she advised to wait 1-2 weeks).

Now I'm waiting for the results. It's worrying because there's absolutely no way to judge at all till I get that letter.

Having read other comments here, I do think that the info leaflets do downplay the pain and discomfort somewhat. I think there's no way of knowing how much it will hurt till you go through it and find out. But I wouldn't have cared even if the pain had been a lot worse. This had to be done, there was no question about that. This is something that cannot be ignored. My feeling now is that they downplay the pain of it on those leaflets, to stop women thinking. Oh it'll hurt, and I don't feel ill, so I'll leave it.

I did do a lot of net research. That was very helpful.

I just wish there was some wy to hurry those results.

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Orpington said on 12 November 2011

Had a colposcopy and 2 biopsies taken yesterday and I have to say how easy it was. I am sorry to hear some people have had a bad experience but don't let that frighten you as I can promise you that was not the case for me. Before going in the nurse explained everything in great detail. All the nurses and the doctor were really nice and reassuring. I really have had worse smears than this. The proceedure was quick and the biopsies were not sharp pain like I expected. just a little dull tug followed by a little period pain (mild). Only had cramps like period pain today not enough to stop me going shopping! Most painful bit is not being allowed to excercise for a week! Don't worry it is honestly not that bad an experience at all.

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pcmillsie said on 12 November 2011

I had to post this comment in order to vent...!I have just had a colposcopy and biopsy after getting a moderate abnormal smear result. I read all the leaflets before i went but didn't look online because the literature kept stating what a minor procedure it was and nothing to worry about....WHAT A LIE THAT WAS!! I have been in agony ever since, I have not had children but did suffer a miscarriage 4 years ago and the pain is similar to that. I think it is disgusting that the hospital or literature does not warn women that they may react badly. I have also had to take time off work and it has cost me £22 for painkillers and antibiotics (in case I have an infection, my gp didnt even want to examine me)...when I tried to ring the clinic for advice they weren't even open and I was told to go to my gp. I think the nhs does a great job in many respects and obviously it is good that they are testing women early to prevent cervical cancer developing HOWEVER this procedure has put me off going back even if they say I need treatment. The misinformation is dangerous, I cannot believe they say the biopsy can be carried out on pregnant women - If I had been pregnant there is no doubt I would have miscarried with the amount of cramps I have had since the procedure. If only I had been warned I could have been prepared and not so scared. It has also made me feel very emotional, I am 41 and unlikely now to have any children, to be honest I feel so sore that I can't imagine ever having sex again and I can't believe it hasn't affected any fertility I might have left!!

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cherylw said on 26 October 2011

I can't tell you how brilliant it has been to read all these comments. I have been feeling so alone with my situation and so worried as as some of you say the information is very confusing. I am 46 and a mother of a 20 year old. I have almost never had a normal smear , I think maybe 2 in my life. They used to leave you to have 3 abnormal smears before you were sent for colposcopy but now I think they react more quickly. 3 years ago I wnt for a colposcopy and they took a biopsy without asking me or telling me. I was in agony afterwards and had 3 weeks off work.. after being told I could work the next day! It was awful and was very angry and felt they should have asked me or at least warned me. They said I had CIN 1 at that time but then after another smear it was CIN 2 so had had to go again. This time I was prepared and told the nurses about all my pain and upset and they were nicer to me. The colposcopy showed CIN 3 so they said I should be treated . I asked to come back another time as I was expecting to feel really bad and needed to book the time off work. I had diathermy loop treatment and was told that after this treatment most women have no abnormalities ever again. So I thought just do it get it out of the way and then that will be an end to it! It was not actually too bad though I cried all the way through. I beld a=fvor about 3 weeks and had alot of cramps.I then was put on 3 monthly smears, the first was normal ( hooray!) the last one was CIN3 again! I am in despair.. I now have to go again and feel so let down and confused. Again there is no info as to why it has come back. I dont drink or smoke I eat well, exercise and consider myself careful. I am beginning to think abnormal is normal for me. I am really scared now that is has come back again.. I feel very out of control. Apparently, taking folic acid, B vitamins and zinc can really help.. so I am doing that. My appt is next week.. I am really dreading it.

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VixStar said on 08 February 2011

Hi Ladies. Just sticking my oar in as well in praise of this procedure. I'm 25 with 1 child. After having my first smear at the end of December, I was found to have CIN 1. I had my colposcopy today. I was fairly scared but it really is virtually painless. I had to have a biopsy taken so had a local anaesthetic via injection to the cervix - it was a small scratch like scratching skin with fingernails - and had the biopsies taken which I'll admit were uncomfortable. They caused no pain but a very weird tugging sensation. I'll get my results in 4 weeks maximum. Depending on results, I may need further treatment but the colposcopy itself, local injection and biopsy are really ok. Please feel re-assured. I can feel a slight soreness and am spotting very lightly. It really isn't as bad as some horror stories make out.

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Kate15 said on 01 February 2011

I want to share my experience because before my Colposcopy a lot of information that I read of the internet caused more worry than good. As a 19 year old, I also felt like the other comments came from older women and wanted to hear from someone my own age.

I couldn't have asked for a better medical experience. It was daunting at first but my consultant and the nurse practitioners present did everything to make me feel at ease. I had researched the procedure a lot and knew what to expect and therefore was able to ask the right questions.

I didn't need to have any biopsies taken (not everyone does), and the scan and speculum exam caused me nearly no discomfort. Please note you can ask for a small speculum to be used if youve found them painful before! Don't be scared to ask for anything.

I don't know what I was worrying about before I went in. I was even able to enjoy looking at the scans and images of my womb and cervix. Thankyou so much to the team and Hinchingbrooke.

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ablazevixen said on 28 January 2011

I feel I really must add my experience to the mix here because this is a big deal for women about to undergo a colposcopy and fearmongering experiences really don't help.

I was diagnosed with CIN 3 Im 27no kids, non smoker, non drinker. I was really surprised, I didnt get much time to register it as 2 days later the hospital rang me to book a colposcopy for the next day. I was really nervous and terrified at the thought of needles and Leep procedure.

I went in and my GYN told me they would be performing a Leep procedure after looking at my cervix. I was horrified but they were lovely. I had my own nurse to hold my hand. The colposcopy and the acid wash on my cervix was barely noticable, certainly it was uncomfortable but no more than a normal smear.

He told me they were doing a Leep while I was there and I was really scared but it was so matter of fact and the nurses were chatting to me that I didnt get time to feel jittery. I couldnt see any implements which really was for the best but all I felt was a sting. and not even a big sting just a little one and after that it just felt like the speculum was being moved. That was it!

I promise ladies its no big deal, I can put my hand on my heart and say I've had more painful smear tests from over enthusiastic nurses. It was really ok and I feel so proud of myself for doing it and getting it over with. The clinic told me 6 women had cancelled that day I dont know if it was fear or busy schedules but if any of you are putting it off, it is really ok.

Prior to the procedure ive just had a bit of bleeding, nothing major, pain wise its nothing that outweighs period pain 2 paracetamol will normally take care of it. Please dont put it off girls. You'll be ok, its nowhere near as bad as you think!

Promise.

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zoefb said on 16 December 2010

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how long it is OK to wait from hearing you have CIN1 cells to having the colposcopy? It feels like I've waited ages and have been away with work and then struggled to get appointment and now am not having procedure until January which will be about 8 weeks from diagnosis via PAP. How fast can things become more serious?

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zoefb said on 16 December 2010

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how long it is OK to wait from hearing you have CIN1 cells to having the colposcopy? It feels like I've waited ages and have been away with work and then struggled to get appointment and now am not having procedure until January which will be about 8 weeks from diagnosis via PAP. How fast can things become more serious?

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mouse10 said on 25 October 2010

I am only 23 and had an abnormal smear, I got sent for a colposcopy and from that I had a letter telling me there is an area of abnormal skin and suggest I have LLETZ treatment. I have been told nothing about it except a leaflet that was next to useless.
I got told hardly anything at my colposcopy and now dread going back. I have been putting it off because I am exceptionally uncomfortable with a certain doctor doing this but seem to get a very rude receptionist whenever I phone up, so I'm not sure what to do.
The nurses were fine but I still felt very uninformed about what was actually happening.
I was in a lot of pain following the colposcopy but they didn't even tell me I might be or that I would bleed!

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positive feedback said on 03 September 2010

I wanted to let everyone out there who is worrying about LEEP treatement my positive experience
I had a cloposcopy in july and they did a punch biopsy and it came back that I had abnormalities which are severe CIN111 I could not be treated due to flying abroad for my holidays 2wks later.
today I have had the treatement after months of worry and anxiety I went to my doctors as I suffer from panic attacks and had worked myself into a frenzy over the treatment. he prescribed me a diazepam to take whihc made my nervousness and anxiety pass and after leaving the hospital at 1.00 today I have a tummy ache but the whole procedure was quick, painless and the staff were fantastic, a nurse held my hand and talked to me thru the whole procedure whihc calmed me down and before I knew it the time had passed and it was over, the most painful part was having the sticky label removed from my thigh that keeps you earthed like having a big plaster pulled off haha couldnt belive it. so for all those horrid ordeals you have read, as just like I did, sat on the interent reading of all these awful terrible horror stories please remember ok it doesnt always go as its planned for some people BUT generally the staff are there to support you and hopefully get you better by doing this. I cannot believe how much I worked myself up for months when it was totally pain free and quick. I am going to have a restfull wknd in my jammies to recover. hope this helps anyone out there who is dreading there LEEP or colposcopy as all went well and fine for me. take care all and keep in good health, look after yourself and if your worried go to your doctors for advice and somethink to calm your nerves as its so not worth the worry and anxiety I put myself under x

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traybay123 said on 19 August 2010

hi to everyone, iv got a question to lottacarey pls id like to know what hospital you went to to have the anesthetic as a spray on and would you know the name off it pls the reason is iv had two biopsys now and have to have the op and very scared of the thought of the injection, i phoned the doctor today who will be doing the op to ask about it and she said she has never heard of it so more scared now but siad if you can help with info she will look into it for me, my op is nxt wk now, both biopsys went ok didnt feel any pain just slight discomfort and the nurse and staff was really good so im sorry to hear any bad experiances people had, so if lottacarey could help i would apreciate it thanx.

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Fairy26 said on 24 July 2010

I wanted to share my experience as I have just had to go for my 1st colposcopy and have been a nervous wreck. I was extremely scared as have always had normal smear results up until now and all I got in the post was a letter saying I had been referred to the hospital for a colposcopy and the leaflet.
Like others I didn't find the leaflet particularly helpful but I had a look at this page and certainly got more info from here (even though I was concerned by the bad experiences that others had had).

I went for my colposcopy 2 days and so far have been really pleased with the consultant and nurses at St Johns Hospital in Chelmsford. I told them I was really nervous and the consultant took time to explain the procedure to me and engage me in general conversation to try and relax me.
The colposcopy itself was over fairly quickly and although I experienced some stomach cramps (like period pains) and discomfort the nurses explained that this was normal and that I should expect some bleeding. Considering there was the consultant and 3 nurses in the room as well they were very good at keeping me chatting and keeping me calm but not making me feel too undignified.

I am now waiting for the results of the biopsy and although its a 4-6 week wait for the results I feel calmer now than I did in the week between receiving the letter and going for the appointment. I can only put this down to the information that I have been given by the hospital as I know what the next steps are if I get called for treatment and I have a number to call if I have any concerns.

Although its true that sometimes we can know too much, I definitely feel that information was the key for me as the procedure was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting and at least I know what happens next if I do get called back for treatment.

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suzi83 said on 25 June 2010

I have been for a loop biopsy today and want to let ladies know about more positive experiences. I fully understand others have had bad experiences and that is really unfortunate, however when looking for information reading alot on this page terrified me. My experience today although not the best way to spend my morning, has been fine. The nurses were lovely, explained everything, even when I felt panicky from the anesthetic-which is normal. I left feeling informed, dignified and my concerns adhered to. I am so pleased I had went as my levels had increased from CIN 1 upto 3 between my smear and punch biopsy. Yes I am a little sore this evening but that is to be expected. Hope this helps other who are going through the same procedure. It really wasnt as bad as I had thought it would be and I am rubbish at pain!!!

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Lottacarey said on 14 June 2010

I recently had a colposcopy. I recieved some NHS info leaflets before the appointment. They said that any treatment I had would be done under local anesthetic, but I was really anxious as an injection in that area would surely be incredibly painful in itself. At the appointment the doctor told me that the anesthetic would be SPRAYED ON and not injected! I was so relieved. Why didn't the leaflets tell me this? I wouldn't have been so stressed and tense! The anesthetic worked really well. I told the doctor that I'd had an IUD/coil fitted without anesthetic and it was agony so he gave me two lots of the anesthetic.The colposcopy, biopsy and treatment were uncomfortable but only slighlty painful. So much better than I thought it would be.

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KS22 said on 07 June 2010

After attending my first cervical screening (aged 25) at my GPs I was phoned by my local hospital and asked to attend a colposcopy in 2 days time. As this was my first experience of anything like this I was apprehensive. I was sent a copy of the NHS leaflet which I found informative and also came online to read more. After visiting this page and reading others accounts I was increasingly worried about the procedure. On the day my mum went with me for moral support (it was nice to have someone I knew with me). As soon as I got to the appontment the staff were brilliant. Everyone from the receptionist to the nurses were lovely. The Dr I saw was very polite and took time to answer my questions. During the procedure there were also 2 nurses present who were very friendly and put my mind at rest, both explaining what was happening as well as making general chit chat. I did have to have three punch biopsies taken which were a little uncomfortable (and were for a couple of days after) and of which i'm not awaiting the results. I'm sorry to read some people have had bad experiences but I just wanted to post this to put peoples minds at rest if they are about to have their first appointment.

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lisa2403 said on 10 May 2010

i totally agree with lisa1216's experience of the whole colposcopy thing, i was given anathestic but still experienced pain and burning from the laser loop machine. i had phoned the hospital the a couple of days before my procudre as i was concerned (my mum has had a hysterectamy at 45 because of what i now know i had) and was told that maybe i could consider bringing somebody to drive me home after in case anything was carried out.
i then suffered what i believe was a panic attack and came very close to fainting. i am concerned as i am now bleeding alot (i am on a pill where i have never bled before and my procedure was on the 29/12)
i believe the information that i was given was incorrect and misleading, i will just point out that i am ex army, give blood regularly, and have tattoo's so i am not scared of a few needles and have a fairly high pain threshold!
whilst i agree that a colposcopy experience will vary from woman to woman (like childbirth, i have one child) i think the nurses (woman themselves) could at least be a little bit more sympathetic and helpfull, I WAS COMPLETLEY FREAKED OUT

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Laura C said on 27 March 2010

Hi gem1jess, All this sounds very frustrating. You havent put what your results have said though. Do they just say abnormal or do they come back with CIN? If you are really having trouble with y our service speak to them and find out exactly what is going on. It can be like getting blood out of a stone getting straight answers from some of these consultants but it is worth a go. If you still have no luck and are not happy with your care contact your local PALS service. Your GP will have their number. They deal with initial complaints and act on your behalf.
Hope that helps!!

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gem1jess said on 25 March 2010

Hi - I have ad abnormal smears & colpocopys since 2007 (every 6 mths!)...I also had abnormal smears in my late 20's (now 40). In jan 2008 I had a baby & and another in dec 2008. In sept last year I had another abnormal & was told if my next 1 was not normal they would treat it. 5th march this year I had another & it has still come back not right....so have to have another on the 31st. I am soo sick of this & the worry...I have 4 children & feel that it is just being passed off...I think 3 yrs is enough!!! Any advice?

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gem1jess said on 25 March 2010

Hi - I am totally fed up with this....I had abnormal smears in my late 20's (am now 40) since 2007 I have had repeated abnormal smears & colposcopys. In Jan 2008 I had & baby & another in Dec 2008...all the way through I have been told it is maybe my hormones & due to pregnancy. In sept 2009 I had another colposcopy & it returned abnormal....after ringing the nurse (she spoke to the consultant) & they said that if my next result was abnormal they would treat it. 3 weeks ago I had a repeat examination & it has come back abnormal again & I have to go again next week for a repeat!!! This has been going on for 3 years.....yet all they do is keep giving me colposcopys.....I am a mum to 4 children & now starting to get concerned!!! Any advice please????

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Laura C said on 09 March 2010

Wow! All these recent posts really go to prove the difference a good Doctor and Hospital make! My own experience was not great the first time but I made a complaint and I stuck at it and got transfered! It was the best thing I ever did! My Doctor now is fantastic! And I have no fear of going back! After my first appointment I had panic attacks and was in a real state! If you ladies who have had problems contact your local PALS (you should be able to find the number on here or ring your GP for it) and get transfered and make your feelings known, esspecially the police officer (that sounds more like assult than an exam as they should always stop it you need them to) then it should get resolved and your next appointment should be better. Don't let a bad or horrific experience force you to put your own health at risk! No doctor is worth that!!

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fedupfemale said on 22 February 2010

I had an operation under general last year for CIN3. I am a needle phobic and find it difficult enough to have a blood test. Nevermind injections into my cervix. The hospital that I visited in the SW made my whole experince into a real long drawn out ordeal.

I really wanted to have LLETZ then and there, because the doctor felt strongly that most women don't feel any pain, he presumed that I was worried and just don't like needles.

There is such a big difference between a needle phobic and somebody who doesn't like needles. The hospital that I visited just did not recognise this and made me feel like an idiot.

They were not interested in doing anything to help. I am seriously thinking about not going back to my next checkup. nd not going back to any hospitals. I was CIN2 on my last visit and I am worried that I might get cervical cancer.

I think it's a real shame that I feel like potentially letting myself die, for the sake of some meeting someone who undersands, and maybe trying to find a solution (the offer of some numbing gel would have been good), but nobody's interested in putting themselves out. I was told No, No,No. And I have now given up on myself.

Well, thats it.

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hilda123 said on 19 January 2010

I have just had a colposcopy today after being told I have moderate dyskaryosis. The procedure was uncomfortable but not painful. The doctor said I had a slightly larger abnormal area than expected (about the size of a 10p coin) so carried out a procedure called cold coagulation. This involved him giving me a local anaesthetic and then burning the abnormal cells away. It wasn't as painful as it sounds though, its just slightly achey now

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Jqwl said on 07 January 2010

I had a colposcopy exam this morning at St John's Hospital in Chelmsford and would like to praise the doctor and nurses. They were very attentive, sympathetic and respectful. I felt totally at ease throughout the exam. The doctor explained the procedure and they made sure I was confortable at all times. I felt no pain at all in the examination or biopsy, and have had no bleeding since. I felt absolutely normal after the exam. The doctor showed me the instant results from the exam and I am told I should receive the results of the biopsy in 6 weeks time. I was given a number to ring in case I have any questions and now feel much more at ease about the whole thing. I have been told I will need to go for a check up in 6 months time, but even if I do need treatment after getting the results of the biopsy I am now much less worried, as I was told from now on I will always refer to this hospital for any future treatments/check ups and I feel I can rely on receiving very good care from them.

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lisa1216 said on 03 January 2010

i had a colposcopy done and it was the most horrific experience of my life! i was given very little information as to what to expect other than a very old fashioned leaflet which said the procedure should be painless. i went in a little bit nervous and was told not to worry. the doctor was awful and i was in so much pain he really didn't seem to care. it was that bad i actually cried for my mum! which is a little bit embarrassing at 26! i nearly passed out with the pain and had repeated panic attacks and was in excruciating pain but at no point was i offered anaesthetic and he would not stop to give me a few minutes break when i was screaming at him to stop. I am police officer and therefore not exactly soft when it comes to pain but this was horrific! i was not told i could take pain killers prior to the treatment either. i was told i would be fit for work the following morning but due to the pain and lack of mobility because of the procedure i ended up having two weeks off work. i wasn't told i would experience bleeding til just after the procedure and bled for a week and a half and suffered the loss of blood clots also. basically no idea what was going to happen at all! My GP was not well informed either and I feel this needs to change as I was offered no reassurance by either him or the hospital. it was a very traumatic experience and i am terrified of my next course of treatment. I had my result back which were clear of cancer but i would require something called FEMM treatment, again I have been given no information or clue as to what this is other than I may need to be put to sleep when I have it done! as you can imagine this is terrifying again! why is there such a lack of information??? i am now so scared of hospitals which makes my job very hard to do. i really don't want to go back.

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Laura C said on 14 October 2009

I have just had my 6month check up at a different hospital to the one I was at before. As a result of my complaint about the previous hospital my care was transfered and what a difference!
This second hospital was wonderful! They answered all my questions and even though they did exactly the same procedure as I had last time I feel fine! I have light bleeding and had mild discomfort for a few hours afterwards but that is all! I am so pleased with the care I recieved and all the staff were fantastic! I just can't believe the difference it has made both physically and emotionally! It just goes to show the difference a good team can make!

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Debbie H said on 08 October 2009

I received the letter yesterday telling me I had severe dyskaryosis and needed a colposcopy. The leaflets I received were informative in so far as they went but I wanted more. I found the "Jo's Trust" website which is a dedicated site all about cervical cancers, screening, colposcopies etc. It is well written, easy to navigate and very informative. I would recommend it to anyone looking for more info on this topic.

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LoniJoan said on 04 September 2009

I work in private health and the service provided by the NHS is just as caring and compasionate. I have just had the LEEP Loop procedure which comes after the colposcopy and found both to be comfortable. All the attending staff were respectful and provided all the information I required at the time. I personally had enough information about my colopscopy before and after but nothing about the LEEP loop and aftercare... i'm struggling to find anything now!

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kite said on 15 July 2009

I would say that there is not enough information provided here at all,and the information sent should inform you about not having sex before the examination, but maybe it is a good thing not to be given too much detail about the procedure. I think some people don't wish to know every detail about what may happen as it may lead to more anxiety. After reading these comments I went for a colposcopy vey worried and afraid. The experience wasn't as bad as I had been anticipating. There was some discomfort when the biopsies were taken, but no more than period cramps. I found the specialist nurse so comforting and she talked me through every little detail. I was told my results will be posted in 4-5 weeks, then I can have a follow up appointment if I wish. I was given a detailed booklet of do's and don'ts after the procedure and useful numbers should I worry. I was in a specialist womans unit and found the staff helped me feel at ease when having such an intimate procedure. I am sorry that you have had such poor experiences but I was very impressed with the service I recieved from the NHS.

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Laura C said on 27 May 2009

Hello Sooks,
I totally agree with you. It turned out that I was worrying over nothing but even so, they could've said that after the colposcopy. My complaint was not dealt with very well by the clinic. The PALS team and the patient experience team were really good but the nurse I spoke to told me my issues were caused by the fact it is a busy clinic and the doctor is slovakian. Absolute nonsence! I work in an NHS clinic and there is no way we would use that as an excuse! Still we will see what happens in the end.

dpdp,
PALS is the patient advice and liason service. Your local one should have a number that your GP will be able to give to you if you can't find it on here. With regard to aftercare, I don't know what Sooksexperience was but I was in a lot of pain for over 5 days and three of those were spent in bed on painkillers. Your experience may be different but it may be an idea to call the clinic and speak to a nurse.

Laura

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dpdp said on 22 May 2009

hi, i have read all your comments. please can you tell me whats PALS is. and whats the aftercare cause i have children to look after.

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Sooks said on 18 May 2009

Thanks, Laura. Hope everything is ok with you. The colposcopy went fine & I ended up having a loop biopsy which I hadn't expected. Again, more information about what may happen would have been very helpful. I hadn't planned for this, and certainly was not prepared for the aftermath and aftercare necessary. Yes, I will contact PALS - it's been unnerving and confusing. NHS need to get this right for women.

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Laura C said on 14 May 2009

Hello Sooks,

I hope your colposcopy went ok. I agree with you about the leaflet. It was very poor. It also didn't say anything about not having sex before a colposcopy but thankfully this did not affect my procedure. I have since been in contact with my local PALS service to tell them how I feel the whole thing was managed. They were really nice and hopefully helpful. Maybe you should concider doing the same?

Regards

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Sooks said on 13 May 2009

I am having a colposcopy examination today, and was given a NHS leaflet Cervical Screening: Colposcopy examination with my appointment letter which I read at the time. Only this morning have I looked at this info online and find it gives additional advice to follow in the 24 hours prior to the colposcopy. It states you should avoid: using a tampon, using vaginal creams or pessaries and having sex.
I had also contacted the hospital yesterday, where I am having the examination to discuss the fact that I am currently menstruating (albeit very lightly). The advice given was vague and did not include the info about tampons (or anything else).
I find it astonishing that info given out by the NHS is not consistent. I just hope this will not affect my colposcopy today, especially as I have taken time off work, will have an hour and a half round trip and have a friend accompanying me who has also kindly taken time off and is travelling 60 miles to my home.

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Laura C said on 09 May 2009

Oh my god! This is very missleading indeed! I had a colposcopy and I bled for 5 days afterwards and was left in a lot of pain. I was also not given a consultaion afterwards. All I was told was 'you will got your results in 6 to 8 weeks'. Very informative. This information did not answer any of my questions and I found it wildly inacurate.

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