Colposcopy (and after)

[Anonymous]

I just got results that I had low grade lesions on my last pap. My doctor told me to schedule a colonoscopy in the next three months. I scheduled it in 1 month.

I've had one before, but for some reason don't remember it well. I'm a bit nervous and scared. She told me I can't have sex for 2-3 weeks after, but online resources say 1 week. Anyone with experience?

[Anonymous]

The post should say colposcopy. Apparently my kindle does not know this word.

[Anonymous]

I had a colposcopy about 10 years ago. It sounds a lot scarier than it is. It is similar to a regular pelvic exam, just longer - about 10 to 20 minutes in all. The doctor will insert a speculum, and look at your cervix using the colposcope, which is a special magnifying instrument with a bright light. He or she might swab the cervix to remove any mucus, and apply a solution to help highlight any suspicious-looking cells. You might feel a little bit of tingling or burning but it shouldn't be painful. If the doctor finds anything suspicious, he or she might do a biopsy which might cause you to feel some pressure or cramping, but again, not unbearable. That's about it. Afterward you might have some spotting or bleeding for a day or two, so you'll need to wear a pantyliner or pad. If you had a biopsy, you'll be restricted from tampons, douching, and sex for a week or so. If there was no biopsy, you shouldn't really have any restrictions.

Try to relax. If you're anxious during the procedure you'll be more uncomfortable. Hope all goes well and you get a clean bill of health!

[Anonymous]

thank you so much PP. That was very helpful and kind. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a colposcopy about 10 years ago. It sounds a lot scarier than it is. It is similar to a regular pelvic exam, just longer - about 10 to 20 minutes in all. The doctor will insert a speculum, and look at your cervix using the colposcope, which is a special magnifying instrument with a bright light. He or she might swab the cervix to remove any mucus, and apply a solution to help highlight any suspicious-looking cells. You might feel a little bit of tingling or burning but it shouldn't be painful. If the doctor finds anything suspicious, he or she might do a biopsy which might cause you to feel some pressure or cramping, but again, not unbearable. That's about it. Afterward you might have some spotting or bleeding for a day or two, so you'll need to wear a pantyliner or pad. If you had a biopsy, you'll be restricted from tampons, douching, and sex for a week or so. If there was no biopsy, you shouldn't really have any restrictions.

Try to relax. If you're anxious during the procedure you'll be more uncomfortable. Hope all goes well and you get a clean bill of health!

+1 That's about how mine went. Very low-key and minimally uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a colposcopy about 10 years ago. It sounds a lot scarier than it is. It is similar to a regular pelvic exam, just longer - about 10 to 20 minutes in all. The doctor will insert a speculum, and look at your cervix using the colposcope, which is a special magnifying instrument with a bright light. He or she might swab the cervix to remove any mucus, and apply a solution to help highlight any suspicious-looking cells. You might feel a little bit of tingling or burning but it shouldn't be painful. If the doctor finds anything suspicious, he or she might do a biopsy which might cause you to feel some pressure or cramping, but again, not unbearable. That's about it. Afterward you might have some spotting or bleeding for a day or two, so you'll need to wear a pantyliner or pad. If you had a biopsy, you'll be restricted from tampons, douching, and sex for a week or so. If there was no biopsy, you shouldn't really have any restrictions.

Try to relax. If you're anxious during the procedure you'll be more uncomfortable. Hope all goes well and you get a clean bill of health!

+1 Doctor did say 2-3 weeks for sex if you have the biopsy. Sometimes the doctor just looks and decides it's not necessary.

[Anonymous]

If I were you, I would make sure to have someone with me to drive me home. My first one was very similar to the experiences listed so far. My second (same doc) was extremely painful, maybe due to scar tissue from the first colposcopy or from the resulting LEEP. I hope you do not have the same experience, but just wanted to advise you to take someone with you just in case.

[Anonymous]

I fainted after mine. I was fine shortly after but I'd bring someone with.

[Anonymous]

I had one a few weeks ago.

I'm very sensitive and barely make it through Pap smears. My dr gave me anxiety medication and oxycodone that helped. Generally, it's not worse than a Pap smear from what they said, it just takes longer and you'll have to sit still so they can look at the cells, which I wouldn't have been able to. I shake like a leaf my Pap smears are so painful.

I was bleeding a little after the biopsy and had cramps and some discomfort afterwards. Otherwise I think it was fine, though I was high on oxycodone.

[Anonymous]

Oh lord. OP here. Thanks for all the posts and experiences .

I know I had one before, but can't remember it. I had a polyp removed , which was a horrible experience . Could this have been part of the colposcopy? It's a different doctor now and I honestly can't remember.

I live in a big city and usually take public transit. Don't have any friends with cars near me or the doc but can have someone meet me after the appt.

Thankfully I will not have to work the next day .

[Anonymous]

OP again. How should I decide how long to wait to have sex? By whether or by the biopsy is done? I know this is not the most important but my boyfriend and I are normally fairly sexually active .

What happens if I wait a week and half and it's too early?

[Anonymous]

OP, I've had two colposcopies. Each time, I went solo and drove myself home. The first time, I was able to go back to my office job. Second time was on a Friday and just went home.

My gyn advised to take two pain relievers prior to the procedure. That helped. I recall menstrual-like cramps, but nothing unbearable.

Ask your doctor tomorrow about any restrictions.

[Anonymous]

PP, did you just take aleve? Any recommendations on which pain reliever ?

My doc did not mention this and is a bit hard to get ahold of.


Thank you so much for everyone's kind words and assistance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. How should I decide how long to wait to have sex? By whether or by the biopsy is done? I know this is not the most important but my boyfriend and I are normally fairly sexually active .

What happens if I wait a week and half and it's too early?

Just follow your doctor's instructions. Why are you looking for permission from random strangers in the internet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I fainted after mine. I was fine shortly after but I'd bring someone with.

+1 Sex was the last thing on my mind for a few days.