My GYN called me yesterday to tell me that I had an abnormal pap test and needed a colposcopy. I had an abnormal pap in 2004 that cleared itself. I don't know why this one is freaking me out so bad. She told me not to worry and that she did not believe that I had cervical cancer but it needed to be followed up. She said it was "low grade" which really doesn't mean that much to me. My colposcopy isn't until Jan 4. I have also had an issue with an increase of white/yellow vaginal discharge over the last year that started when I was on nuva ring but didn't go away when I stopped using the nuvaring 3 months later. I have been treated for yeast infections but the discharge never changed. GYN said it could be just my "normal" now. My last appt (2 weeks ago) I was completely negative for yeast, bacteria, etc. If you have comments on either of these issues please feel free to respond but just know I am very anxious and scared about this whole thing now. I am 29 years old with 2 children
I just love all of you wonderful ladies. You have really put my weary mind at ease. I feel like I am going to be fine and I credit that to you and the good Lord above. Thank you all again and I will update in Jan when I get more info.
i had an abnormal one 2 years ago. i also had a yeast infection at the time of it (the reason i went in) so when i got the news it was abnormal i researched and it said they often come back abnormal when there is yeast infection and since mine was low too I decided to J. wait the year. this year it came back normal.
If your last appointment was two weeks ago, they will still be able to run the HPV if they havent already (the sample from the pap is valid for 28 days, ). If it were me (I sell paps to physician offices and hospitals) I would also have the HPV genotyped if it is positive. This will tell them what strain it is, some are considered low risk and some are high risk. This is a good indicator for the future since the cytology came back abnormal.
I had a colposcopy 10 years ago due to an abnormal PAP and it turned out fine. I had to have a PAP every 6 months for about a year and a half afterwards, but have never had another abnormal PAP and have since had 2 kids with #3 due in June. Talk to your doctor about your fears and worries, but try not to work yourself up too much. Good luck!
A., did she already test you for HPV? I would want THAT testing done before the colposcopy if I were you. I'm pretty sure they are two different tests (though I've have never had to have it done).
Check that with her before going in for a colposcopy.
Dawn
Oh, I've had these abnormal pap smears, and two Colposcopies. That was in 2006-2008. It really freaked me out. Low grade means it is something abnormal, but not cancerous. For me, I had cervical cysts the first time/ had one colposcopy, and then the other, she did a colposcopy and took a bit to examine. Both came back fine.
A colposcopy isn't something to get nervous about. I was, but it turned out to not be so bad. You might feel some pinches, but that's about it. I have taken a couple Motrin beforehand, because afterward you might have some cramping. Discharge is normal.
I am on birth control, and before that, I had discharge as well. Same kind as yours. I wouldn't be too concerned with it. Especially if you had it tested and it was negative.
Try not to worry. I know it's hard.( I'm a worry wart by nature myself). You could always have someone go with you. Sometimes that helps.
Hi A.!
I had bad paps 10 years ago and they did a Colposcopy and found Pre-cancerous cells. They did cryosurgery and burnt them off and I have been fine ever since. Considering your tests came back low grade, it's probably that. I also agree with the other moms who recommend getting the HPV test. It wouldn't hurt to rule everything out.
Good luck!
Stephanie
Both of my sister's had HPV. So they had abnormal paps and had to go in for minor surgery to remove the infected sections. They can both still have children and are healthy many years later for one sister, and 2 years later for the other. Did they test you for that?
A colonoscopy is a good test to have anyways, so you'll know you're covered once you have that and they do whatever steps necessary to make sure you're good.
It's good you went and had the test done. Doctor's can be scary, but amazing. I will say prayers for you because I know this is stressful, but I'm sure you'll be fine :). Hugs!!
I had an abnormal pap and colposcopy about 10 years ago. I, too, was terrified. It all came back normal, and I had a pap every year for several years, and it was all normal. Now I'm back to every other year. Still normal. My doc had said they do the colposcopy just to make sure. I tried to find comfort in her thoroughness, but I think I just too anxious to feel anything else. Good luck with yours - is it possible to move the appointment up, so you don't have this hanging over your head through the holidays?
I think every woman has an abnormal pap once in their life. 99.###-###-####% of time it is absolutely nothing to worry about. I think if your doc was worried you would be having the procedure tomorrow. Try not to worry. See if you can get it done sooner just to get it out of the way before the holidays.
Take a deep breath.
