Second Colopscopy

I regularly have abnormal pap smears, and have had two coloposcopy procedures in the past few years. It worried me too, that I would continue having the abnormal cells. But I spoke with my Doctor who says not to worry. When they send those tissues off to the lab, they test them, mine have come back as abnormal, but not cancerous. He monitors me carefully, I have paps more often than most women, and though they continue to be abnormal, they are no worse than before, just NOT normal. So I would not be overly concerned until you better understand what, exactly, the coloposcopy turns up this time.

I would consult with your new doctor though. You probably should be monitored more carefully than the average woman, given your history. And from my experience, the procedure should NOT be incredibly painful. Unpleasant yes, but not torturous.

I hope your experience is better this time, make sure you ask your doctor to explain
your results and situation fully. And if he doesn't take the time, or have the will, I definitely recommend finding a doctor who will.

Good luck.

Try not to worry. I have had a number of abnormal Pap's over the last 30 years (I am now 50) and several procedures done, including the colposcopy. I know it can be frightening, but most abnormal paps are a result of inflammation or vaginal infection, not cancer. It is a good thing to get everything checked out as you are doing, and it's a good thing you found a new doctor. I don't think any procedure should be unbearable. Uncomfortable, maybe. But not unbearable.
I have had normal Paps now for the past few years, but I will continue to get checked every year and stay on top of it.
You're going to be ok!

Please change doctors. You should never be afraid to care for your body.
You are alerting yourself and now just take the step to listen to yourself. You are the first and most important advocate. I'm 36 and the issues our body make us face are endless so here's your chance to treat yourself well.
Good luck
D.

I've had the same procedure done off & on for quite a few years now, I'm 33. I think the docs just want to keep an eye on things, make sure it does get worse. Early diagnosis is much better than later. I know the procedure is uncomfortable, maybe they can numb the area. Maybe get a second opinion if possible. Good luck! Hang in there! I get paps every six months also.

Just had a colopscopy and will go in next week for a follow up visit. There was a little discomfort, but not pain. I assume you have changed doctors? If not, do so immediately. A couple of good medical websites to refer to are WebMD.com and Mayoclinic.com. Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear about your abnormal paps and the repeated colposcopies. I first had an abnormal pap right after I had my son. A colposcopy was done, it was determined to be cancerous, and I had a biopsy done at the hospital. For the three years following this, I had consistently abnormal paps. These abnormal paps meant having colposcopies done at least 2 to 3 times a year. (So much fun!) They should leave you with some residual pain, but not so much that you find it unbearable. Having repeated abnormal tests is not abnormal. I've been to 3 ob/gyns, and they all told me that once you test abnormal, you have a tendency to stay that way. Eventually I chose to have a hysterectomy instead of having repeated biopsies and colposcopies. You may have other options. Either way, this is not something to be terrified of. You can live a long happy life with no lingering effects if you stay on top of this and make sure you are seeing a doctor you trust. Please don't be scared. I was 25 when I was diagnosed and 28 when I chose to be neutered. My best friend is also dealing with the same issues. There are many women out there who are dealing with this. Keep a sense of humor. Do your research. Be realistic about this. And don't scare yourself unnecessarily. There are many many worse medical problems that you could have. Keep your chin up! :)