Colposcopy

The links to my research sources will be at the bottom of the page.

What is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a test doctors do to inspect your cervix. It is done when smear tests find changes to your cells that are caused by certain types of HPV. These changes can turn into cervical cancer cells. A Colpo can also see genital warts or polyps. This can be uncomfortable, just like the smear was, but it is painless unless they need to take biopsies. The biopsies were painless for me but I think it was because I coughed so hard when he asked me to; the doctor tells you to cough when he’s taking the biopsy, so I think the bigger the cough, the less it will hurt. I have been reading loads of other stories that say it can be painful, so you should prepare yourself and make sure you cough as hard as you can when it’s time. 

Providing a taste of what my Colpo experience entailed;

I was fine during the colposcopy. The doctor used a speculum to open my vagina while using a microscope to observe my cervix (note: the microscope does not enter the vagina). With my prior knowledge from online research, I could see the HPV on the screen. Using a clamp, my doctor performed a biopsy and cut off 2 small pieces from my cervix. Although I didn't experience any pain, my anxiety was heightened by my fragile mental health and damaged nervous system.

The doctor said that the dark area displayed healthy cells, whereas I observed white, showing HPV. The doctor and nurses laughed, as if to assure me they were not worried. It was impressive how calm they were.

The doctor then informed me he needed to perform a few biopsies, which raised concern as it showed uncertainty on his part. However, it was comforting to know that he was being thorough and cautious by taking additional measures.

He did the biopsy using like a clamp to cut off 2 small pieces from my cervix. My nervous system is damaged and my mental health is so fragile so it caused me to panic and my anxiety was all over the place so my head started spinning, my blood pressure was dropping, I puked and was so weak and cold, my body full blown sweating, It wasn’t a nice experience for me; I have read many stories from other women who had no problems at all and didn’t feel a thing, so what happened to me was a very personal experience and was caused by vasovagal syncope, not the actual biopsy. It was more mentally. I had to endure an additional 3-4 weeks of anticipation for my biopsy results, consumed by thoughts of the worst-case scenario and motivated to research extensively to comprehend their implications.

Based on my online research, the results for me were CIN1, CIN2, or CIN3, with CIN3 being the most severe. Allow me to elucidate what they signify. 

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) refers to abnormal changes in cervical cells.

CIN 1; when 1/3 of the cervix has abnormal cells

CIN 2; when 2/3 of the cervix has abnormal cells

CIN 3; This is when the full layer of the cervix has abnormal results. Carcinoma in situ is another term for the earliest stage of cervical cancer, also known as Stage 0 cervical cancer or severe dysplasia. According to up-to-date.com without treatment up to 40% of patients will progress to cervical cancer

CIN3 was confirmed in the biopsy results received on September 6th, leading to the need for more tests and treatments. The letter specified a Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to be performed under general anesthesia, considering a past vasovagal syncopy during the colposcopy.

The medical term for my condition according to biopsies result is carcinoma in situ, which is also referred to as Stage 0 Cancer, Non invasive Cancer, or preinvasive Cancer.

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-intraepithelial-neoplasia-management/print