HPV Support Group

First the doctor will put in a speculum, just like having a pap. Then he'll put vinegar on your cervix. It'll burn a little bit, but it's normal. The vinegar will make the abnormal areas white and puffy(that's what my doctor told me, anyway). Then he'll use the colposcope, which is basically a miscroscope that looks kind of like binoculars to look at your cervix. If there are any abnormal areas he thinks should be looked at more closely, he'll take a biopsy of it. It may cramp a little when he takes it, but if you take tylenol or advil, something like that, about an hour before you go, it'll help. Then he'll put this brownish solution on your cervix to stop any bleeding. It's really not that bad. I know that your nerves will be really crazy that day, but that's normal, too. When you don't know what to expect, even if you've read all about it, it can be intimidating. But try not to worry too much. Good luck. I hope everything comes out ok. Keep us updated.

i'm pregnant, so as i understand it, i will not be having anything biopsied. but ugh this does not sound fun

I had my second one done last week, its not like a big party but it could be worse and totally necessary. Good luck!

Hi Laura. It's not the best thing in the world but it could be worse.

It's pretty much like a pap but it takes longer and is a bit more embarrassing. It doesn't hurt or anything (at least not for me).

woooooooooow why in the world would it be embarrassing?

lol just because they're were seeing parts of me that most of the men I've dated haven't even seen. :-)

ah ok no worries there...i'm pregnant...and getting mad used to that shit...and my doctors are women....i cannot see guys thats just so uncomfortable....

I go for a coloscopy on Monday (tomorrow). I'm more stressed about the results than the procedure.

I'm confused to - I haven't had sex for 2 years (in any way, shape or form). But was diagnosed last week after a Pap test - with HPV and 'changes' in my cervix - ASC-US. Of course, as soon as the dr. said 'HPV", I had a hard time hearing the rest.

So - does this mean its been there and 'growing' that long? In 2 years - could it have progressed to cancer? I feel like asking for a hysterectomy, just to avoid any chance of future problems. I'm done having children - and close to menopause anyway.

I am really thankful I found this site - I am trying to keep my stress level down - but it is getting harder.

ljo

Hi ljo, your doc is doing the right thing by sending you for a colpscopy. ASC-US does not mean you have HPV. ASC-US actually means: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. It means that abnormalities that have been found BUT do not fulfill the criteria that define SIL or dysplasia. Which means you may not even have dysplasia which is caused by HPV. Therefore you might not even have HPV. Unless you tested positive for HPV.
So don't panic. And today cervical cancer rarely happens even with high grade /low grade. With proper care, follow up and having a good team of docs you won't have to worry about cancer developing. Don't smoke, practice safe sex and eat well, exercise. Keep on top of your appts, especially all colpscopy's.
Unless your PAP came back with CIN number attached to it...like CIN1, CIN2 or 3 then you would be confirmed to having dysplasia caused by HPV. Your doc is doing the right thing sending you for a colpscopy because he saw an abnormal result and just wants to make sure and further eveluate.

About the 2yrs question? Yes, it can lye dormant for years , many years before showing any symptoms or abnormalities on the cervix. PAPs are only good if you ask for the HPV test on them.

I have low grade cervical dysplasia CIN1. I tested positive to HPV and my doc told me it will reverse eventually and not turn into cancer. HYS is the last thing docs today recommend to do...on women.

Good luck, keep us posted. missy

Missy13, Thanks for your reply. I did have a positive test for HPV that was done with my pap.

The coloscopy went ok - not as painful as I imagined, but made me feel light headed and warm. I have low blood pressure - which the dr said was the reason for that.

He saidhe didn't see any areas of particular concern, but did see a few blood vessels that were unusual, but could have been related to a cyst that I have. He took quite a few tissue samples, and scraped the opening to my cervix. I was concerned about that - but he assured me he tends to be on the cautious side - which works for me!

Thanks again for your message. I don't smoke - and started a new exercise routine/diet a few weeks before this all started. Hopefully it will help. I just started a relationship (non-sexual) and the guy is great. At this point - the thought of sex does not interest me in the least. Hopefully that will change at some point.

Thanks again - it is great to get this off my chest. Amazing that 'everyone' has it and no one talks about it.