Beautiful Cervix Project -Colposcopy and LLETZ/LEEP »

Colposcopy and LLETZ/LEEP

This photo series is taken during this 33 year old woman’s colposcopy and LLETZ procedure (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone), also called a LEEP procedure (Loop electro-surgical excision procedure). She has had no vaginal births and you can see her os is round.

Her pap smear came back with abnormal results due to HPV. During the next appointment, the gynocologist applied acetic acid/iodine to her cervix to better highlight abnormal cells (colposcopy), but said the abnormal area appeared mild. However, the tissue sample collected came back as severely abnormal, so she went to the clinic again for the LLETZ procedure (photographed below).

This woman describes the procedure as “a walk in the park.” It was performed with local anesthetic in an outpatient clinic.

This cervical photo is the point of view of the colposcope (projected onto a TV screen) during the beginning of the procedure.

She did not feel the injection of anesthetic at all, but the adrenalin in the mixture made her legs shake and made her feel a little panicky (though this was chemically induced, not her true feeling about the procedure).

This is the photo of the acetic acid and iodine solution applied to the cervix to temporarily stain the cervix and help visualize any abnormal cells in the transformation zone (where many precancerous and cancerous lesions often arise). The whiter area indicates the abnormal cells.

She experienced slight discomfort when the loop excised the tissue. It felt like a short sharp poke but the sensation was gone immediately and she didn’t feel the extra cauterisation. She said the hot wire loop caused a burning smell.

The wire did not stop the bleeding completely, so the colposcopist used another instrument to cauterize the incision (pictured above). If you look closely, you can actually see a small blue flame above the tool on the cervix.

This is the abnormal tissue in a specimen jar. The biopsy showed Cin2 (pre-cancerous) with no clear margins (however as the edge of the tissue was burnt, they couldn’t see the true margins).

Later that night (three or more hours later), she had some slight cramping but no pain after that. She experienced no bleeding until 5 days or so after when the dark cauterized bits of flesh fell off. She bled lightly for a couple of weeks and was given antibiotics for an infection. She was required to refrain from sex, tampons, swimming, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise etc. for a 2 or 4 weeks after the procedure.

She had a follow up pap smear 6 months after the procedure (they give it time to heal completely) which, thankfully, came back normal. During that smear she didn’t get to see her cervix on the monitor, but the nurse said it looked like a smooth mini donut. The hole/os is now larger than it was.

124 Comments »

this is awsome!!! How was recovery?

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Comment by Erin — January 24, 2010 @ 5:04 pm
I just had the procedure done. It was painful. It has only been 5 days, I am starting to bleed some but think I may be starting my period. I hope to have a normal pap next time I go in. I have had abnormal cells for over 2 years now that’s why they decided to do the procedure.

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Comment by Donna — February 1, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
I had a LEEP and my dr. put me under full anesthesia – all the way out. I’d had abnormal cells for a while and didn’t know it because i had no healthcare and didn’t get paps for 5 years. Also didn’t know I had HPV or what that was. No one talked about HPV before the vaccine they’re marketing now. I was completely freaked out and unhappy and I think that’s why she recommended full anesthesia. This was not a cheerful experience. I bled black chunks for 3 weeks. I hope this is never necessary for me again. Now I have to make my new OBGYN (I moved) give me a pap every 6 months. He thinks I’m silly. I think he’s never bled black chunks for 3 weeks and cried.

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Zoe Reply:
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
I hope that things are going better for you, now.

I’m on my second abnormal pap, and just had my 2nd visit to a hospital today.

I guess I have some sort of dyplasia.

They were testing to see if I had full-blown cancer.
my pap revealed cells suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma.

I did a 3 week cleanse (no sugar, wheat, alcohol), and took estrosense (said to help w/ regulating hormones, got it from the health food store).

i’m also boosting my immune system w/ an astralagus tincture.

I will do everything I can, but I’m not liking any waiting aspects to my situation. Had to wait a month to get the appt, and now another 2 wks for results.

I’m not looking forward to bleeding black chunks, although I was told to expect this.

I hope things turned out well for you, Abbie. I’m sympathizing.

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Comment by Abbie — February 2, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
Ha! Another knock out against cervical cancer! Excellent.

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Comment by Lorrie — February 10, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
I am glad there is a website like this to show people what they do and you can actually see everything. I had to get this done 4 years ago and now i once again had an abnormal pap, i get to enjoy this painful procedure again. I am really not looking forward to it, the last time i had 3 biopsies. The dr did tell me i had HPV and they did freeze off the abnormal tissue on my cervix so i was hoping it was gone. Surprise 4 whole years later i have to go through it again. I am sorry for anyone who has to get this done but it is worth it for the drs to find out what is wrong. So good luck to ya ladies!

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Comment by Amanda — February 17, 2010 @ 11:21 pm
I am so glad to have stumbled across this site – I am going to share this with others for sure.

I had a LEEP done TODAY! I was initially petrified but once I read up on it I became much more relaxed. Parts of the procedure were painful but it was due to my body composition and not the actual procedure.

I saw the sample after it was removed, I have to say it was larger than I expected but that’s ok…I am hopeful everything necessary to be removed was in fact removed. Now the waiting game for the results.

Your photos here are very informative and I appreciate you sharing them with others.

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Comment by Malinda — March 4, 2010 @ 1:13 am
Thanks for posting this. I have HPV. My first biopsy came back mild. My second came back mild/moderate according to the nurse. It’s been a month, and I still can’t get the doctor on the phone to tell me anything more, so I don’t know if they want to do a LEEP or not. But both biopsies were pretty uneventful at least. They just felt like 10-15 minute paps with some period cramping. Not looking forward to a LEEP, but I’m glad we at least have the technology to battle this kind of stuff. I made an HPV/colposcopy article on my website with general information as well as my experiences thus far if anyone wants to check it out, add to it, or make suggestions. http://www.peachdough.com/joomla/index.php/topforum/11-sex-ed-pregnancy-and-parenting/25-reproductive-health-pap-smears-and-hpv.html#105

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Comment by Amy — March 4, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
Ive had 2 of these procedures, and ive just received a letter today stating that im having my third next week. Going through this before doesnt make it any easier, but im so glad its being caught before anything more serious happens!

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Comment by Jo — March 17, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
I was yesterday told that i needed to have a leep done. I am absolutely petrified to say the least. I’ve read lots of helpfl info on the web, thank god for the net, but i’m still scared.
My gynaecologist is lovely. When I had to have a colposcopy done I was so nervous but he was really gentle with me and understanding so I at least feel at ease with the guy who will be doing it.
I just want to say that for people reading this in the UK.. I had a smear test done on the nhs and it said all clear, see you in 6 months. However a family friend is a doctor in private healthcare and suggested I get one done privately, which was £50, a smal price to pay for health I feel.
I went privately, got it done and got the results back within a few days. It said I had HPV and mild dyscariosis. And that I needed a Colposcopy! Totally different from Nhs result who said come back for another smear test in 6 months time !
I;m so thankful I got a smear test done privately. WHo knows what woulda happened otherwise !
I’m not saying it would happen usually but for me going privately may have saved my life and prevented me getting something more serious..

x

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Andrea Reply:
March 1st, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Private smears are often looked at by exactly the same people/labs and equipment as the NHS ones, just a little quicker and they get paid more for doing it! Occasionally, they are looked at by people not as closely regulated as NHS staff! As u had a 6 month recall, the NHS were keeping a close eye on you for a reason, the correct thing to do. Abnormal cells can get better or worse in time on their own.

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Jo Reply:
May 4th, 2011 at 7:22 am
Its true that the same lab technicians assess within the public an private sector. I work in the O&G Sector in NZ where it may be slightly different, but here the same doctors work pub/ private as well. Difference is private dcs tend to intervene more. This may be for monetary gain. Or to make private patients feel they are getting a more comprehensive service. Sometimes it is not in line with best practice guidelines, and can cause harm.

Despite working within the sector and knowing the Drs performing this procedure on me, it is a frightening prospect, being a patient in the health system.

Peace out and good luck ladies.

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Chris Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:12 am
In the UK we would usually have a smear test every 3-5 years, as you were told to come back in 6 months you did not have a normal result. However when I had to go back 6 months later after they found pre-cancerous cells, I got an all clear. They told me that many things can result in an abnormal result and my peace of mind would have been a lot greater if they had just told me I needed to come back in 6 months. I am not knocking your paying to go private – but please understand that you would not have been told to go back 6 months later if your result had been normal.

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Comment by caro — April 1, 2010 @ 5:16 am
Yesterday i had a colposcopy and might i say i got the run around about the who procedure (no insurance). The doctor who gave me my pap test told me that my results came back abnormal, this had never happend to me before, so naturally i came home and did some research on the internet about all of the possibilities. Little did i know it could be HPV that causes abnormalities or a list of other things. When i arrived at my appointment i asked the assistant “what caused my reading to come back abnormal was it HPV ?”she answered with such confidence “Oh yeah thats probably what it is, thats very common.” At this point im upset because im a 24 year old African-American women with an exceptionally short list (2) of sexual partners and found that her explanation was non-sufficient and further more felt that she(an office assistant) had no place to assume that particular diagnosis and should have had the doctor further explain herself. Well, long story short, she checked the files again and told me it was NOT HPV. So after having the living day lights scared out of me i was escorted to the room where the colposcopy and cervical biopsy was taking place, (still have not found out what abnormality made cause for these test). I had never seen the doctor who was performing this procedure she didnt even explain what was about to happen, i had a good idea of what would happen from my own personal research on the matter. She was not gentle at all and asked me to relax as much as i could. This was difficult! They also had a student watching and taking notes for a grant total of 3 people in my crotch, not a good experience. After the procedure was over the doctor was about to leave when i asked her what caused the pap to come back abnormal and thats when she told me “they found some cancerous cells and needed to further investigate” (hence the colposcopy and biopsy). I was in complete shock, i shut down. Later on last night i decided to do even more research and saw that it could have been ASC-H, LSIS, HSIL…and the list goes on. Now im still in the dark about whats going on. I called and asked to speak with the doctor but of course she was busy and said she would call me back. About an hour later i get a call from the clinic. I start to talk about how i was feeling about what was going on and asking question in which none of them she could answer. Which led me to feeling like i knew more about the situation than she did. I quickly realize that its not the doctor im speaking with but the same misinformed ASSisstant who told me i had HPV when i didnt! Now im still waiting for the call from the doctor….pure hell! Why do some doctors treat their patients like ignorant cadavers to play with, do they not think we are intelligent enough to know or comprehend whats really going on, or do they just not give a damn?! If u have insurance please be thankful u dont have to g through this!

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Ashley Reply:
October 27th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I have insurance… they aren’t much more informative or nice on my side either.

I nearly jumped off the table at my colposcipy… and screamed in the room, bled a big puddle of blood on the floor, and nearly got eyes rolled at me.

It was to date THE most horrifying experinence to date.

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Nancy Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Ashley – I’m so sorry your experience was so horrifying!! I’ve had a couple of colposcopies done within the past year. The first one (April 2010) was easy with no real pain or bleeding to speak of. The second one (November 2010) was much worse. The greatest amount of pain came from the doctor’s use of the speculum. I am in menopause, and have been having a lot of pain during intercourse (to the point that we’ve stopped trying until we can get this cleared up!). The doctor apparently didn’t use any lubrication on the instrument before inserting it. I now need to go to the hospital to have the examination completed under anesthesia!

Two different doctors – two entirely different experiences. You might consider changing doctors to avoid having a similar experience again.

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Nancy Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Jessica — good for you to keep at them to explain what is going on!! So many times doctors and assistants seem to forget that we’re human beings and they can’t be bothered to explain themselves. Be polite and forceful and you WILL get your answers!

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Ms Reply:
November 1st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
I too have great insurance and went through the same run around as you. After my first ab pap I got a call from an assistant saying I have cancer and need to find a specialist. After loosing my mind for a few hours I found an HSIL specialist and she walked me through what was really going on. I have now moved and just had another ab pap reported yesterday. I am going straight to a specialist as I do not think general practice doctors know what they are doing in this area.

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Comment by jessica — April 7, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Regarding the post from April 7, 2010 by Jessica – That experience was identical to mine in a nut shell. I had my pap test results come back abnormal & had my colposcopy scheduled for this past Monday, April 5th 2010. The office I go to was good about sending me information about the procedure – but I was never given an answer as to why my results came back as abnormal. Very little information was given from them, really. The day of my procedure, I also had two assitants observing – i’m 19 years old, i’m young. So I was extremely freaked out & freaked myself so much – that when my doctor was done, I was extremely dizzy & did not want to stand up. They provided me with juice & made sure I was okay before leaving. Please note I had freaked myself out & hadn’t eaten before my apt, so feeling dizzy had nothing to do with the actual procedure. – the procedure wasn’t *too painful, as she “froze” the cells before collecting them. My results were sent to me (already) in a hand-written envelope telling me that my results were negative for dysplasia. So that’s a relieve -as but that’s all that was noted. I’ll be calling to attempt to get more information on monday, but is it common to get the results back so soon? Also – she told me no intercourse for 2 weeks & told me to expect to see a substance that resembles “coffe grounds” in my panties within the next few days. This was due to whatever was used to stop the bleeding on my cervix. My question to whoever may know, is…

How come today, 6 days after my procedure… while showering, I had something *fall out.. it looked exactly like a little coffe ground filter with orange/brownish substance inside? It had a little weight to it, I might add. & every day since monday – i’ve had some orange stains but was not too conerned.

Hope anyone can help me – as I said, I haven’t had a chance to speak with my doctor since this happened on a sunday =/

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Rachael Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 11:43 am
The “coffee filter” you described sounds like the yellow-green paste they use to control the bleeding after the procedure. I had this same thing happen to me after my coloscopy.

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Comment by Laura — April 11, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
I am having LLetz surgery done tomorrow, im so scared! But i think my main worry is that i want to have a baby in a few years and im hoping this dont effect my chances of carrying! Wondering if any of you carried a baby after this surgery? Thanks for your time and this site is very help full. I read it and look at the pictures and makes me a little more ensured ill be okay!

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Comment by Dianne — April 11, 2010 @ 1:52 pm
Dianne, I had a LEEP done about 7 years ago and I have a healthy 14 month old baby boy. I had no problem getting pregnant, my big fear was carrying the baby to term. The one thing that my doctor did during the pregnancy was a transvaginal ultrasound each month to measure the cervix. It was a relief to have those done and to get to see the baby. Just ask the doctor what the protocal is for a woman that has had the procedure and it pregnant. Goodluck with everything!!

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Comment by Natasha — April 13, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
Thanks thats good to hear! I had it done everything is going okay every now and than i have small blood clots and start to bleed heavy for a few minutes than it goes back to normal or just spotting but the dr said that is all normal for 4-6 weeks! My Dr said that the only thing he would be concerned about is me having premature birth but like you said they will monitor that … Also i had a question i had it done 6 days ago and now i have a bit of brownish blood discharge and smells foul is that normal? Thanks for your time

Dianne!

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Comment by Dianne — April 17, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
Hello. I’m the lady is the photos!
Laura, I think your “coffee grounds” will be the cautorised flesh breaking away during healing. I thought mine were kind of like oreo cookies crumbled! Once they fell out I started to bleed. After a few days the bleeding seemed to get heavier and that is when I had an infection. A course of antibiotics sorted it out no problem though.
Dianne, I would say bleeding is normal but mine didn’t smell at all. Maybe check with your doctor as you might have an infection?

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Comment by Kathy — April 19, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Hello and thanks for these wonderful photos. I am 29.. had colposcopy done 3 days ago and while the SMEAR result was Mild, nurse colposcopic detected an area of abnormality presumably more than mild and closer to moderate. Then he took biopsy from my cervix and I will be call back for the LEEP once the results of biopsy are out. I was just wondering if I should tell about this whole thing to my future partner especially if everything goes well after the LEEP? I mean I am single at the moment but what about in future…any comments ladies?
thanks a lot

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Comment by Mena — May 3, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
I am 27 years old with HPV. I had my first colposcopy and LEEP last year. Prior to that I wasn’t fully aware of HPV or what even caused abnormal paps. I am extremely knowledgeable of my body and sexuality yet I don’t recall being taught about HPV. I had several experiences like most of you women. I had to find answers myself on the internet or ask friends who have gone through this before. After going through this extremely emotional experience I am a huge advocate for getting the information out there. We need to talk about this, every woman should know this information. Our doctors and nurses need to understand what we are going through and not just blow us off. To those of you who are medical practioners and do understand, thank you. I thank you for doing this and just hope that each and every one of you can help someone else with information that can hopefully lead to prevention so less women have to go through what we have, and of course stopping cervical cancer. Again, thank you.

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Comment by Emily — May 12, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
I totally agree … the doctors and nurses don’t tell enough and don’t explain what it exactly is! My GP told me that I had the Ward virus (another way of referring to HPV) and the doctor who did my colposcopy said most probable I no longer had the HPV! Then after the biopsy results came out, when I called the nurse, she went on giving me a more comprehensive explanation! And in between each of these, I went through too much stress, hours and hours searching the web to an extent which I even logged to Virology journals by my student account and read medical papers to understand better!(Which of course is even more misleading for a non-medical person) All these could be explained to me in less that 5 minutes by those who were handling my case! Still I am not told directly if I have the HPV! however as I have been receiving a few abnormal SMEARs, I understand at some point they must have tested my sample for HPV and they have the answer already! Thanks to you ladies for sharing your experiences.

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Comment by Mena — May 19, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Well, as I understand it, we’ll always carry the HPV virus (its like the coldsore virus), it could be dormant but it can become active at any time. Its when its active that it damages the cells and is contagious.

As for future partners; use condoms. I don’t know if it would kill a fella but it could result in their future partners getting cervical cancer and dying. At least there is a vaccine against some of the HPV strains now.

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Comment by Kathy — May 29, 2010 @ 7:33 am
I have had many colposcopies, biopsies & also laser ablation performed with a local anaesthetic (in preference to the LEEP)…the recovery time is minimal – discomfort was nothing when compared to a bad period. I’m part of an international research trial for the vaccines effectiveness in the 26-45 age group & this information interests me a whole lot. Well done wiht the photos!

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Thulisile Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Hi

Im 31 can you please tell me if yuo found something about HPV,I still want a baby but since i dont know the effect, I m scarede.

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Comment by Jen — June 17, 2010 @ 3:08 am
I just got the call yesterday that I have to go in to have the LEEP procedure done.I’m 35 yrs old and just last month found out I have HPV, had my 1st abnormal pap, and now moderate dysplasia…good lord! Some things are out of our control but I can say I have quit smoking! My only worries are that my husband and I are currently going to fertility to get pregnant. Maybe this is my body’s way of telling me “hey get me fixed before you get pregnant”!

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Comment by Jenn — June 17, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Wow amazing to see! I had LLETZ surgery about 8-10 years ago. I was terrified, although now I can hardly remember. They wanted to knock me out with a general, but I refused, although they gave me something pretty strong that had me telling the nurse next to me that she was an angel and I loved her! I got an infection after, nothing a little antibiotics couldn’t help. I was very, very distressed by the grey ash discharge! I have only just managed to get a clear reading after all this time, my pap smears kept coming up as ‘possible abnormalities’. I went to an oncologist, who suggested we do a HPV DNA test. I have had this HPV DNA done a number of times and it is negative everytime. From this they concluded I was fine, although the last pap smear was 100% normal! I framed the letter that said I was all clear and should be tested in 2 years! My cervix is apparently spotted with scars from biopsy and the LLETZ. I have a 5 year old, and apart from a little spotting at about 10weeks (no one seemed to think this was related to the LLETZ) had no issues. My understanding is the ‘cone’ drilling can weaken the cervix and may require a stitch to be sewn into the cervix during pregnancy.

Goodluck to any woman who is having it done.

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Comment by pinky — June 19, 2010 @ 11:42 am
i have to go for my LLETZ procedure on the 7th of july , i have been for several smear tests and a couple colposcopys with biopsies and my result came back as cin 3 and my smear was severely dyskaryotic, which i have been informed of (as i didnt entirely understand what this meant) by a friend who is a medical student that this means the cells are in the early stages of malignancy .
I just have a couple of questions really and they are 1) how do they numb the area?is it a needle straight into the cervix or like a epidural sort of anastetic?
2)how long do you usually bleed for? (i dont have periods as i am on the mini pill and that completly stops them so i am a little bit squeamish when it comes to things like that)
3)when is it advised that you can go back to work? as i am a nursery nurse and work with babies so it is inevitable to not be lifting

It would be a great help for any answers to these questions

thank you
xxnicolxx

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Comment by nicol — June 30, 2010 @ 2:52 pm
I had a LEEP yesterday and I have to tell you, I would rather go through the LEEP then the biopsi that I had last week. She took a LOT of my cervix out because the biopsi from last week showed Cin III (which is just this side of cancer). My Dr was fantastic and said I could watch it on the sreen if I wanted to (I did not). I could have worked afterwards, if my legs werent’ so shaky. I am at work today. Granted I have a desk job, but I have very little pain at all. Nothing a couple of advil have not helped.

I had an abnormal pap, was told to have the colposcope and they biopsied at that time. That was semi painful. It didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would, and I am a wimp when it comes to pain. The worst part of the LEEP was the shots and although it was uncomfortable, it was not painful enough that I couldn’t ask questions and talk to the dr. Really my biggest problem was my own nervousness, not the proceedure itself. I am really happy with the way it went

The only suggestion that I would give to the ladies that are having problems with their doctors not giving information would be when you have the dr in the office, BEFORE they do anything to you, ask them questions. It helps, and Bring a friend/partner. they will help you remember what to ask, and will help you remember what the answer is.

My diagnosis was pretty bad, and I am sure that after they have tested what they took out of me yesterday, I will be told that it was full blown cancer. So I am happy that they cut it out. as soon as I have my follow up I will update here.

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Comment by happy in cali — July 2, 2010 @ 1:21 pm
i have had my lletz procedure done this afternoon i dont really know why i was worrying so much,i was the last one on the list i was taken down at 11.30 given my general aneasthetic at 11.45 and i woke up at 12.20 and was on my way home before 1.00!i have got some aching the smallest amount of blood literaaly couple of spots so far,iv been advised not2go back2work till mon as lifting may cause the wound2open just wanted 2 say thank u 4 a wonderful site really answered a lot of questions and in a way made me relax a little xx

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Comment by nicol — July 7, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
Well I am 1 week after my LEEP and I am still feeling great. I am bumbed because I haven’t been able to work out (i was on a weight loss program. But I have had no pain. I am sexually frustrated and wish I knew if I could give myself an orgasim without pentration) but it didn’t even occur to me to ask my Dr at that time. Other then that things are great

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ASh Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 12:55 am
You can use a shower head, it doesn’t penetrate. Though, best thing to do is let yourself heal, you don’t want to cause more work for your vagina than it already has to deal with.

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Comment by happy on cali — July 9, 2010 @ 12:01 am
went to the docs yesterday as still gettin pain he says its possibly the start of an infection boohoo hopefully it wont be!but off work for a week cause of the lifting and stuff involved!

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Comment by nicol — July 13, 2010 @ 10:30 am
Thanks so much…I feel so much better. I go for my LEEP procedure on August 18. After coming across this sight I’m no longer worried. I can only imagine that it may feel like the biopsy although at the time of my biopsy I was having a miscarriage and didn’t know it so I was already experiencing cramping just made it a little more intense. I’m just hoping that after the procedure that I will no longer experiece abnormal bleeding.

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Comment by Brittany — July 21, 2010 @ 10:49 am
So I went back for my follow up today. The whole thing has gone very well. I have to go back for paps every 3 months from now on. But other then that things are good. She told me that the pathology came back as extreemly high concentration of Cin III cells and that she was glad we took out what we did. I will keep you informed if things change but it all looks good for now

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Comment by Happy in cali — July 21, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Hi

Could you please tell me if one can fall pregnant after a cone biopsy?

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Comment by Magda — August 19, 2010 @ 2:38 am
Thank you for this beautiful website.
I had the LEEP op a week ago. I was having random bleeding during intercourse for 3 years, I’ve 3 pap smears in the past 3 years and can’t recall the amount if swabs; they all came back clear docs kept telling me nothing was wrong. My partner made me see a gyno. I thought I would be wasting their time, but the biopsy result came back CIN3. I’m just glad I’ve had the LEEP done and hopefully found an answer to the bleeding, I’m anxious to see what happens after my recovery.

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Comment by Sophie — August 23, 2010 @ 6:47 am
Hi, i had a lletz and a cone biobsy done when i was 22 i had no pain after the procedure neither any bleeding…. two months later i was pregnant could’nt carry the baby past 7 months… somehow between the premature baby and life i just never went back for check ups and now i’m 7 weeks pregnant and don’t know what to expect and scared.

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Comment by JADE — September 2, 2010 @ 5:14 am
I’ve had colposcopies and biopsies many times over the past 15 yrs- the first time was on a military base and they gave me very little information. The second time was about a year later and still very little info- esp. about the healing period. When “it fell out” I thought I was having a miscarriage- luckily my sister in law set me straight! Several years later I had cyrosurgery, which from reading other posts doesnt seem to be the norm. It was beyond uncomfortable and healing time was 6 weeks. Intercourse was painful for a few months. Im glad there are sites like this now- it can be a very scary time for women when they are told their pap results are abnormal!

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Comment by lindsey — September 6, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Hi There

I’m in the UK not sure where ppl on the site is from, so I had my LEETZ done on 19 August on the NHS. It was done under general anesthesia. I felt great after the operation, I had a bit of blood the next week, but it was also my period which was less severe than usual. I walked around quite a bit after a week and then was ill. I was bed-bound for almost 2 weeks in total then started to take it slowly again. I had 3 weeks worth of anti-biotics. Then today at work I started feeling as if I had a period and as if I was bleeding heavily. Went to the toilet and yes this was the case. There was a big black blood clot and another larger piece of flesh. Eeeew. Then the bleeding diminished again. I am praying that this was the end of it. I was all optimistic before today telling my partner we would have sex next week if all goes well. I hope that can still be the case, I’m not feeling so confident. Not sure if I should ring the hospital where I had the treatment just to check this is all normal?

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Comment by Ironica — September 13, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
Hi
I am a 43 yr old female. I have had history of abnormal smears, at risk HPV, diathermy, lletz and recently cone biopsy from around age 22. I have had 2 kids (now teens) and 2 terminations.
I have just been advised that I need a hysterectomy and am in total shock.

My cervix has become so thin due to cutting that specialists are concerned with any further treatments they will go through to the stomach or vagina. The last treatment (cone biopsy) given was purely to try and get samples for a colposcopy due to cervical stenosis and inability to perform satisfactory smear tests and/or colposcopy. The treatment failed and the stenosis has returned worse than previously. However, on a good note – there were abnormal cells CIN2 found, which had not showed on smears (the smears are only as accurate as the area in which they are taken and in my case, affected areas are unreachable and/or i bleed too much).

My questions are: how common is this? anyone else have/had it? is my body just strange in the manner it heals/doesnt heal (apparently its still not completely healed 6 months after the surgery) and I have no infection? Could my problems be due to incompetent surgeons, pregnancies or purely unlucky? I cant seem to find much information online and unfortunately, came away from the appointment a little shell shocked.

Whilst I am super grateful that I am alive due to early intervention, I had no idea that this could be an unfortunate side effect. If I had known, I think I would have adopted a ‘wait and see if the body reverts’ approach. I really wish back then, I had had more information. So, women please try and find out as much as you can before consenting to surgery. In my case, I may have developed cancer or not but the treatment will be the same.

Luckily (although I am going through the 40+ hormonal wanting more children rush!) I have had my children and yes, they were relatively normal (a little early) pregnancies. I had CIN1 during my 2nd pregnancy but it reverted back to normal once my hormones had settled.

Thanks for listening to my rant – if anyone has any other information/websites please share!

BTW awesome site – I will be showing to my daughter. Education is good!

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Comment by sarah — September 13, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
I had a leep about a year ago. All of my paps have come back fine since, thank God. I had the HPV vaccine well before I ever became sexually active and had my partner tested before we stopped using condoms. The procedure went fine. I could feel the needle injecting the anesthesia which was a bit uncomfortable but nothing major.

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Comment by Koolaid.ohhhyeah — September 28, 2010 @ 8:55 am
Hi

I am 23years old and have been told that I have very mild cell changes in my cervix. I have to get a LEEP done and I am just worried that I am too young for this. The minimum age to even get a smear in Ireland is 25 and here I am getting such a procedure done at only 23.
Will this procedure affect me in the long run does anybody know?

Thanks xxxxx

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Comment by Sarah — October 8, 2010 @ 5:04 pm
I have had my share of surgeries….biopsies…colpos..cone, leep, and laser surgery. 3 in a years time. Started with cin3 and slowly degressed to a cin1 & 2. I had not had children or they would have recommended a hystorectomy. Talk about being scared, emotional & confused. I had great doctors, my ob sent me to an oncolgist. They work with this all the time…ask questions, be aggressive in getting information, ask for a specialist. Since I had not had a family he treated me not as aggressive (not taking huge chunks out of my cervix) which should help to conceive later. Since then I was lucky to conceive a year after my surgeries I had to have

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Comment by lucky — October 13, 2010 @ 12:07 am
My cervix sewn shut to carry full term, small price to pay for my blessing of being able to have my baby. its been 9 months and have had 2 normal paps since my delivery and hoping for my next one to be also… always get your screenings, ask question, don’t settle let’s fight and take a stand against cervical cancer….thx for this site. knowledge is power.

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LR Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
How soon did you have to have the stitch put in?

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Comment by lucky — October 13, 2010 @ 12:17 am
Has anyone had multiple abnormal paps but a negative biopsy?

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tina Reply:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:32 am
i have abnormal smears since 1999 its now 2011 and had first leep last week still feel rough no reeults back yet they said two weeks is it normal to have terrible cramps

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Comment by Sher — October 14, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
LLETZ removes less tissue than a cone biopsy – just the ‘transformation zone’ at the margin between uterine type cells (made for nourishing babies) and vaginal cells (tough, like skin, made for handling lots of friction!). It is this ‘transition’ between two different types of cells that makes them prone to ‘switch’ to fast growing malignant cells, either with or without the influence of hpv which makes it more likely to occur (like a wart on the skin, hpv makes skin cells multiply abnormally). Abnormal changes begin on the surface and can grow deeper – if this is the case then a ‘cone biopsy’ is needed to remove the deeper cells, hopefully getting rid of them before it spreads to lymph nodes (=BAD).
LLETZ is not thought to affect your ability to carry a child to term. Cone biopsy, because it removes more and the cervix has such a complex job to play in keeping a baby where it should be for nine months, can make the cervix more unstable and your obstetrician may recommended a simple stitch in early pregnancy to keep it closed, this remains in throughout pregnancy and is removed at term.

Sarah, LLETZ in your early twenties is tricky – although in young women that ‘transition area’ can show signs which resemble abnormalities but then spontaneously revert to normal, if you live in an area which performs early smears this is because they have a high rate of young cases of full blown cancer – remember Jade Goody died at 23. So on balance, if you have been recommended LLETZ, it isn’t going to have long term consequences and could save your life, though I’m sure if you ask for a repeat colposcopy in say six months they would do that, and reconsider your options then, as the cells may have reverted to normal.

Provincial Doctor

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Comment by Provincial Lady — October 15, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
im due for lletz for cin2 under general really petrifed can any1 explain owu feel wen u wake up is any pain

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Comment by jo — October 27, 2010 @ 8:10 am
Have any of you wondered why so many women have these treatments and biopsies for a rare cancer? 1% of women would get cancer with no pap testing, yet the test is so unreliable that 95% of you will at some stage be referred for colposcopy (and usually some sort of biopsy) – that is huge over-detection and over-treatment. Almost all referrals are false positives. Women under 25 don’t benefit from smears, but 1 in 3 pap smears in this age group will be “abnormal” while cancer is very rare – they’re false positives and these poor young women face biopsies and harmful treatments. 1 in 14 paps are “abnormal” in older women – almost all false positives.
You can get an abnormal pap for infection, inflammation (tampons, condoms, athletic sex), hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause), trauma (childbirth) and for perfectly normal changes that occur in young women with the cervix still maturing and through transient HPV infections. Our immune system takes care of these problems.
The awful damage caused by this test is shocking – some women are left with health issues – infertility, miscarriages, high risk pregnancy, premature babies and psych issues.
I’d urge all women to protect their cervix and do some research before agreeing to this testing. A high risk woman has a remote chance of benefiting from smears, but 5 yearly testing from 30 reduces the risk of false positives and these sorts of nasty procedures. Low risk woman have a near zero risk of this cancer – I fall into that category and have always declined screening.
These treatments leave no pathology either concealing over-treatment – always get your pathology after a biopsy. Many women assume these treatments are about cancer, but they’re rarely about cancer, usually about an unreliable test. An abnormal pap test is a real problem in LESS than 1% of cases.
See: Richard DeMay, “Should we abandon pap smear testing” available online & research by Angela Raffle, 1000 women need regular smears for 35 years to save one woman from cervix cancer – that’s rare! (BMJ, 2003)
Dr Joel Sherman’s patient privacy blog under women’s privacy issues has all the references in the sidebar.

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Comment by Elizabeth (Aust) — November 9, 2010 @ 1:40 am
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC153831/
Angela Raffle’s research – UK cervical screening expert

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Comment by Elizabeth (Aust) — November 9, 2010 @ 1:45 am
I’m so unlucky believing i was fine just medicine whatever doc prescibed n told me just infection and its fine.It was done in veitnam hospital , fv french hospital worse that never checked well so do emergency site that my pain i ve to waited doc and asked my husband chased , one hour cant even attend u, i explained my pain also..anyway in end i went my hometown visit specialist and found ive abnormal then i found out ive to do LLETZ PROCEDURE ASAP. SO ANGER IN VIETNAM

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Comment by thin — November 15, 2010 @ 3:20 am
I am so happy to have found this website. My first abnormal pap was 2 years ago and I am just about to go back for a follow up after my first acid wash treatment…terrified that I will have to go for a LEEP or LLETZ. I was given pretty good info from my doc who detected the bad cells, but then I moved and the doctor I am seeing now makes me nervous. My first doc was a Columbia med school grad who never cause me an ounce of pain– not even in colposcopy. This doctor felt like she was carving out my cervix when only biopsying 3 spots…I was shocked because I had such a good experience with my previous doctor. How do I find a doctor who actually uses the minor local anesthetic? My first doc used both lidocaine and an injection, the second doc used nothing at all. I just don’t trust my new doctor and don’t know how to find one I DO like. If my colposcopy was bad…I can only imagine what a surgical procedure would be like…

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Comment by Amanda — November 29, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
My girlfriend just had a LEEP done a few days ago. It seemed like a very simple procedure and from what she told me it didnt hurt to bad. So, anyone having it done, I think you should be ok. Just try to be positive!

Her nurse just called today and said that it has spread into her cervix??? Maybe I am wrong with the wording on this… but she has to have another surgery now. For this one they will be putting her to sleep and entering her cervix or tube or something….

I am so scared for her, but ofcourse I dont show her that…. Well, I just started doing some research on this all and I came across this great website. So, Thank you for anyone that made this site and everyone that contributed their info. Anyway, Can someone please shed some light on what is going on with my girlfriend?

Thank you! Ryan

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Comment by Ryan Burwick — December 3, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
I guess I’m pretty lucky. I came back positive for HPV last year. They told me it was probably a Type 8, 14, or 15, IIRC. Basically, I got one of the harmless types. It’s supposed to go away in a year or two. I still hate the fact that I have to tell people I have an STD, no matter how harmless.

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Comment by Julie — December 15, 2010 @ 12:43 am
Last year my pap smear came back abnormal a biopsy was done which came back negative of cancer cells but I was diagnosed with HPV and was given antibiotics. This year I had to go to a new doctor because I moved and I am currently 16 weeks pregnant. I went in for a pap smear that came back abnormal then had to go back in for a biopsy and colposcopy. The results came back from the biopsy which said that I’m a step away to getting cancer and I have to get a leep done 6 weeks after I give birth and that on my 2nd to 3rd trimester i need to have another colposcopy. My old doctor in Miami wants to see the tests results from my new doctor in Orlando. I’m really stressed out and don’t understand how a year ago the biopsy didn’t detect anything and now I have severe abnormal cells a step away from cancer. In a way I don’t know if to trust my doctor tests etc. Any advice? I hope everything turns out okay it’s worse because I’m pregnant and concerned with all these tests being done.

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Comment by Yaima — December 15, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
I had cryosurgery done in 1996 at age 19 and then had a LEEP in 1998 at age 21. My was CIN4, which is now categorized as cancerous. I had my daughter via vaginal delivery in 2001. My OB checked my cervix regularly via ultrasound to make sure it was not compromised. (I had a close friend who required a cerclage and bedrest at 12 weeks for each pregnancy due to a cone biopsy.) I don’t really know the cause of mine, as they weren’t testing for HPV back then.

I have had normal paps since (and once read a study that said if you have a vaginal delivery after an abnormal pap, the abnormal cells are often sloughed off and won’t recur.)

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Rosemarie Reply:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:57 pm
what you mean abnormal cells and often sloughed off and wont recur just wondering what that means thank you.

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Comment by Christy — January 19, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
Two days ago I had a colposcopy and biopsy due to a pap test revealing abnormal cells classified as CIN3. My doctor suggested laser ablation, but I am curious about the cost due to the fact that I have no insurance. If anyone knows, please respond with as much information about the cost of any procedures related to removing dysplastic cervical cells. Thank You.

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Comment by Mariposa — January 22, 2011 @ 6:19 am
I’m getting this procedure done soon I am sooo scared like I’m still shocked I fully dont evevn know what hpv is they say from warts but I never got a wart a day in my life.please explain better if you know more info.

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beautifulcervix Reply:
March 1st, 2011 at 3:43 pm
check out:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm

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Comment by leeashia — January 31, 2011 @ 12:48 am
Hi, just wanted to say “thank you” for such a great website. I had the LETTZ procedure yesterday – was dreading it, read up on it loads, and as I waited in the hospitial waiting area, the girl in front came out in tears after refusing to have it done!…However, after 3 ‘mild’ colposcopy results, I knew the room and the people and it went fine. My fantastic partner came with me and sat beside me the entire time – it was very calming. They talked me through it every step of the way and showed me the sample at the end (just like the photoson this website). I had a coil fitted, which had to be removed also. The local anaesthetic was no problem, just a tiny sting – then nothing. My legs started to shake lots, but I was warned of this. No heart palpitations though, although some ladies find this. Am not really sore today – just being careful and probably over compensating! I have had no discharge or bleeding yet, but I guess this is to come? I firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, so to have this done was a ‘no brainer’ for me. I want to have children in the next year or so (am mid 30s)..and was told this should not complicate things – just need to be cautious whilst carrying. Hope this may help someone out there??……Fight the good fight ladies! x

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teresa aerts Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Had the LEEP done yesterday, I had my self so scared for nothing. The procedure was painless and mild bleeding so far,cramping and a back ache simalar to child birth. Over all I feel great.

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Comment by Helen — February 17, 2011 @ 10:15 am
Hi, I had a leep done three days ago now to treat aggressive CIN3 , I was initially very frightened but woke up afterwards feeling no pain whatsoever. Yesterday I started getting a bit of tummy cramping and some bleeding if I do too much. What is really disturbing is the large pieces of brown skin that keep falling out. I was told to expect disharge or slight bleeding but until I found this site I was thinking something had gone wrong.I get some results back in two weeks, so it’s now a waiting game.
Thankyou SOOOOO much ladies for sharing your experiences…I Hope you all have many many negative results in the future.

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Comment by Chrissy — February 21, 2011 @ 7:39 am
I had this procedure done yesterday. For me the injections were the worst part but having said that I have had more painful procedures for other things, so it puts it into perspective.Oh and the burning smell when the Dr cauterised the wound. The whole thing only took minutes and after the injections there was no pain.I bled very little but had minor cramps that night for which I took paracetamol. Don’t be afraid to write down any questions you have for your doctor if you have any concerns and don’t worry about the procedure !Now comes the wait for the results. (that,s probably worse than the op.)

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Comment by Christine - UK — March 1, 2011 @ 7:36 am
Hi everybody,
I’m 23 and I had the leep procedure just over six weeks ago. The procedure went well, the gyno said it was all removed (CIN I and II), and the 6 week follow up was all good. I waited six weeks (with an all clear from the gyno) to have sex again, but I was very tight at first. Afterwards, it didn’t hurt but then I began to bleed afterwards. I’ve been told to wait for my next period by the gyno, and then see if I bleed again. Has this happened to anyone else?
Also, I did some of my own “exploring” and felt where they cut out the cells, it was circular. I was not aware this would happen. My gyno made no mention of this. My question is whether my partner’s pleasure will be affected by the little “circle” in my cervix? I’m really upset and scared that sex will never be the same again.

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Comment by Tracey — March 12, 2011 @ 5:55 am
I had the procedure on 3 weeks ago and until now I’m still spotting. It’s getting lesser and lesser each day but I’m getting anxious about it.

Anyways, the procedure was a bit traumatic for me. As soon as I had the local anesthesia my legs started shaking, I had palpitations, my heart pounded very fast and I felt very dizzy. I thought I was going to pass out. It was so hard to breathe. I felt a little pain during the actual LEEP procedure. After that, I still felt very dizzy and couldn’t stand up. They monitored my BP for 2 hours (it was very low) and waited until I was no longer that dizzy. When I left the hospital I was still a bit dizzy and had a hard time on my way back home. I actually threw up as soon as I got home.

I felt dizzy for the next two days and still felt like my chest was so tight.

I’m feeling a lot better now and just waiting for the spotting to stop. My doctor told me to see her next week if it doesn’t stop by then.

Any advice on how you keep yourself healthy to make sure the next pap smear will be normal? I believe stress has an effect?

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Comment by Marie — March 25, 2011 @ 2:42 pm
I had a few irregular paps about 6 years ago and they have been normal since the birth of my son 4 years ago. Yet, I have irregular bumps on the cervix that tend to emit a white discharge at times, this occurs when I am not ovulating and especially just before the onset of my period. The doctor was not concerned. Is this normal or should I get a second opinion??

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beautifulcervix Reply:
April 4th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
could they be nabothian cysts?
a milky cervical discharge before your period is normal for a lot of women.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabothian_cyst

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Comment by Nadine — March 30, 2011 @ 5:06 pm
I did further research and found a good link that offers information on cervical self exams and discusses signs of both “normal” and “abnormal” conditions of cervix. Check it out.

http://www.fwhc.org/health/selfcare.htm

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Marie Reply:
April 6th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Thanks for sharing this Nadine. I have been looking for a speculum and will order the one from this website.

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Comment by Nadine — March 30, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
Thank you for this wonderful website its very informative. I had my LLETZ done on the 22 March 2001 I must say it wasn’t quiet a pleasant experience,when I came back from the doctor I was very very emotional and crying,it was not because I felt pain but because I felt sad and uncomfortable. I was slightly bleeding as if I was on my period they the next day at around 9oclock in the evening I started bleeding HEAVILY, clots loads and loads of blood clots something which I had never experienced in my life, I bleed clots the whole of Wedneday night “didn’t get any sleep at all”. Thursday the whole day until I decided to go and see my doctor as I was feeling week because of the blood loss. The doctor gave me an injection to stop the bleeding and prescribed some iron supplement and the bleeding stop friday after two days and two nights of hell .After two weeks I had my period lighter than usuall and then I been having a watery discharge which ha an odour.Its been 4weeks now going on 5 I don’t know when is the right time for me to have an intercourse please help me out.

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Comment by Nomsa — April 23, 2011 @ 5:40 pm
Thanks for this website and in particular this page! I just had LEEP done this morning. It was ok but I was just so stressed. Thankfully I had a wonderful dr and a chatty nurse to help me through it. It is helpful to read about what happens next in the above comments.

My dr recommends waiting six months before trying to conceive but I’m going to try three months later once follow-up is all clear since she said that the cervix will never recover to its original state anyway. I’m getting old and don’t wish to wait anymore.

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Comment by Mei — April 28, 2011 @ 8:48 pm
I had an abnormal pap and then a colposcopy which was a little uncomfortable. The cells came back pre-cancerous for squamous. Then had the Leep which was vertually pain free. I rested for the day but have had discharge and then heavier bleeding(probably my period) but other then that all the cells seemed to have been removed. Just hope the cervix heals so the bleeding can stop!!!!

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Comment by Heidi — May 4, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
This is a great website, very informational. I just had a colposcopy about 1.5 months ago and my leep 1 week ago. The colposcopy was relatively painless. Minor period type cramping was all that I experienced. The LEEP was a bit more traumatic for me. The injection for the local was very painful but really the worst part was the pinching pain that I felt from the clamps that they used. I did not feel the procedure itself at all. I smelt a little bit of a burning smell and that was all. I had a small amount of cramping the first 2 days but it wasnt nearly as several as my periods. The bleeding was mild the first day and I had very light spotting after that. I am at 7 days now since my procedure and the bleeding has pretty much stopped. I have some very tiny black chunks but nothing that is frightening to me yet. I am glad that I went through this procedure mostly because they did find cancer in the biopsy from this procedure that was not spotted in the colposcopy or the initial pap. Although it was painful, at least I still have hope that everything will be ok through the rest of this.

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Milee Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I’d like to thank you for mentioning the clamp pinch. My experience sounds just like yours. How are you now?

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kathy Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Thank you for replying. I wanted to mention the clamp pinch because it was the one thing i never saw in the posts. I wasnt expecting that to happen and it was actually the worst part of the procedure for me. The rest of it was a piece of cake. I ended up healing very well from it. I didnt experience any extra pain, no strange spotting, etc from it. As i mentioned in the post, they did find cancer and I actually just had a hysterectomy and i am in recovery from it right now. That experience has been much more frightening mostly because of the unknowns that are involved and of course the surgery is much more painful. My main focus through this has been keeping a positive attitude and learning as much as i can about what i am going to experience. That seemed to help me keep me calm through this so far since I basically know what to expect next and I am not trying to make off the cuff decisions. I am still waiting for my pathology reports from my surgery to come back but so far it sounds like this whole thing will be winding down for me soon.

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candy Reply:
December 21st, 2011 at 6:15 pm
It really did hurt when I heard the sound from the ‘clamp pinch’ I told the nurse it sounded like they were using a large industrial stapler!

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Comment by kathy — May 17, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
hi…well i had the lletz done on 11th may 2011 which the dr said i had cin3 and have just had a letter from the hospital saying they don’t know whether they got all the abnormal cells and that they are sending it off to the pathologist … someone told me that its just a procedure they send you incase something happens…but to be quite honest i’m absolutely terrified now as i’m thinking all sorts of things and getting really stressed and crying every time i think about it …was wondering if anyone has had this sent to them? would really appreciate any help.

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Comment by natemma88 — July 2, 2011 @ 5:12 pm
Im just wondering if you have any plans for showing a cervix after this procedure has been done..
I had cin3 pre children, my first son i had ruptured membarnes at 32 wks, he arrived at 33wks by emergency c/s after my cervix did not dialte. The OB at the time thought i had too much scar tissue around my cervix and therefore it was unable to dialate.

my second pregancy was going to try VBAC & had ruptured membranes at 38wks, but 48hrs after PROM no labour i had another c/s.
i’d be interested in seing what my cervix really looks like if it in fact has scar tissue or not, we are ttc baby 3 now. i never had a problem falling pregnant so obvisouly cervix still allowed frendly sperm in there!

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Comment by Nic — July 17, 2011 @ 8:14 am
I have CIN 3 and am having the LLETZ procedure done under general anesthetic tomorrow. Had a laser cone done twice before back in 2002 and 2004. Am feeling anxious and nervous as this is my third surgery to my cervix and I’m 31 and wanting to start a family soon. I hope all goes well and I have no future CIN recurrence or complications with falling pregnant and giving birth.

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Comment by Kat — July 25, 2011 @ 12:14 am
I am 26. I found out I have the HPV virus on honeymoon.After the first biopsy my docter informed me that I have HPV 39 a very agressive strand.I had a LLETZ last monday to buy me time to have children.During the operation they did another biopsy and discovered it was very deep.tonight two stitches came out.is it normal to have stiches?

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Comment by Alida — July 27, 2011 @ 4:48 pm
I had a laser procedure done about 9 years ago to remove abnormal tissue. I was informed in July that I need a LEEP done to remove more abnormal tissue. I feel very uncomfortable about the whole situation, particularly due to the seeming lack of knowledge and care from my doctors office. I left a message for the nurse more than 2 weeks ago after canceling the appointment I had set for the LEEP. Still no call back from her… I am 31 years old and my husband and I are planning to get pregnant with our first child later this year or early next. We have decided to have a natural birth at home and I am scared the LEEP will interfere with my ability to do that. I really don’t even want this procedure done but am really scared of the tissue progressing into something worse like cancer. Are there natural alternatives? Looking for any advice, encouragement, etc… Thanks!

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Comment by Sunshine — August 11, 2011 @ 7:23 pm
I had a LEEP performed 6 years ago and have had normal paps up until now. My first biopsy was absolutely horrible and I ended up passing out after the procedure, so my LEEP was an out-patient surgery, (thank goodness). After 6 years I’m having to experience this all again, I’m absolutely and completely terrified at having another biopsy done because of how much pain and such I was in after the first. I know I need to get it taken care of, but I’m just scared I’m going to have to be dealing with this for the rest of my life.

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Comment by Bridget — August 17, 2011 @ 10:03 pm
I have had 3 LEEP’s now and hope that I am done. For the last LEEP I was sent to an Oncologist since it seems my CIN III is not going away. I probably only have enough cervix left for another LEEP before other options have to be pursued. The actual procudure isn’t so bad (mine were all local), but the bleeding, clotting, and anxiety afterwards is draining. I hope that all of us get to the point of having a normal Pap one day soon! For me my biggest worry is making sure I am able to have kids one day soon (I am 35 and plan to get married next year). Luckily, having a great partner, friends, and websites like this make this journey a little easier.

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Comment by Jasmine — August 18, 2011 @ 9:45 am
hi all,

i had col. and biopsy in june waited whole 7 weeks for my results to be told had cin2 and went for lletz 2days later, had 3 abnormal smears prev and seen as my mum died of cervical cancer thought they might send me after 2 took year and half before i was checked properley pretty disgusted, anyway procedure was bearable just embarassing and uncomfortable, had bad cramps for few days and couldnt exercise for 3 weeks as i would get the cramps again,bleed quite a bit on and off felt worn out so when to docs, i had infection so antibiotics helped me just cleared up (6 weeks), so had intercourse and back to the black chunks and bleeding FED UP

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Comment by Bee — August 31, 2011 @ 1:17 pm
My doctor phoned me today to tell me that I need to get a LLETZ in October and this website has made me feel a lot more comfortable about the operation
Cheers!

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Elizabeth (Aust) Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:07 am
Ever wondered why so many women are having “treatment” after an “abnormal” pap test when the cancer is rare and was always rare? False positives caused by unreliable pap testing, which leads to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments.
You can minimize the risks by refusing pap testing until you’re 30 (testing doesn’t change the tiny death rate from cc, but young women produce the most false positives – testing is harm and risk for no benefit) and then adopting a program that provides some protection from false positives – 5 yearly from age 30 or even consider a high risk HPV test (self-test kits are available in the Netherlands and elsewhere) – it now seems women who are negative at age 30 and in a monogamous relationship or no longer sexually active, can forget testing or have another hrHPV test infrequently – not more than 5 yearly!
We don’t need to cause this much worry and damage to the poor cervix – there are much better ways – ways that attempt to protect the more than 99% of women who’ll never have an issue with this cancer and can never benefit from any sort of testing.
Pap testing and rare cervical cancer has been turned into an industry and is largely about profits.

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Comment by Elizabeth — September 13, 2011 @ 5:10 am
Hi im having the LLETZ done under general anesthetic any body who had it done under that did they go home the same day or stop in over night?

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Comment by camilla — September 27, 2011 @ 9:39 am
I had LLETZ done today I’m 27 and was originally just going in for them to look a bit closer with the camera she said of she can see what’s on my smear they will do this op under local anaesthetic! I was scared an felt ill. They sat me down an talked me through it all felt a bit of a pins an needle sensation as needle went in to numb me, then I felt a bit of pulling an the bit were they scooped it out. They then had to cortorize the bleeding which didn’t hurt although the thought of what they was doing was the worst bit not the pain an the smell was a bit weird again it was more in the mind I was shaky an White after it but was glad it was over!! Pain wise it’s fine just a bit of a shock as I wasn’t planning on getting it done today.

I’ve got to wait 3 weeks now for results I’ve got sort of period like pains and I can’t work for two weeks as my jobs a fitness instructor the only thing I’m not looking forward to is the black blood I’ve heard getting mentioned in above posts, an the risk of infection but I suppose these things are NOTHING if it means I’m ok so fingers crossed, I’ll update on here when I get results xx

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Comment by Natalie — September 30, 2011 @ 9:24 am
I am Dr.Ajabrao Vasu from India.I have done 1500 colposcopies .I have saved life of 200 patients.I am doing Cryosurgery for CIN I & CIN II regularly .More comfortable than LEEP as no anasthesia required.Repeat PAP Smear after Cryosurgery was Negative.

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Comment by Dr.Ajabrao Vasu — October 1, 2011 @ 8:25 am
i had a cone biopsy surgey in Oct. 7. after the procedure, i did not have any bleeding for 1 week. but, after 1 week, i had my period. the bleeding was very heavy for 4 days. i usually had 4 days of my period . it has been 9 days now since my period but im still bleeding. i could consume 3 to 4 pads a day now after that heavy bleeding. im worried. is it normal?

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Comment by tata — October 23, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
Hello,
I am a 45 yr old female. I had done pop test and the doctor told me that i have pre-cancerous cells. However when i had to go back 6 months later my result come back that there is no abnormal cells anymore and doctor told me to do another follow up in 6 month later and i have done another pop test and today the doctor mention to me that that my results came back abnormal. PLEASE advise what caused this abonormal cells come back.

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Comment by nawal — October 24, 2011 @ 4:28 pm
Did your Neurologist do an EMG yet to see if a neural is being pressurized in your hands or leg yet. I would also obtain a Orthosurgeon or Neurosurgeon to see what their cure is and can let you know if it`s necessary to have surgical procedures. Get more than one viewpoint and trust you may obtain a Dr. to help soon.
James Makker, MD

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Comment by Warren38 — October 28, 2011 @ 5:26 pm
So I had the leep done yesterday for me it was painful not enough to cry but enough to ask for pain killers .I was told to come back today to have packing removed.I was uncomfortable and it started the cramps again .I have stage 3 cells .im not looking foward to the large clots or heavy bleeding , being that I had abnormal bleeding for 3 months.
So I guess its a waiting game to see if I got them big C.I want to say god bless all of you ladies, and im sending up prayers for all who’s waiting to know

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Comment by Tisha — October 29, 2011 @ 12:25 am
I believe what you have said is correct. Men nowadays are continuing to exploring options for them to look good. It’s not just for the physical aspect but for your self esteem also. Can you post more details of men that face post-surgical depression? Do you have the numbers or statistics or perhaps testimonies? Thank you.
James Makker, MD

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Comment by Warren38 — October 29, 2011 @ 8:27 am
So 2years ago i got an abnormal smear test, i have had 3 since then, I had really crappy doctors but finally got a transfer to our womens hospital so they did the col’ and my cervix turned white, so they did the biopsy im now going in for LLETZ. I have to wait another 2.5months to get in because we have a crap health care system over here. Im kind of freaking out but really i just want it over with. I have other problems with my reproductive system but my doctor doesnt know what it is yet (after 2 years). I am only 20 yrs old so i have been dealing with this since i was 18. I have had problems with past surgeries so they want to keep my awake which im not all that keen on. I dont want to do it on my own does anyone think they would let me take my mother into the op room with me? i suffer from anxiety already and i have feeling i may freak out if im on my own.

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Comment by Jules — October 29, 2011 @ 10:15 am
Going in for LEEP tomorrow morning at my gynecologist’s office. Not sure if I have CIN 2 or CIN 3– she didn’t tell me, but I’m going to ask. I am 27 years old, and had my first pap test about 5 months ago. My first pap test came back positive for LSIL. I went in for biopsy, which was overall OK, except my doctor took 2 samples– one from the surface of the cervix (which I didn’t feel at all), and one from the canal, which brought on cramps with the pain of a thousand periods.

I’ve read about quite a bit of women who have gone under anesthesia for LEEP. I will not have anesthesia, so I’m going to ask my doctor about why some women have it and some don’t. I’m not particularly concerned with any renegade sounds or smells (cause hey, I’ve smelled some weird things in my 27 years), but I am a little scared about the shaking and the…..electricity.

Hopefully everything will be just fine. I’m cautiously optimistic that this won’t be a big deal. I’ve talked to a lot of friends about it, and they either have had it themselves or know someone who has had it. This “surgery” or “procedure” (or whatever you wanna call it) is so prevalent that we ALL know someone who has dealt with this.

Good luck to all women reading this site– I truly believe that we are all stronger than we think we are. And we will make it through this!

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Comment by Lacy — November 11, 2011 @ 3:39 am
Hi

Thanks for putting this up, I’ve found it very helpful. I’m 23 and doctors have found CIN2-3 cells after my first smear and biopsy. I’m having lletz next week and was very nervous. I feel much more at ease knowing it’s not that bad.

Thanks again x x

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Comment by C White, UK — November 11, 2011 @ 12:38 pm
I have just had a colposcopy with biopsy done. I was given full instruction on the procedures by my family doc and by the colposcopy clinic. When I had the colposcopy every single step was explained, then at the end cervical curettaging was done without my knowledge. It was the worst pain I had ever felt. I’m wondering, why was it done without telling me before, during or after it was done? Also, after doing some research, it seems that local anesthetic is usually given before curettaging is done. I was not given anything or was even told it was being done. Please can someone give some feedback. I am really disturbed by this.

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Jessie Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Hi Anie,

I just had the same experience – went for a colposcopy – referred by my internist and that’s ALL I was told. I knew what a colposcopy was, based on my own research, did not even know that I would be having a biopsy. She pretty much shoved the damn thing up there, without lubricant, and did not tell me what she was doing. When she cauterized my cervix I actually YELLED and jumped, she had to tell me to keep still. No forewarning, no NOTHING. I think because of my reaction, she made a big deal about whatever they put in my vagina at the end, even though that was a piece of cake. I am utterly disgusted by my experience and actually came home and cried. The doc gave me so little explanation, and she is the CHIEF of Gynecology at this hospital, go figure. Just wanted to vent to you and let you know that you are not alone in your experience.

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Comment by Anie — November 13, 2011 @ 10:59 pm
I last posted here in july 2010 when i had<had my lletz procedure, i went on2 have infection after infection,, I went for a smear test in october 2010 which came back normal for the first time ever wahooo then went back in april 2011 for a routine colposcopy which also showed that everything was ok (except i hadnt healed properly so had some silver nitrate applied to the area)at this point i was told that i didnt need2be seen for another year, In september this year they sent for me for another smear for october also at the end of september i had an abnormal bleed and pain in the area where i had my last operation i went to the doctors and they gave me antiiotics and did swabs (4 infection) these came back normal on october 5th 2011 i went for my smear and the nurse after doing the test said to me "promise that you will go back and push for tests if you carry on getting these pains even if your smear comes back normal" i got my results back within 2weeks! (which is very quick)so i immediatly knew something was wrong my letter said that i had abnormalities again which were mild i was booked in for another colposcopy on fri 18th nov which whilst there my consultant told me that his letter said that it was severe!he started the procedure which once again (since my first operation) hurt like hell!he confirmed that there was an area that needed 2 be removed again!so he did it there and then which was awful!he never gave me any explanation to why this has happened again!has anyone else had this happen to them as it was completely removed after the first op then one normal smear and a normal colposcopy then 6months later mild dyskarotic then a mont and a week later severly dyskartic is this going to keep happening to me? please help sorry for the essay xx

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Comment by nicol buxton — November 21, 2011 @ 11:03 am
I had the LEEP procedure done 11 days ago, the day after the procedure i went back to work and wore a pantyliner, i had very light water shedding which got progressively heavy per each following day then about the 7th day after the procedure there was a faint presence of blood in the water shedding discharge which progressed to a lot of blood, (still using panty liners) for about 3 days. Now on the 11th day I am wearing a pad and noticing blood clots….I have a post procedure doc appt in 5 days, but if the bleeding gets out of control Im going to see if I can go in sooner to make sure its not an infection. The procedure itself was just fine, the put me to sleep and it seemed like it lasted for only 15 mins…

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Comment by Elizabeth — November 26, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
just had a follow up meeting with the doctor and when I told her about the bleeding she took a look inside my cervix and said she saw something about the size of a small grape that looks like its coming out, she said she had never seen that before. she looked completely perplexed. she put my silver nitrate inside to stop the bleeding and she ordered a ultrasound to take a look at this other thing she said it may be a polyp, maybe being the keyword. As far as the dysplasia she said its a cin2 and to comeback in 6 months to keep an eye out on that, and that there is a 40% chance that it will heal on its on. SO all would have been good news today if it werent for this unknown thing inside my cervix…wish me luck and healthy cervix

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Comment by Elizabeth — November 30, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
Hi everyone I just wana share my story with you all. I am 22 yes old and 2 yrs ago I had an abnormal smear and it came back as CIN1 and therefore went for a biopsy and was then told everything should clear on its own. So far so good. Then in August this year I had another smear done (I’d been avoiding them until then!) and this result came back as CIN3 in my letter. By the time I’d got my letter I’d found out I was pregnant. My GP and surgery nurse really got me wound up about these results and I became really stressed. A few days later I ended up miscarrying, maybe telling me to get everything fixed before having babies?. I then got an urgent appointment which I have just went to today. The guy had a look and said that it had actually not been as bad as the letter had said that it was! I was shocked but really relieved at the same time! He then went on and offered me to either have just the biopsy or he can go ahead with treatment it was up to myself although he may be doing unesassary treatment that needent be required! I then made up my mind there and then and had my treatment done and I am so glad that I did unesassary or not as I have had a lot of stress removed from me. The treatment was not bad at all and the worst part is the anesthetic other than that it’s grand. My advice to all ladies is never ever miss your smear! I’m now looking to the future and maybe I will meet my little baby nxt yr fingers crossed. Good luck to everyone xx

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Comment by Brown eyes — December 6, 2011 @ 2:16 pm
I am looking for such a post, thanks for sharing such valuable information.

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Comment by carlinchoudury001 — December 8, 2011 @ 10:36 pm
I am having the LEEP procedure in a few days. All the posts were very helpful. I still have a few questions. How long does it take to heal and how soon after the procedure were you able to have sexual intercourse? Were there any complications with sex?

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Christina Reply:
December 24th, 2011 at 4:29 am
Generally the doctor will advise you when you can resume sexual activities, but usually its a month to six weeks. You may feel a bit tender when you resume sex because your cervix will still be sensitive, but nothing major. Healing time varies and depends on your definition of healing. Over time the cervix will heal, but you will find that the bleeding and such will stop about 4-6 weeks after the procedure. All of this depends on how much they will remove and your general body. I think with mine I was fine to resume activities after about 3 days and sex after 6 weeks. My advice is to keep yourself hydrated and just take care of yourself. The procedure isn’t invasive but still requires you look after yourself.

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Comment by Kelly — December 11, 2011 @ 2:15 pm
JUST WANT TO SHARE MY STORY: I had abnormal results for 3 years before I did anything about it. I’m 23 currently and I did not have insurance, then I found out about a income based clinic in UAB in Birmingham, Al. I dealt with my health dept. in town and they sent the referral and then I was all set to go. On Aug 10th. I have to say I was soo very nervous but the guy I have been involved with went with me and did his best to support me. I went in the back There was 4 people, all women, 1 student, 1 doctor and 2 nurses. They were insanely sweet and supportive. I got into position as one nurse placed the acid and idine solution on my cervix. I began to cramp INTENSELY. Just the cotton swab and solution made me feel like the worse period ever! I dont think this is common though, just my experience. I began to tear up it was so bad. They did the exam and informed me they would have to take biopsys. Well they ended up taking four different pieces. The actual cut really just felt like a pinch but my cramping was so intense i began to cry. The nurse held my hand to comfort me. Soon it was all finished (lasted about 30 minutes-40 minutes). I was lucky and had amazing nurses which did their best to calm me down, I even recieved a hug from one of them. I got up made myself stop crying and got dressed and went into the lobby. I had enough time to look at my guy and say “That hurt so..” and burst out crying. This experience was bad but I’m not trying to scare you, because each woman is different but it is something to be prepared for! I am currently waiting on results from my LEEP procedure taken on 11-11-11. (it takes awhile when your dealing with income based clinics). That one was SOO much easier than the colposcopy and biopsy! I went into the clinic, and they sent me back, of course im absolutely terrified because of my experience with the colposcopy. This time i had 2 male doctors and a female nurse in with me. Everyone was very nice and the males made sure I felt comfortable, I was at the end part of a 9 day period (cant win for losing! haha) which they still agreed to see me with. Well got into position and spectulum in and i had already begun to lightly cramp, again just the cotton swab sent my cervix into a spasm and caused me to tear up. Then came the shots.. It was a very big pinch but not unbareable, but I instantly burst into tears because the pinch caused a wave of intense cramping. (also idk if this is normal for most people). The nurse grabbed my hand and i put my other arm over my face to cover the sobbing. It was that bad. (first 2-3 minutes) I began shaking like a leaf due to the ephinephrine, which became slightly embarressing.They put this rubber pad on my leg and then began to get to work, the machine seemed loud, but when he actually began cutting things it just felt warm, NO pain and almost no cramping after the first 5 minutes. He worked fast and was very apologetic. He explained exactly what he was doing before he did it. The nurse began to tell me care prodecures and such to distract me. All in all I was in the back for maybe 15-20 minutes. I was still shaking when I left the clinic, The same guy took me to this procedure too, and of course I cried all the way to the car and for a good 20 minutes after wards, more so from the sheer mental exhaustion than just the pain. I took 3 days off work , as I had some exhaution issues after the colposcopy. I took it very easy after the LEEP. Well a week later (exactly 7 days) i woke up and a giant blood clot came out, thinking it was healing pocess. I didnt think anything about it so I put a pad on and went to bed, well a hour later i woke up covered in blood to a massive degree, I just happened to be in bimringham seeing my guy when this occured. Well i got up and cleaned up. This is NOT NORMAL Just for the record, if this occurs to you go to the doctor, light bleeding is okay but i went through 6 pads within 2 hours and lost a pint 1/2 of blood, I had to go to the hospital and have it all recauterized. ( a bill that cost me $2300 which will prob never be paid). I was very calm, inactive and still had issues. The longest story ever. I had issues with my entire process of all of it, its been horrible, but from what I read im glad i didnt have rude doctors. I didn’t tell you all this to scare you, but I wish I had read something like this before my visit to know it could go bad. Chances are, im just unlucky so DONT take this as this is whats going to happen. All in all I survived, it sucked but I lived through it, so it wasnt that bad. Good luck to everyone and please take care of yoruselves!

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Comment by Tabby — December 19, 2011 @ 2:30 am
Very good info. Some of the stuff has been in Science Magazine since the 60ies, but now anyone can do these projects and cheap!
josefjohn110
Scottsdale multiple listing service

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Comment by josefjohn110 — December 26, 2011 @ 7:01 am
Hi,

Relly helpful site…but just have a few questions..

Im 24, had my smear, told its sever dykraoisis, had a col and biopsy, and now waiting for them to decide what to do with me..lletz/leeps or just wait i guess??

Wanted to know if there is any possibility of passing anything on to my partner and if so what can I do to stop it?? Don’t want him to get any complications from me.

Also, does sex feel the same after treatment for him and myself?

Finally, how easy is it to conceive after having this treatment?

Really stressed out and just need to know everything from people who have actually gone thru stuff as the doctors don’t really say much.

Thanks guys..xx

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Maggie Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 12:52 am
I am in the same boat as you. I had my first abnormal pap over the summer following a col and biopsy. I was informed I had CIN 2, which came as a shock since my Dr. had initially told me she thought it would only be CIN 1. I was told to come back in 6 mo for another col which I just had done today. I will get the results back in 2 weeks, but my Dr. suggested that I have the LEEP done.

I am 26 and want to have a family in the future and am not sure which procedure to have done the LEEP or the LLETZ, or if I should just wait and see. Normally I would be all for a procedure to prevent the problem from worsening, but I am just afraid that if I have the LEEP (or whatever I decide done) done now that in a few years I will have to have it done again and that it may reduce my chances of carrying to full term.

I have some of the same questions, about complications to my partner, what procedure is best and if anyone has had to have the procedure done multiple times. I am also wondering about the abnormal cells spreading to other areas of my uterus. I will talk to my Dr. in 2 weeks when I get my results and will be ready with a battery of questions. I’ll let you know what I find out.

Sorry this was so long winded. I am so glad I found this site. It’s had been pretty nerve racking going through this process. It was really helpful reading about other people’s experiences, but also gave rise to some new concerns.

Good luck to everyone, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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Comment by Pinky — January 5, 2012 @ 3:39 am
Its nice to know Im not alone. However Ive had a colospy and a leep procedure before. I went back for my check up and they said it came back again with abnormal cells. So what does this mean for me? I have to go back for another Colopsy. Did they miss some when they did the LEEP? or can it mean I have Cancer?

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Jo Reply:
February 1st, 2012 at 10:09 am
I had my first LEEP procedure about a week ago. I was advised that if there was nothing more serious found, I would just have to return to my doctor for a smear in 6 months.

They did say though that if my smear in 6 months comes back showing any abnormalities I would be asked back for another Colposcopy. I would try not to worry too much & just look on it as procedure & them being cautious. They’ll probably just want to keep more of any eye on you.

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Comment by Jessica — January 10, 2012 @ 1:50 pm
I’m 27 yrs old, unmarried, and got my first abnormal pap result last week. The doctor had me come in for a col and biopsy a couple days later. I didn’t even read up on what that was before my appt. I cried after my appt when i got out to my car. I called in sick to work that night. I just felt so invaded. I should’ve told someone and had them come with me for the procedure, was what i kept thinking when i was laying down in the chair during the col. I recommend bringing someone with you! I spoke with the doctor today, and he’s having me go in next week for a LEEP. He told me I have stage 2 (moderate) displasia. I’m bringing a family member with me this time. Thank you all so much for your posts. It makes me feel not so alone.

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Comment by Lisa — January 26, 2012 @ 12:41 pm
sorry, but please, can i know how much u must pay for colposcopy test? i didn’t have any insurance either.

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beautifulcervix Reply:
February 2nd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Call your doctor, local women’s clinic, feminist health center or planned parenthood. Prices vary by location and country, but there are often reduced fees for folks who are un- r under-insured…

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Comment by jade — January 27, 2012 @ 9:24 pm
I am 23 & 3 out of the 4 smears had returned with ‘minor changes’ which resulted in me having to attend a colposcopy clinic. I then was called back 2 weeks later as the biopsy showed CIN grade 3. This horrified me as previously my smears only showed ‘minor’ change. These cells were removed & I now have a 2 week wait for my results. I am very nervous.
For me the waiting is the worst part. The Colposcopy & procedure were not pleasant but it wasn’t as horrendous as I imagined. My biggest fear was that this would affect my fertility but a doctor advised me that there is nothing to show that this procedure affects women being able to conceive. She said the only link being found with pregnancy was that occasionally women who have had this procedure (cells removed) sometimes go into early labour, only 2-4 weeks early might I add. She did tell me though that she had this procedure herself and all her children went full term.

The most important advice I would give people is to go for your smear tests & not to put off any treatment. If I can develop grade 3 changes in 3 years just think of the danger you are putting yourself in. Fingers crossed I get the all clear soon & don’t have to have anything further apart from the usual smear tests.

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Comment by Jo — February 1, 2012 @ 10:05 am

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