I just heard from my gynecologist yesterday that my annual pap smear came back abnormal and that I have to have a coploscopy and a possible biopsy. I've read up on it online and a friend of mine had it done as well. She said it was super painful and awful, but she tends to be a bit of a drama queen, so I was looking for some other input. If anyone has been through it, could you just help me out with your experiences? Thanks so much!

I had a colposcopy about 12 years ago. I was not a big deal, but I did not have a biopsy. The biopsy would most likely cause cramping. As for the colposcopy it was kind of like a speculm exam with a microscope. I have no idea if that even makes sense... The worst part was the stirrups, nobody likes that. Most of the time things turn out to be nothing and if you do have irregular cell, well, thats exactly why we all have pap smears every year. Good Luck!

I have had many colposcopies (for whatever reason my Pap smears seem to like coming back irregular), and have had to have a biopsy on one occasion. The colposcopy itself isn't bad. It's just like a regular exam, except that the doc is looking at your cervix with a microscope to look for any irregularities. Not fun, but not painful. The biopsy is a little worse. Contrary to what they may tell you, it does hurt some when they do the punch biopsy. Horrible, excruciating pain? No way. But definitely uncomfortable. Thankfully, it's only for a second. They put something or other on it to stave off any bleeding and you're on your way. I had a little bit of cramping afterwards, but that was all. Take a couple of ibuprofen before you go in and you'll be fine. Relax, your friend is totally trying to freak you out on this one.

I had one about 15 years ago. My sister had had one the year before and carried on and on about how horrible it was. Needless to say, I was terrified when I went to the doctor's office. It turned out to be nothing. It was alot like having a pap smear and I did feel a little pain when they took the biopsy, but it passed quickly. I had a little cramping afterward, but I still stopped at the mall and bought a new sweater! Your experience may vary. My sister took 3 days off work to recover, but I was fine.

good luck

Cindy

thanks for the replies! I had the colposcopy and biopsy on Friday afternoon, not much pain. Uncomfortable though! Now just to wait for the results, which is the hardest part. Thanks again everyone!