[chestnut1805]

I just had a colposcopy done and received the results today. It turns out I have HPV and cervical dysplasia. It hasn't really hit me yet, but I'm not even really sure if this is something I should be concerned about. My Doctor has been great, but I still have so many questions! I have moderate dysplasia and have to have a leep done. I was so nervous getting the colposcopy done, that the idea of the leep is even scarier. In fact, when the doctor walked in the exam room when I had my colposcopy the first thing she said was, "you look really nervous." So I have a ton of questions:

1) What is the leep like? Does it hurt? I'm trying to determine whether I should have it done in the office or go to the hospital. I'm leaning towards the hospital because I think I would feel better getting anesthesia so I have no idea what is going on. The thought of being conscious during the procedure really scares me!
2) What is the recovery time from a leep? Some of the other posts mentioned 24 hour bed rest, is this correct? What can I expect after the leep? Is there a lot of pain? I had a lot of cramps after the colposcopy, so I can't imagine what the leep is like.
3) What is "moderate" dysplasia? I know there are three stages, mild, moderate, and severe, but does the fact that I have moderate mean I am more prone to getting cervical cancer?
4) Could I have had "dysplasia" for years and not known it?
5) The website said something about how smoking can change the cells in your cervix. I quit smoking over a year and half ago, but prior to that I smoked for 10 years. Could this have impacted the cervical dysplasia?
5) The website states something about DES and mentioned that if a woman's mother took DES, she is m
more susceptible to certain cervical cancers. My grandmother took this, but my mother did not. Could this impact me?
5) Will a leep or cervical cancel impact my ability to have kids?
6) I've told my boyfriend about the whole situation and he has been completely supportive throughout the whole thing! Should he go to the doctor to have anything checked out?
7) My doctor told me that about 89% of patients who have cervical dysplasia and have a leep procedure, are completely cured after the procedure. Does anyone else know any additional statistics regarding cervical dysplasia?
8) How long do I have to wait before I can have sex again after the leep?

Please help!!! It is really nice to know that this is a forum where people can talk together about what they are going through. This is not the most exciting thing to talk about, but it is comforting to know that other people have had similar experiences and are willing to help each other by discussing what happened with them and sharing their experience.

Thank you to all who respond! Have a great day!