Cervical Dysplasia

[tmcgough82]

Hi... I am 25 with three children (5, 3, and 10 months). I have recently found out that I have moderate cervical dysplasia I don't really know much other than that because I'm having a hard time getting information from my Dr.'s office. Apparently I do not have the HPV virus or anything like that, just the dysplasia. I had a pap smear at the beginning of my last pregnancy and it came back normal. Well... I went back for my annual pap smear back in June and didn't even recieve the result until the middle of August. It was abnormal and they wanted me to come back in to do a colposcopy. The next available appointment was the middle of September. I went in and the Dr. found two spots on my cervix (one large and one medium sized is what he said). He took a biopsy from both spots and I just got the results back about a week ago. All they told me is that it was moderate and they wanted me to come back in March for another pap smear. I have read the risk factors and I don't do any of them except take birth control I don't know if there are any problems other than the risk of developing cervical cancer that come along with this. I know that I am having a lot of problems all of the sudden with my period. My mom asked me if I was taking my birth control right an I am. I've been on the same birth control for about 5 months now... so I dont think that the birth control is the problem... I'm not supposed to start my period until next Sunday, but I've been on it for about a week now. It stopped for a day and then started right back up. I haven't had sex in about 2 months or anything so if anybody has any information about the dysplasia or if the problem with my period my be connected, please let me know... Any and all information will be appreciated.

[suburbFPdoc]

Cervical Dysplasia is a condition in which the cells removed from the cervix during PAP smear look atypical or unusual and may be at risk for developing even further abnormality, in some cases even becoming cancerous over time. The most common cause of dysplasia is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is a common sexually transmitted virus that can remain undetected for long periods of time before it is evident by physical exam (genital warts) or PAP smear (abnormal cells). Fortunately, young women (under around age 26-27) can sometimes resolved HPV without treatment if they have a normal immune system. Those over 26-27 years old most often don't have this capability and require treatment with laser, freezing or some other method to rid the cervix of the abnormal cells caused by the virus.
In your particular circumstance, I would specifically request an HPV test be run by your doctor's office on your next PAP as a follow up to your colposcopy. Due to your young age, you may not need any further intervention other than observation, but certainly close follow-up is necessary. In addition the irregular bleeding is a problem that needs further evaluation by your gynecologist and is not likely related to HPV.

SururbFPdoc

[godsvictory]

Hi,

I have CIN III and my doctor recommends a LEEP procedure. I have a very sensitive cervix and am still hurting from my colposcopy and biopsy last friday. Bastyr University recommends vag packs - Naturapathic herbal packs to remove the cells.

I am feeling scared and sad. My cells went from CIN II to CIN III in less than a year. I am leading a trip to Thailand Nov 29th and am concerned if I have the LEEP now I will be sore and it will be difficult to plan for my trip. I am considering having the procedure done when I return in late January.

Do you think LEEP is my best choice? Is it ok to wait until January? Are vag packs a safe and effective alternative? What about laser?

Thank you, I really appreciate your time and council.

~ Victory

Would you mind e-mailing your answer? [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed]

[Barillari]

I'm 45 and I was just informed that I too have 'cervical dysplasia' a couple of months ago. I had 3 paps test come back indicating that there was a problem but when the 3rd test came back it confirmed that I have 'cervical dysplasia'. I'm not sure how I got this or how long I've had this because I don't sleep around. I have been choosey with who I've had sex with but I personally don't like using a condom. I've been separated for almost 7 years so I thinking that one of the men that I've been with had multiple partners! Now I have to live with his dishonesty and fix this problem. I'm going for a colposcopy next week and I'm not to sure what to expect. This forum is helping me alot but the one question I have is after the test will I be able to drive myself home or will I be too uncomfortable. I've also read that they might do a local freezing of that area before they perform the test. I drive a stick shift and therefore requires alot of leg work so I'm not sure if I should have my daughter drive me home. It's about a 20 - 30 minute drive from the hospital. The last thing I would want to happen is being stranded at the hospital after this procedure because I'm sure I just want to go home afterwards. Please help!

[godsvictory]

Colposcopies do not include freezing. It is a simple procedure but can cause some cramping and soreness. I have a sensitive cervix, so it was better for me to have my partner drive me home. I would suggest your daughter drive you home. It will also give you the space to absorb what you are going through. I had my doctor prescribe me one valum tablet to take beforehand, as they do not use anesthesia, obviously if you do this, you should have someone else drive.


Cervical dysplasia can be mild to severe. A colposcopy is a way for a dr to get a better look using an instrument specifically made to look at the cervix. They will likely take two small tissue samples, which can cause some cramping and a little spotting afterwards. They test this for abnormalities, and those biopsies will then tell you what your next step will be. Many times these cells heal themselves, and you have nothing to worry about.

Take care.

[Barillari]

Thank you so much "godsvictory". I really appreciate your response. I wasn't sure what to expect from this procedure and from some of the things I've read, it all sounds very confusing. Some woman have problems and all women don't. I too have a sensitive cervix so I'm probably going experience some cramping just like you. I will definately have my daughter drive me.
If you don't mind me asking, what stage was your cervical dysplasia in??? Is everything okay with you??? How long does it take to get the results of this test???

Barillari

[godsvictory]

Hello Barillari,

No problem. We are all in this together. My cells are currently in CIN III, moderate to severe. I had my colposcopy and biopsies done on friday, and had the results by tuesday. So only two business days.

I think the most difficult part of this for me has been the emotions that have come up as a result. Anger - fear - sadness - giggles - you name it. I have found the best thing I can do is be completely honest with how I am feeling, and know that is ok. It's ok to be sad. It's ok to be angry.

I sent out an e-mail being completely honest with all of the people I love and trust. I told them I was even angry at God, one part of me, and another knew that all of this happened for a reason. I told them I really needed their love and support. I got back so much. It has been great.

Many people believe that cancer (which is NOT what we have, but could turn to after years, if left untreated), is a result of intense emotions that we stuff down, rather than communicating. And where do women stuff all of our anger, hate, guilt, etc.? Yep - cervix, ovaries. So perhaps this is the body's way of saying, "Look at me! Deal with me! Love me!"

I will do a LEEP procedure, but will need to wait until January, when I return from my travels. I have been getting craniosacral therapy which has really helped, and acupuncture.

I hear that you ahve a sensitive cervix. You might discuss this with your doctor and see if you can take something that will "take the edge off", before the procedure. This is a reasonable request, I'm sure they can comply.

The colposcopy itself is not very long. The doctor will put a dye or vinegar on the cells to see which ones appear abnormal. Then she will use an instrument that takes tiny pieces of flesh from the cervix, these are called biopsies, which will be sent to the lab to test for what grade (mild, moderate, moderate to severe) you have. She may also do what is called cervical scraping, which takes just a minute and is uncomfortable but not horrible. I found the biposies were the most uncomfortable, causing some cramping. Nothing really was painful, just more really uncomfortable. I found it very helpful and nice to have both my Mom and my partner with me, holding my hands.

I hope that helps. Please let me know if I can help in any other way. Good luck in your results.

[Barillari]

Hello Godsvictory!
I really would like to thank you for your imput! I've really valued everything you've said. It appears that you have a good lookout on life and I admire that alot.
I've spoken with my daughter and she has arranged to drive me to and from the hospital. I'm sorry to hear that you're in the moderate/severe stage. What is "craniosacral therapy" and is this the only treatment that is done once they know what stage the cervical dysplasia is in??? Are there other options???
You're also right about the emotions! At first when I found out that I had cervical dysplasia, I too was angry! I wanted nothing to do with any man, blaming them for this happening to me! I've been separated for almost 7 years and after I found out that I had cervical dysplasia, I decided that I was going to become a nun! I'm just started seeing a great guy, but at first I didn't want nothing to do with him. He's been wonderful and caring when I told him. Now, I'm finding myself going into a deep depression and I'm not sure how to get out of it! A part of me really wants this test to get it over and done with but then another part is scared to death of what they're going to find. I can't sleep, I'm so bitchy and I feel so sick to my stomach! It's just not fair!! It's like the more I try to take care of myself, something else creeps up on me.....this problem I wasn't expecting!
Thank you for talking to me about this....you're a wonderful person!

[Barillari]

Hello Godsvictory!
I just looked up this "craniosacral therapy" on the internet. Excuse my ignorance, I didn't know what that was....so are you saying that you do this "craniosacral therapy" and " acupuncture" because there is nothing else you can do besides"self help"??? I understand that you have to restore those cells and alot of the restoration comes from the individual by taking care of themselves better, but is that it??? Can they not remove the bad cells so new ones can grow or give medicine that can help you restore the bad cells???

[infinitedreams]

Barillari-

Thank you for this post. I am waiting on biopsy results and feel the same way..."can't sleep, so bitchy and feel sick to my stomach," are all a part of the roller coaster that I feel I've been on in the last few weeks. I go to get the results today (thank heavens, maybe) and in a way, I'm looking forward to finally knowing but I'm also scared half to death. My mom has been so unsupportive (yes, I'm 28 but something like this, I still want my mommy *L*) but thankfully I have great "adopted" moms that are encouraging and awaiting the results almost as anxiously as I am. I go back and forth between unreasonable anger spurts to just wanting to curl in a ball and cry. Hopefully, I'll find the strength to take whatever news I get today in good grace but mainly, I just want to get it all done and over with so it's no longer a concern. I wish you the best of health!