The Gyno found Pre-Cancerous cells on my Cervix! What's next?

Hello all,

I just went for my second colposcopy after my family doctor claimed I have an abnormal pap smear. The first colpo 6 months ago turned out ok- however this one, the gyno told me right away that I have abnormal cells on my cervix and to come see him in his office in 2 weeks to discuss surgery.

Does this mean cancer is forming? Will I be having a hysterectomy (is he removing my cervix?) Can I still have kids?

I am just very curious as to what will happen after this surgery. I can't wait the 2 weeks to ask him! lol I already looked up a bit on the internet the different methods of how to do the surgery (laser, freezing the cells, etc) but is there any side-effects?

Anyone who went through the same experience, please do share! :) Thank you

Hi there,

Sorry you're going through this, it can be scary. But listen, I had the same thing when I was young (for me that means around 20). Dr. found pre-cancerous cells on my cervix.

Soon after, I had a surgery where they lasered off the bad cells. I was terrified, and it didn't really hit me until they were giving me a sedative before surgery. My mom was with me and when it was time for her to leave I cried like a baby! I was out for the procedure, and when I woke up, I was groggy but had no pain.

Every single pap smear since then has been normal. The only side effect is that it changes the shape of your cervix slightly. It's normally sort of cupped, picture a really small cup saucer. And after the procedure, it's more flat, like a pancake. There are no negative side effects that intrude on sex, or fertility.

I was freaked out too. But it will turn out totally fine.

Good luck!

PS: You wont have anything removed but the bad cells. He won't remove your cervix. He's just laser it to remove a few layers of tissue where the bad cells reside. It's not cancer yet. If you left it alone, it could turn into cancer. They throw the term around "abnormal cells" and "pre-cancerous cells" as a big bucket that could mean almost anything that appears less than normal.

If you have a choice, go with the laser.

They are PRE-cancerous cells. Not cancerous cells. They are cells which, if left untreated over a long period of time, may develop into cancer.

You will definitely NOT require a hysterectomy for this, so stop stressing about that. The most likely thing will be that they will destroy the abnormal cells by laser or freezing as you have already read. This will not affect your fertility. The most common side effect is a heavy discharge for up to a month following the procedure. There is also the chance of infection, but the risks are minimal.

You are no where near having to have your cervix removed or a hysterectomy. I've had colposcopies, and then had to have additional surgery done. They inserted a VERY long needle to numb the cervix and then lasered the bad cells off. (They put some kind of solution on your cervix that makes the bad cells look different.) It was not too bad during the procedure, but afterwards I had really nasty discharge for about two weeks. Sex was not allowed for 3 weeks. Good luck with your procedure!