Hello
I received a letter a few days ago with the result of my smear which shows HPV and changes to cells in my cervix. I’ve been referred for a colposcopy and LLETZ treatment within 2 weeks. I had a look in my NHS app and the notes from the lab say “high risk HPV” and “evidence of CGIN”. I was shocked to read this as there was no mention of this in my letter.
My smear 3 years ago showed HPV and abnormal cells. I had a colposcopy which showed nothing abnormal so I was referred back for screening in 3 years time.
I’m 38 and my husband and I have been struggling with fertility. We have no children and have had miscarriages and 6 failed rounds of IVF. We were due to restart IVF again next month.
I’m terrified about cancer, but equally terrified about the impact on my fertility. I have no idea whether the LLETZ treatment will be successful, and whether it could affect future pregnancies. Or worst case. whether they’ll say I need a hysterectomy.
My colposcopy is next week and I’m going out of my mind with worry x
Hi Claris and welcome to our group.
I can understand your worry about having a colposcopy and I’m sorry I can’t identify with having had exactly the same happen to me as I had cervical cancer, but I just wanted to make a couple of points.
When testing is done on a cervical screening, it is for high risk hpv, not low risk strains-there are many different types of hpv and testing is only for high risk hpv which can potentially cause issues with cell changes. So, although there was no mention of high risk on the letter, it is the same for anyone who tests positive for hpv…it’s going to be high risk hpv if it’s identified.
CGIN refers to the location of the cells, so again it’s not necessarily something that would have been specified in the letter. But the colposcopy will be a more detailed examination where it will show where any abnormal cells are located. It would be unlikely to have a hysterectomy just on the basis of abnormal cells, although it can happen… but that’s the future that you don’t know about so early speculation honestly won’t help you..
I hope when you have your colposcopy any treatment required will be successful with no impact on your fertility.
Sarah xx
Hi Claris
I guess it’s inevitable that we can try to compare ourselves to others and that might be an issue if you read different forums. I’m only part of this forum, and I’m not sure how many women with CGIN do develop cancer or need to have a hysterectomy. I was post menopausal at diagnosis, and my cancer was too advanced to be able to have a hysterectomy so my situation was very different.
I’m sure that fertility will be a major part of any discussion you have with your consultant, given your concerns and the fact that you are due to start another IVF cycle. I’d suggest making a list of questions before you go to your appointment so that you make sure you get all the answers you need.
Sarah xx
