colposcopy while trying / ivf timing

[Cuppppatea]

I have a colposcopy scheduled for just after my next period which will be my first natural bleed after my second failed cycle.

I had an appointment in august before my first cycle and they didn’t take a biopsy because I wanted to to ahead with the cycle.

I am wondering if they do need to take a biopsy what that means in terms of trying naturally and ivf …. I was hoping to have a scan with a private clinic and get going.

Thanks xxx

[MrsOrangejuice]

I had one when I was a few months pregnant due to bleeding from the cervix and an abnormal growth. I was told it was completely safe while pregnant and important to have if it had been recommended. I can't see why the procedure itself would impact TTC or IVF, aside from possibly an increased risk of infection maybe, or that it may make either a bit uncomfortable, and I guess if you get bleeding etc it may mean you need to avoid irritating it for a little while so it heals so that could impact timing. Think that's more likely if you have have actual treatment (like cell removal). I'd check with the hospital where you're getting it done to be sure and maybe try to time it so it's a week or so before any scans in case they're looking at the cervix (although I can't recall my clinic doing that, they just wanted an in-date clear smear result). I suppose your clinic may also suggest holding off starting treatment depending on the reason you're having it done - like if it was because of an abnormal smear test result and in that situation they may want you to have the all-clear before starting IVF.

[Twiglet2]

it depends what the colposcopy is for? I had it for CIN3 cells and the did the removal (lletz) and biopsy at the same time to try and speed things up for me instead of waiting for biopsy when they could see the area that needed treated. I couldn’t continue IVF treatment until I had a follow up all clear smear 6 months later but I know for some people where the grade of cells wasn’t as high the clinic can give a letter to the IVF clinic to allow them to proceed. The actual colposcopy shouldnt cause any issues it’s more what they find/do during it. Hopefully it doesn’t slow you down any 🤗 xx

[Cuppppatea in reply to Twiglet2]

Thanks for your reply. Its for low grade abnormal cells which were detected last year. I had an appointment in August and she said it still looked like there were some abnormalities but didnt do biopsy as I was just about to start treatment. I'm worried they will do a biopsy and find abnormal cells which will stop me having any IVF for 6 months? And how long to biopsy results take to come back?

[Twiglet2 in reply to Cuppppatea]

Yeah so I was the same and spoke to the consultant and she asked if I wanted her to just do treatment at the same time as the biopsy if she could see the cells to save the 6-8weeks for biopsy results, which is what we did. I think if I had also gotten her to then write a letter saying I could proceed with iVF that would have maybe avoided the 6 month wait but as that was the next step the 6 month smear then I had to delay as the fertility clinic have to take the lead from gynae. Mine were high grade though so I think you have a better chance of it going quicker. If you do end up having a lletz you will need some recovery time for your cervix though before treatment anyway as it was a bit sore for a week or so and my clinic did a trial run of the transfer the month before just to make sure no scarring. It was a FET I was waiting for though so not sure if you need longer for a fresh cycle. I would ask both your clinics what can be done to speed things along but I also wouldn’t delay the colposcopy as I’m so so glad I got it done and had the all clear before getting pregnant as I would have been so worried had it been left any longer, it can literally save your life although any delay is frustrating xx

[Cuppppatea in reply to Twiglet2]

Thank you <3 web says not to have intercourse for 4 weeks. Do you think a transvag scan would be ok? I need to have consultation appointments in april in order to line up treatment before my birthday in may as I turn 40

[Twiglet2 in reply to Cuppppatea]

I would think so but would defo check with the clinic but I can’t see what the scan would cause issue wise xx

[Cuppppatea in reply to Twiglet2]

Ugh it all happens at once doesn't it

[Twiglet2 in reply to Cuppppatea]

Yeah always the way 😥 hopefully doesn’t delay you though xx