I recently had an abnormal smear test result and was refered for a coposcopy at my local hospital. The appointment was two weeks away and I decided to do some research on the internet. Unfortunately, I didn't find much that was reassuring and was consequently very nervous when my appointment was due. I decided to write about in in order to try and reassure other people who have read horror stories of painful treatment. Firstly, the consultant explained that after the examination ( like a regular smear but through a microscope outside your body), if damaged or changed cells were detected, which was likely given my first smear result, treatment would be offered there and then. Sure enough, after dabbing an acidic solution on my cervix (absolutely painless), the consultant said that there appeared to be 'nothing sinister' but advised that the changed cells be removed. A local anesthetic was put into my cervix which was quite uncomfortable but similar to dental injections. The nurse who was with me assured me that the injection was the worst part and after that I wouls feel nothing. Sure enogh, after only a few seconds, the consultant was able to remove the cells with an electric metal loop and I felt nothing at all. The wound was cauterised, again, I felt nothing and I was allowed to sit up. The whole appointment was over in less than 40 minutes and I felt very little discomfort in the following days. Please do not be put off having this treatment as it is there to prevent cancer being able to develope if the cells are untreated. The cells removed have been sent to the lab to check for cancer traces but as the consultant advised this is extremely unlikely, I am not dreading the results, more looking forward to getting them I will have a follow up smear test in 6 months to make sure everything is now ok.