Colposcopy test stirrups - anyone been there?

I have been called up to have a colposcopy test at the hospital. I've heard it is similar to a smear test but is it true you have to putyour legs in something called stirrups? I am getting really worked up about this. I know stirrups are usual in US but I have never had then here -when I have my smears I just let my knees flop open but am really self conscious about that and dread having to get into any special equipment! Anyone else had a colposcopy and what do you lie on - a bed/chair/ or what? Thanks.

Its like a dentists chair with raised bits to either side for your legs to rest on. It doesn't hurt, is about as uncomfortable as a normal smear and its not any more embarrassing either - lets face it someone is looking inside you with what is a glorified torch, it ain't the most dignified thing to start with!

Look at it this way, whatever they're doing is for your own good so you just let them get on with it, life is too short to be worrying about the minor details.

Take a magazine or book, something to keep your mind occupied (or as occupied as it can be) and grit your teeth - it'll be over before you know it!

I had a colposcopy twenty five years ago, and I expect it has improved even more since. yes feet were in stirrups but that's nothing to be afraid of - you are laid on your back so in fact the stirrups support your feet. There is a slight element of embarrassment - but only if you are a shy type person, if you have ever had a child then this will not bother you, I promise. Good luck, like I say I am still here now - and if you want any advice or encouragement email me, take care.

The stirrups are just the things you put your feet in. They stick out from the end of the table. I had a colposcopy and laid the same way as I do having a pap. But, the colposcopy lasted longer. I was sore after mine and wished I had had someone drive me. Unfortunately, I had driven myself. If you can, take someone with you because you might not feel like driving home. Don't worry about the stirrups. They aren't anything that they strap you into or anything like that. They are just foot rests.

Yes it is true unfortunately - I have had 3 such procedures in the last 10 years. You will be laid on a bed similar to when having as smear. No it is not nice at all in fact it is s*** and afterwards for a while you have to wear pads BUT this procedure could save your life! So grit your teeth, take a deep breath knowing it has to be done. Take someone with you who maybe able to give you some support.
Before you go, plan a 'treat' for yourself for when you are OK so you can look forward to that.
Also when you get your results and hopefully they are clear, if you are not in a long term relationship use condoms - they sometimes can help prevent this happening.
Unprotected sex causes the cell changes that lead to this treatment being needed. Hope this might help - Good Luck.

You are right - but although a little embarrassing and a bit uncomfortable, its all over pretty soon - last time I had one, I was single and it was on valentines day!! - Being the not-so-tactful person that I am I pronounced - "well at least someone's getting a look up there today" Dear oh dear oh dear!!!

Best of luck anyway xx

hi. I had a colposcopy test not that long ago myself and to be honest you do have your legs in stirrups and you kinda lie on a big chair thing. Its not too bad hun but it aint too hot either. For what its worth though it takes bout ten mins and not worth getting worked up over. good luck though!

stirrups are loops connected to poles at the end of the bed to raise and separate your legs

i know how u feel i have had 7 kids and never had to put my feet in stirrups when i was pregnant for first time i was worried about this as someone told u had to have them for giving birth. guess they are one of those things once u have used them u get used to it. dont its so much it being special equipment its only to rest your legs on so they dont move and doc can see, its more about the loss of dignity but dont forget the staff will have seen thousand s of women in this position and they wont think anything about it. your health is more important than embarrassment.

Yes been there done that! You do put your legs in stirrups and they insert a camera which you can see your self on a monitor at the side of you. I am in UK and had this done about a year ago. I got worked up about it but really its not worth it. Just make sure you havent had sex 24 hrs before and that you are clean.

you lie in the chair and the nurse will get you into position and its stirrups to stop your legs from flopping and its really comfortable,yes its embarrassing but we all have the same, just talk away and try to relax its so as the doctor can examine you properly? and the doctors see hundreds per week I said to the doctor If you see anything you have not seen before just shoot it ?yes it was nerves but we all had a we laugh you take care and don't worry people are there you are not alone,and they are there to help you

you lie on a hospital trolley and you put your legs in stirrups and you get laser treatment to get rid of the abnormal cells it does not take long to do then you are allowed to rest for a while

now for this operation i was put under the anaesthetic so i was not aware of anything and i woke up in the recovery room after at least half an hour after it was done and then i was transfered to a ward where i was to rest for at least 2 hrs or more then i was told no sex for at least 2 weeks

if you are nervous be put under the anaesthetic and you will have nothing to worry about - trust i had it done back in 1996

good luck