Expert: Doctor Early Options - 6/11/2008

Question
i just had an abortion 7 days ago,and i just found out that my paps test was abnormal and they want to do colposcopy in a month from now..(fya:paps test was done before the  pregnancy and the abortion)
I am scared that this colposcopy  affects on  me getting pregnant in the future..
dOES it affects future pregnancy?
And one more question what if they found out i had cervical cancer,can i still get pregnant?
i mean i want to have a baby before anything happens to me..
i also thought to get pregnant before this olposcopy and then when i deliver the baby i will do it..
But is that going to affect my baby's health ?
thank you for helping me..
I am living in pain..
Thank you..

Answer
Dear Nancy,
Colposcopy and abortion do not affect your fertility.  You should be able to get pregnant when you are ready.  Neither affect your ability to carry a pregnancy or a baby's health.
If you have an abnormal Pap smear YOU DO NOT HAVE CERVICAL CANCER.  It is a very common misunderstanding.  You have cells that are suspicious for developing cancer.  If left alone, after a decade, they MIGHT turn into cancer.  A colposcopy just evaluates those cells and removes cells that look suspicious for cancer.  Pap smears and colposcopy are very effective, and if you are getting your pap smears regularly, you should never develop cervical cancer.  This in no way should affect your decision about getting pregnant.
It would also be important for you to talk directly with your doctor about these concerns.  They should be explaining this to you.  I'm sorry you've been worrying so much - you are completely normal and healthy.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan