What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a way your doctor can
examine your genitals, vagina and cervix
closely. A colposcope is an instrument
that shines a light on the cervix and
magnifies the view for your doctor. At the
beginning of the exam, you lie back and
place your feet in the stirrups as you
would for a Pap smear. Your doctor inserts
a speculum into your vagina and opens it
slightly so he or she can see your cervix.
Then your doctor applies a vinegar
solution to the cervix and vagina with a
cotton ball or swab. The vinegar makes
abnormal tissue turn white so your doctor
can identify areas that may need further
evaluation.
If your doctor sees areas of abnormal
tissue during the colposcopy, he or she
may also perform a biopsy. This involves
removing small samples of tissue from any
abnormal areas in or around the cervix. A
specialist doctor called a pathologist
will examine these samples.
It usually only takes 20 to 30 minutes for
your doctor to complete a colposcopy and
biopsy.
Why is a colposcopy performed?
A colposcopy is usually performed to help
your doctor find the reason for an
abnormal Pap smear.
Why is colposcopy important?
Colposcopy is important because it can
detect cancer of the cervix at an early
stage. Be sure to talk with your doctor
after the test so that any problems are
taken care of right away.
Is the procedure painful?
If your doctor takes a biopsy sample, you
may feel mild cramps and pinching when he
or she removes the abnormal tissue.
Relaxing your muscles as much as possible
and taking slow, deep breaths during the
procedure may help. You may feel less
discomfort if you take an over-the-counter
pain reliever before the procedure. Ask
your doctor whether you should take
medicine, what kind to take, how much to
take and when to take it. (When you ask,
be sure to let your doctor know if you're
pregnant or if you're allergic to aspirin
or ibuprofen.)
How should I prepare to have a colposcopy?
You may be more comfortable if you empty
your bladder and bowels before the
procedure. Don't douche, use vaginal
medications or tampons, or have sexual
intercourse during the 24 hours before
your appointment.
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Does this procedure affect my ability to
have children?
No. If your doctor takes a biopsy sample,
the amount of tissue taken from your
cervix is very small and removing it will
not affect any future pregnancies.
However, it is important to let your
doctor know if you are pregnant now or
even if you might be pregnant. This
information will change the way your
doctor does the procedure.
Will I have bleeding after a colposcopy?
You may have a dark-colored vaginal
discharge after the colposcopy. If your
doctor takes a biopsy sample, he or she
will put a thick, brownish-yellow paste on
that area to stop any bleeding. When this
paste mixes with blood, it forms a thick
black discharge. It's normal to have this
discharge for a couple of days after the
procedure. It's also normal to have a
little spotting for at least two days
after a colposcopy.
Can I use tampons after the procedure?
No. Don't use tampons or put anything in
your vagina for at least 1 week after the
procedure, or until your doctor tells you
it's safe. Don't have sexual intercourse
for at least 1 week.
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor right away if you have
any of the following problems after your
colposcopy:
Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than
one sanitary pad per hour).
Lower abdominal pain.
Fever, chills or a bad-smelling vaginal
odor.
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When will I get the results of my
colposcopy?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your
doctor to get a report from the
pathologist who looks at your biopsy
samples. Your doctor's office will contact
you when these results are available. You
will need to make a follow-up appointment
with your doctor to talk about the results
and any additional treatment you may need.
Try to schedule an appointment no later
than 1 month after your colposcopy.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial
staff.
Source
American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 06/05
Created: 9/00
This article provides a general overview
on this topic and may not apply to
everyone. To find out if this article
applies to you and to get more information
on this subject, talk to your family
doctor.
