Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a procedure used to examine the cervix, vagina and vulva tissues through a special magnifying device called a colposcope, which shines a light onto the vagina and cervix and enlarges the normal view by 2 to 60 times. This exam allows the doctor to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.

A colposcopy is done when a Pap test result shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. It enables the doctor to find about more about the abnormal cells and assess other problems, including:

  • Genital warts on the cervix
  • Cervicitis (an inflamed cervix)
  • Benign (not cancerous) growths, such as polyps
  • Pain
  • Bleeding

Sometimes a colposcopy may need to be done more than once. It also can be used to check the results of a treatment.

The procedure should be scheduled when you are not having your period. For at least 24 hours before the test, you should not:

  • Douche
  • Use tampons
  • Use vaginal medications
  • Have sex

As with a pelvic exam, you will lie on your back with your feet placed in the stirrups for support. A speculum will be used to hold apart the vaginal walls, and the colposcope will be placed just outside the opening of your vagina. A mild solution will be applied to your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab to make abnormal areas on the cervix easier to see. You may feel a slight burning.

If your doctor sees areas of abnormal cells, he or she may take tissue samples for biopsy using a special device called endocervical curettage (ECC). When the biopsy results come back from the lab, your doctor will discuss them with you. Depending on the results, you may need to be checked more often, or you may need further testing or treatments.

Recovery

If you have a colposcopy without a biopsy, you should feel fine right away. You can do the things you normally do, though you may have some spotting for a few days.

If you have a colposcopy with a biopsy, your vagina may feel sore for one or two days and you may have some vaginal bleeding. You may also have a dark discharge resulting from the medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site. If so, wear a sanitary pad until the discharge stops.

Your doctor may suggest you limit your activity for a brief time. While the cervix heals, you should not:

  • Have sex
  • Use tampons
  • Douche

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these problems:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one sanitary pad per hour)
  • Severe lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Chills

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