Verified By Apollo Gynecologist December 5, 2020
5195A Colposcopy is a simple medical procedure carried out to examine your vulva, cervix, and vagina. The procedure is similar to a Pap Smear test. The doctor uses a magnifying instrument, known as a Colposcope, for the procedure. Usually, a Colposcopy is carried out if your Pap Smear test results are abnormal.
Upon examination, if your doctor comes across any growth of abnormal cells during the procedure, further laboratory tests, such as a biopsy, may be carried out.
Your doctor may recommend a Colposcopy if they believe something may not be right about your vagina or cervix. Other reasons as to why you may need a Colposcopy include:
Once your doctor gets the results of the Colposcopy, they will know whether further tests are required.
If you notice anything unusual about your vulva, vagina, or cervix, immediately consult a doctor to assess if there is any problem.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
Preparing for the procedure does not require much. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind during the preparation of a Colposcopy:
Many women experience anxiety before their Colposcopy. Anxiety may cause difficulty in sleeping, concentrating, or fears about the procedure. Women who are anxious before the procedure experience more pain during their colposcopies than women who are not. You can express your concerns and fears about the procedure with your doctor.
Women tend to be less anxious during their Colposcopy procedures if they listen to music. Consider asking your doctor if you may quietly listen to music during the procedure to keep your mind off of it.
Does a Colposcopy Hurt?
Generally, Colposcopy is a pain-free procedure. You may feel some pressure when the doctor inserts the speculum in your vagina. You may also feel a slight burning sensation when the doctor uses the vinegar-like solution. If a biopsy is performed, you may feel slight discomfort and pain.
How is a Colposcopy Performed?
A Colposcopy is a simple procedure that takes about 10 to 20 minutes. It is usually performed in the doctor’s office. It does not require an anesthetic. Here is what you can expect from the procedure:
Biopsy during a colposcopy
If the doctor finds abnormal cell growth during the Colposcopy, a biopsy may be performed for further tests. The doctor may use a sharp biopsy instrument or tool to collect a sample of the abnormal cells. Depending on the location being tested, the procedure may feel different.
Colposcopy is usually painless, but a cervical biopsy might cause mild pain, discomfort, or bleeding in some women. The doctor may recommend a mild pain reliever 30 minutes before the biopsy.
Most parts of the vagina have little sensation. You may not feel any pain during the biopsy. But the biopsy of the lower part of the vagina or vulva may cause pain or discomfort. The doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before proceeding with the biopsy.
A Colposcopy is a routine procedure, and very few risks are associated with it. Complications after the procedure are rare as well.
Once the procedure is completed, your doctor may apply a liquid bandage on your cervix to stop the bleeding. For the next few days, you may notice a brown or reddish-brown vaginal discharge. You may even notice it looks like coffee grounds. Usually, the discharge clears up after a few days of the procedure.
If you notice any of the following signs of infections, immediately call your doctor:
There are slim chances of the Colposcopy tests coming incorrect. In some cases, the abnormal cells grow back in the future, even after the doctor completely removes them. This is why the doctors recommend regular checkups and Pap Smear tests to ensure your cervix and vagina are in order and there are no abnormal cells.
Once the procedure is completed, you may notice:
After the Colposcopy, your vagina may feel a bit sore as well.
If you did not have a biopsy, you could resume normal activities right away.
If you had a biopsy, avoid the use of vaginal creams, fragrant vaginal products, and tampons for a few days. Avoid having sexual intercourse for about a week. If you have any concerns and fears about the procedure, discuss them with your doctor.
The Results of a Colposcopy
After the Colposcopy, ask your doctor when you can expect the results. The results will determine whether you need further tests or treatment.
The biopsy results may help diagnose abnormal cells in your vulva, vagina, or cervix. Based on the results, the doctor may recommend further tests, if needed. If the biopsy results show precancerous or cancerous cells in your vagina, you may require further treatments. To remove the abnormal cells, the doctor may recommend:
Liquid gas is used to freeze the abnormal cells in the vagina or cervix.
A cone-shaped piece of tissue of abnormal cells is removed from the cervix.
The abnormal cells are removed using a wire loop. It also carries an electric current.
The bottom line
A Colposcopy is a simple procedure that helps the doctor diagnose a number of problems with your vulva, vagina, or cervix. The risks and side effects associated with the Colposcopy are extremely rare. The majority of women do not face any complications or side effects from the procedure.
1. Can a Colposcopy detect cancer?
The Colposcopy is carried out to examine the vulva, vagina, or cervix. The procedure can detect any abnormal precancerous or cancerous cells. Vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and genital warts can also be diagnosed through a Colposcopy.
2. What can you not do after a Colposcopy?
For about 24 hours after the Colposcopy, take it easy, and avoid heavy work. Do not indulge in sexual intercourse as well. Avoid the use of tampons, vaginal creams and products, and douches.
3. Does Colposcopy affect future pregnancy?
The chances of getting pregnant are the same in women who have had a Colposcopy and those who have had other vaginal surgical procedures. Colposcopy does not affect a future pregnancy.
4. What happens if a biopsy result comes abnormal?
The biopsy test looks for precancerous or cancerous cells in the tissue sample taken from the vagina or cervix. If there are cancerous cells present in the sample, your doctor will provide you with further treatment options to remove them from the area.
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