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What is Colposcopy?

What is Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a procedure that screens for precancerous or cancerous cells in the vulva, vaginal walls, and cervix. Your doctor could recommend a colposcopy if you have an abnormal Pap test or a positive HPV test to get a more precise diagnosis.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a procedure for diagnosis that allows your physician to look for abnormal tissue in the walls of your vagina and the cervix, the bottom section of your uterus. The tissue lining your cervix and vagina is magnified during the treatment using a special illuminated microscope known as a colposcope.

A colposcopy may be recommended by a doctor if you:

Had abnormal results from a Pap test or Pap smear
Had unusual findings during a pelvic exam
Tested positive for HPV (human papillomavirus)

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Severe pain in your pelvis or lower abdomen

Heavy bleeding (more than what you typically experience during your period)

Signs of infection, such as a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that is thicker than usual, fever, or chills.

What Happens During a Colposcopy?

You’ll lie on an exam table similar to a pelvic exam. The doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into your vagina and open it, separating the vaginal walls for a clear view of your cervix. They will then wash your cervix with a vinegar-like solution to highlight abnormal cells. They will check your cervix with a colposcope, a device that looks like binoculars and is mounted on a strong light stand. The colposcope is still external to your body. If they find any anomalies, they will do a biopsy, collecting a small sample of tissue and sending it to a laboratory for examination.

Does a Colposcopy Hurt?

A colposcopy is usually almost painless. You might feel some pressure when the speculum is inserted. When your cervix is washed with a vinegar-like solution, you could experience a slight stinging or burning sensation.

If a biopsy is performed, you may feel some discomfort, often described as a sharp pinch or a menstrual cramp. After a biopsy, it’s common to have light spotting, bleeding, or dark discharge from your vagina for a few days.

How to Prepare

Your healthcare team may advise you to prepare for your colposcopy by doing the following:
Choose a time for your colposcopy that will not coincide with your menstrual cycle.
Prevent sexual activity via the vagina for one or two days before the surgery.
Tampon use should be avoided for a day or two before the colposcopy.

What Can a Colposcopy Diagnose?

A colposcopy can help identify:

Genital warts.

Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)

Noncancerous growths on the cervix

Precancerous changes in the cervical tissue.

Precancerous changes in the vaginal tissue.

Precancerous changes in the vulvar tissue.

Cervical cancer.

Vaginal cancer.

Vulvar cancer.

Conclusion

Colposcopy is a simple and not-too-painful procedure that can help your doctor find cancer or precancerous cells early. If they’re caught early, cervical cancer can be cured. Colposcopy can also provide reassurance by confirming the absence of cancer. Before your exam, talk to your doctor about any worries you have about cancer and what might happen next.

Ankura Hospital
Author: Ankura Hospital

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