It also discusses a colposcopy biopsy and what the results may mean.
Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health
Why Is a Colposcopy Done?
A colposcopy allows your healthcare provider to get a better look at your cervix and vaginal walls.
Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health
It is used to examine lesions or abnormalities with the aid of magnification.
A biopsy is sometimes taken during a colposcopy.
Colposcopy Risks and Contraindications
In general, colposcopy is considered safe.
If this is the case, expect the procedure to last about 10 to 20 minutes.
Location
A colposcopy is done in the healthcare provider’s examination room.
What to Wear
you might wear whatever is comfortable on your way to the test.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and may be asked to change into a gown.
Food and Drink
There are no food or drink restrictions associated with a colposcopy.
The amount will be on the higher end if a biopsy is needed.
What Happens During a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is typically performed by agynecologistor other healthcare provider.
An assistant or nurse may be on hand to assist.
Once on the examination table, you will lie down and place your feet in stirrups.
Throughout the Test
Your healthcare provider will place a speculum into your vagina.
Your healthcare provider will then take careful note of what they can see.
Blood vessel enlargement, bleeding, or irregularities are often visible through the colposcope.
When swabbed with acetic acid, areas of abnormal cervical tissues will immediately turn white and opaque.
Your healthcare provider may insert Lugol’s solution, which is composed of iodine and potassium iodide.
Finally, your healthcare provider may take a tissue sample, if necessary, from the abnormal areas.
Post-Colposcopy
Once your healthcare provider removes the speculum, you may need a few minutes to rest.
If a sample was collected, it will be prepared to be sent to a lab.
Normally, it’s possible for you to be discharged to go home at that time.
Colposcopy Recovery
If you have a colposcopy without a biopsy, you may have very mild spotting.
You should use a sanitary pad and not a tampon for the bleeding and discharge.
This includes abstaining from sexual intercourse.
Both are uncommon but can occur.
How Painful Is a Colposcopy?
While a colposcopy isn’t necessarily a comfortable experience, it should not be painful.
If you experience pain, it’s often due to cervical inflammation or infection.
Tell your provider if the procedure is causing you pain.
If your pain becomes severe, or you experience it with other symptoms, seek medical care.
Some busy gynecological practices only call if the biopsy is positive.
In addition, many doctor’s offices post online to a patient portal where you might view test results.
A negative result means no cancer was detected.
If you have a medical condition diagnosed by colposcopy, your next step is either treatment or further evaluation.
For example, if you have an infection, you may need to be treated with anantibiotic.
A cancer diagnosis will require further tests and treatments.
It is generally easy to tolerate with few side effects.
In general, most medical conditions diagnosed by colposcopy are treatable.
Even cervical cancer, in fact, has a goodprognosiswhen it is diagnosed early and treated promptly.
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