Colposcopy

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Colposcopy is a procedure performed to closely examine your cervix and vagina for signs of disease. During colposcopy, your doctor uses a special instrument called a colposcope.

Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if your Pap test has returned abnormal results. If your doctor finds an unusual area of cells during colposcopy, a sample of tissue can be collected for laboratory testing (biopsy).

 

Colposcopy can be used to diagnose:  

• Cervical cancer
•  Genital warts
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
• Precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix
• Precancerous changes in the cells of the vagina
• Vaginal cancer

Coping with anxiety before your colposcopy

Women who are very anxious about their colposcopy may experience more pain during the procedure than those who find ways to control and manage their anxiety.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) before going to your colposcopy appointment.
• Write down any questions or concerns you have about the procedure, and ask your doctor to review them with you before your colposcopy begins. 
• Find activities that help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, and being with friends and family. 
• Consider bringing a portable music device, such as an MP3 player, to your colposcopy appointment. Ask your doctor if it's OK if you listen to music quietly during the exam. Women may experience less pain and anxiety if they listen to music during colposcopy.

During the colposcopy

Colposcopy is usually done in a doctor's office and the procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll lie on your back on a table with your feet in supports, just as during a pelvic exam or Pap test.

The doctor places a speculum in your vagina. The speculum holds open the walls of your vagina so your doctor can see your cervix.

Your doctor positions the special magnifying instrument, called a colposcope, a few inches away from your vagina. A bright light is shown into your vagina and your doctor looks through the lens, as if using binoculars.

Your cervix and vagina are swabbed with cotton to clear away any mucus. Your doctor may apply a solution of vinegar or another type of solution to the area. This may cause a burning or tingling sensation. The solution helps highlight any areas of suspicious cells.

During the biopsy

If your doctor finds a suspicious area, a small sample of tissue may be collected for laboratory testing. To collect the tissue, your doctor uses a sharp biopsy instrument to remove a small piece of tissue. If there are multiple suspicious areas, your doctor may take multiple biopsy samples.

What you feel during a biopsy depends on what type of tissue is being removed:

• Cervical biopsy. A cervical biopsy won't hurt, but you may feel some pressure or cramping.
• Vaginal biopsy. Most of the vagina has little sensation and you won't feel pain during the biopsy.

Your doctor may apply a chemical to the biopsy area to limit bleeding.

After the colposcopy

If your doctor didn't take a biopsy sample during your colposcopy, you won't have any restrictions on your daily activity once your exam is complete. You may experience some spotting or very light bleeding from your vagina in the next day or two.

If you had a biopsy sample taken during your colposcopy, you may experience:

• Vaginal pain that lasts one or two days
• Light bleeding from your vagina that lasts a few days
• A dark discharge from your vagina

Use a pad to catch any blood or discharge. Avoid tampons, douching and having vaginal intercourse for a week after your biopsy.

Risks

Colposcopy is a safe procedure that carries very few risks. Rarely, complications can occur, including:

• bleeding
• Infection
• Pelvic pain

  

When to call your doctor

Signs and symptoms that may indicate complications include:

• Bleeding that is heavier than what you typically experience during your period
• Chills
• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Smelly vaginal discharge

Call your doctor if you experience any of these signs and symptoms after your colposcopy.

Results

 Before you leave your colposcopy appointment, ask your doctor when you can expect the results. Also ask for a phone number you may call in the event you don't hear back from your doctor within a specified time.

The results of your colposcopy will determine whether you'll need any further testing and treatment.