COLPOSCOPY

Colposcopy is a procedure to look at the vagina and cervix that is done in the office. A colposcope, a low-powered microscope that looks like binoculars, is used to do the exam. It magnifies the cervix 10 to 40 times, so your healthcare provider can see the suspicious areas more closely. It may have a camera attached that allows the area to be seen on a TV monitor, as the test is being performed.

A colposcopy is done after a female has had an abnormal Pap smear that may indicate an infection, a precancerous growth, or cancer. It can detect cancer of the cervix at an early stage, which is much easier to treat. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You should not douche or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the test. No special preparation is needed. But it may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder and bowel before the test.

You will be asked to lie on the exam table and place your legs in stirrups as you would for a Pap test. Your provider will insert a speculum into your vagina. This is the same tool used during a Pap test. It will be opened slightly to spread the vagina, so the cervix can be seen.

A chemical, similar to vinegar, is placed on the cervix and vagina with a cotton ball or swab. You may feel a slight stinging sensation caused by the solution, but it is not painful. The vinegar removes the mucus and makes it easier to see abnormal tissue, such as whitish patches or areas that are reddened or wasting away.

The colposcope is placed at the opening of the vagina and the area is thoroughly examined. Photographs may also be taken. A small piece of tissue can be removed for further examination under a microscope in the laboratory. This removal is called a biopsy. There is a small area of the cervix that cannot be seen with the scope. Samples of this area are taken by gently scraping or brushing the cervix, similar to the Pap smear.

The cervix has little pain sensation, so no anesthesia is needed. The biopsy may feel like a slight pinch, pull, or tug when the tissue is removed. If you have any discomfort, take slow deep breaths. This will help you relax and ease the discomfort. You may also have some cramping for a short time afterwards.

You may have a little dark-colored, sandy discharge from the vagina for a few days after the procedure. If you have a biopsy the bleeding may last up to a week. You may notice a thick black discharge after a biopsy. If so, it is caused by a thick, brownish-yellow paste that is placed on the area to stop the bleeding. When it mixes with blood, it forms a thick black discharge. This may last for a few days.

A mild solution may be prescribed as a douche after the procedure. But if you have a biopsy, you should not douche, have sexual intercourse, or use tampons for 2 weeks, in order to allow the area to heal.

Contact your provider if:

the bleeding is unusually heavy (more than 1 pad per hour)
the bleeding lasts longer than 2 weeks
you have lower abdominal pain (a little cramping may be expected) or
you notice any signs of infection (fever or foul smelling vaginal odor or discharge).

Your provider will notify you of the results within 1 to 2 weeks.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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