What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure that uses a special microscope
called a colposcope to look into the vagina and to look very
closely at the cervix. The colposcope magnifies, or enlarges,
the image of the outer portion of the cervix. It is somewhat
like looking through a pair of binoculars. This allows your
doctor to see the outer portion of the cervix better. Sometimes
a small sample of tissue is taken for further study. The tissue
samples help the health care provide to figure out how to treat
any problems found. And, if cancer of the cervix is found early,
or a pre cancerous change of cells is found, it can be treated
and almost always can be cured. Also, for pre cancers and early
cancers of the cervix, sometimes removal of part of the cervix
may be the only treatment needed.
Why would a woman need a colposcopy?
colposcopy is usually done when a woman has an abnormal Pap-Smear.
Other reasons a woman may need a colposcopy is when, during
a pelvic exam, the cervix, vagina, or vulva looks abnormal to
the health care provider.
What happens during the procedure?
When you have a colposcopy, you will lie on an exam table just
like you do when you have a regular pelvic exam. The health
care provider uses an instrument called a speculum to spread
the walls of the vagina apart. She or he then place the colposcope,
which is like a microscope with a light on the end, at the opening
of the vagina. The colposcope does not enter the vagina. The
health care provider will look inside the vagina to locate any
problem areas on the cervix or in the vagina. If any areas are
of concern, the health care provider may take a small tissue
sample. When this is done, the health care provider first numbs
the area but you may feel a slight pinch or cramp. The tissue
is then sent to a lab for further study.
What happens after the procedure?
Your health care provider will talk with you about what she
or he saw inside your vagina and cervix. Most women feel fine
after a colposcopy. You may feel a little lightheaded and if
you had a biopsy, you may have some light bleeding. Talk to
your health care provider about how to take care of yourself
after the procedure and when you need to return for a checkup.
Are there any risks with having a colposcopy performed?
There is a very small risk of infection when you have a colposcopy.
You may have mild pain and cramping during the procedure and
light bleeding afterwards. This mos often happens when a biopsy
is done. If you have heavy bleeding, a fever, or sever pain
after the procedure, you should contact your health care provider
right away.
