Colposcopy Procedure Description

What you need to know about a Colposcopy Procedure

Colposcopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to closely examine your vagina, cervix, and vulva to check for signs of disease. It is usually performed if cervical screenings show abnormal cells in your cervix. A colposcopy can help diagnose cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, genital warts, as well as to find the cause of problems such as unusual vaginal bleeding.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

During the procedure, you lie in a special chair and your doctor inserts a device known as a speculum into your vagina to keep it open. Then, a microscope with light is used to look at your cervix and your doctor may apply special liquids to your cervix to highlight abnormal areas. After that, a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) may be removed for examination in a laboratory. The procedure is often carried out without anesthetic.

How Long Should You Stay in the Country?

You should be able to leave the area the next day after the procedure if you get the results immediately. However, if you had a biopsy, you may need to stay for 7 to 14 days or until your doctor has the results.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

A colposcopy usually does not need any downtime and you should be able to go back to work right away. If you have a biopsy you may want to rest for a couple of days. You should also avoid vaginal intercourse, tampons, and douching for at least a week after your biopsy.

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

There are no restrictions after colposcopy, but you may need to use pads to catch any blood or other discharge after the procedure. Also, if the result shows that you have a disease, you will need to attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor at your destination or your local doctor to discuss your treatment plan.

What is the Success Rate for a Colposcopy Procedure?

Colposcopy is almost always successful to find out any issues in your vagina, cervix, and vulva. Although it is rare, there is always a risk that the results are incorrect. There are also side effects and complications you need to be aware of, such as heavy bleeding, infection, and pelvic pain.

Are there Alternatives to a Colposcopy Procedure?

It is highly advisable to discuss with your doctor what your alternatives to colposcopy are. In some cases, Pap smear or HPV is enough to screen any abnormalities in your vagina, cervix, and vulva.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Before the procedure, you have symptoms or abnormal vaginal bleeding that has an unknown cause. After the procedure, you will find out what the cause is and you can consult with your doctor for the best option to treat your condition.

For an in-depth analysis of a Colposcopy Procedure, watch this short video.

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