To schedule
your colposcopy please call 617-566-1535
These are just a few questions you might have.
Your specific questions
will be answered by your doctor prior to the procedure.
-
Colposcopy (kol-POS-ko-pe) means looking at the "skin" covering a woman's vulva, vagina, and cervix with a colposcope, or low powered microscope. The doctor examines the external genitals (the vulva), the vagina, and the cervix (the opening to the uterus). The colposcope magnifies the areas, letting your doctor examine the cervix closely. Direct examination through the colposcope allows the detection of abnormalities on the cervix that can not be seen with the naked eye.
-
This is commonly done after an abnormal pap smear.
How
do I prepare for this test?
- Do not use any medicine or cream in the vagina for two days before this test.
- If you have your period on the day of your test, you may need to reschedule your appointment. If your flow is very light, we can usually do the procedure. If your flow is heavy, we'll want to reschedule. Please call us to make a new appointment, or if you're unsure if you should have your test or not.
- If you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen Sodium, it is suggested that you premedicate one hour before your appointment.
What will happen during
this test?
- You are awake during the test. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
- First, a speculum is put into the vagina.
- The doctor inserts a small swab to clean the cervix.
- The doctor then uses the colposcope to look at your genital area.
The colposcope does not go into the vagina. The doctor looks
through the colposcope as she
examines the vulva, vagina, and cervix.
So far, this test feels a lot like a routine pelvic (or internal) exam. One difference is that the speculum may have to be re-positioned frequently. For some women, this is uncomfortable. If you take slow, deep breaths, it will help you relax through this part of the test. - Your doctor will then apply a vinegar solution which will allow them to visualize any abnormal cells.
- Any areas showing abnormal cells will be biopsied. When the biopsy is done, it feels like a "pinch." If a biopsy is done, it can cause some cramps, like menstrual cramps. If the biopsy is from outside the vagina, a numbing medicine such as Novocaine may be used first.
- The area of the biopsy may bleed. A medicine will be applied to the area to stop the bleeding.
What
happens after a biopsy?
- Some women who have had a biopsy feel some cramps for a short while. If you have any cramping after the procedure, you may continue the Ibuprofen or Naproxen Sodium for relief.
- A few women feel faint or dizzy for a short while after a biopsy. If this happens, you will be asked to rest until you are well enough to leave.
- You do not need sedatives or anesthesia for this test, so it's OK for you to leave by yourself.
- You may have light discharge from the vagina (brown, black, or pink) or light bleeding for a few days.
- After this test, your next period might be a little heavy.
What happens
after this test?
-
It takes about one week for the biopsy results to come back. Your doctor will call you with the results and plan for follow up or further treatment.
Are
there any special instructions to follow after a biopsy?
- Do not have intercourse (sex), use tampons, douche, or put anything in your vagina for one week.
- Do not do any heavy exercise, aerobics, or lifting for 2 days.
- You should change your pad at least every six hours.
- If you take birth control pills, it is important to keep taking them even though you are not having sex.
- If you used another method of birth control (diaphragm, condom, foam), use it when you start having sex again.
To schedule
your colposcopy please call 617-566-1535