Colposcopy is a diagnostic technique that allows your doctor to check any abnormalities in your cervix or vaginal walls. The doctor uses a unique device called a colposcope, which magnifies your cervical and vaginal tissues. Miami advanced colposcopy can check for cancer or precancerous cells and test for genital warts and polyps. Your doctor can also recommend the procedure to evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding and vulva itching. If you have any cervical abnormality, your doctor can do a biopsy to test for cancerous and precancerous cells.
Preparation for colposcopy
If you are pregnant, inform your doctor to discuss possible risks. Colposcopy can be done during pregnancy, but you can have higher chances of bleeding if your doctor performs a biopsy during the process. You should schedule the procedure when you are not menstruating. You can still have a colposcopy during your period, but it is easier for your provider to view your cervix when you are not bleeding.
Additionally, avoid sexual intercourse and any penetrations in your vagina like fingers and sex toys, forty-eight hours before colposcopy. Avoid tampons and vaginal medications because they can alter the procedure’s results. Your doctor can recommend you take a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before your process to prevent pain or discomfort.
Colposcopy procedure
You can have a colposcopy in a hospital or a clinic, and anesthesia is required. Your doctor will recommend you lie on an examination table with your feet in stirrups. The doctor will insert a tool known as a speculum to widen your vagina so that your cervix is visible. The provider will look at the vagina and cervix through a colposcope.
A colposcope contains light and binocular-like lenses that enable your doctor to view your cervix. The colposcope remains outside your vagina the entire procedure. Your doctor will apply acetic acid to your cervix using a cotton swab to highlight any abnormal cervical area. You may experience a slight burning feeling. If you have any abnormal tissue, your doctor may perform a biopsy to extract the tissue for further tests.
The entire colposcopy procedure takes between ten to thirty minutes. You can go back to your usual activities immediately after the process.
After colposcopy
After colposcopy, you may experience spotting for the next two days if you have a biopsy. If you had a biopsy, you could experience light vaginal bleeding and slight vaginal pain, lasting for a few days. A biopsy can also lead to vaginal discharge appearing black or brown due to the acid solution. You can use pads to manage the bleeding and vaginal discharge.
Do not insert anything in your vagina after the procedure. Give your cervix time to heal by avoiding sex, tampons, or douching. Your doctor will tell you the period you will avoid these activities for adequate recovery. Contact your provider if you experience severe vagina pain or heavy bleeding. The provider will notify you when to get your results. But they mostly take two to ten days.
Colposcopy helps your doctor to check for abnormalities in your cervix and vagina. It can detect genital warts, cervix inflammation, and precancerous cells. Schedule an appointment at The Miami Institute for Women’s Health colposcopy to check for cervical and vagina disorders and start early treatment.
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