A colposcopy is usually done by your gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. The exam is best performed while you are not menstruating. You should also avoid putting any products in your vagina, like creams or tampons.
The test is a quick outpatient procedure and typically causes little to no pain. However, if you had a biopsy during the exam, you may notice dark vaginal discharge for several days.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an examination of the opening to your uterus, called the cervix. It’s usually done after a pap smear results show cell changes or abnormalities. During the exam, a special medical instrument called a colposcope magnifies your cervical tissue so doctors can see it more clearly. It’s typically performed by an OB-GYN or specialist nurse.
During a colposcopy, you lie on a table with padded supports to hold up your legs. The doctor inserts a metal device in your vagina, called a speculum. It holds your vagina open as the doctor looks at the cervix through the colposcope. If they see an area of concern, they might treat it there and then. They might also take a sample of cells for testing in a laboratory.
The procedure takes up to 20 minutes – This piece of text comes from the portal Erotic Ecstasy. You may feel crampy for a few minutes afterward. You can get a colposcopy at your doctor’s office, at some community health clinics, or at Planned Parenthood health centers.
After a colposcopy, you should rest for at least a week. This means avoiding vaginal sexual activity and not using tampons or douching products. This will allow your cervix to heal and reduce the risk of complications. If you do need to use lubricants, be sure to practice good hygiene and use a barrier method of protection.
Preparation for a colposcopy exam
You will probably get a letter inviting you for a colposcopy if your cervical screening test (Pap smear) results indicate abnormal cells that could be related to human papillomavirus. You can have the procedure with your gynecologist or an obstetrician.
You should avoid putting anything in your vagina for several days prior to the exam, including creams, douching products and tampons. You should also abstain from sexual intercourse during this time to ensure the doctor has the best view of the tissue to be examined.
The procedure usually takes place in a clinic or hospital. You will be asked to remove your undergarments and lie down on an examination table with your legs in stirrups. A device called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina to widen it. The speculum will remain in place throughout the exam. You may experience some mild pain, similar to period pain. You can take an over-the-counter painkiller containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you want. However, taking acetaminophen can increase your bleeding during and after the procedure.
The colposcope is placed over your cervix, and your doctor will look for abnormal areas of tissue. If they see spots that are suspicious, they may ask you to have a biopsy. This involves removing small samples of tissue and sending them to the lab for further testing. You may experience some discomfort during the biopsy, but this should go away shortly after it is completed.
During a colposcopy exam
A colposcopy is a relatively quick and painless procedure, though some women experience mild discomfort or pain. To reduce this, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers before your appointment. You should also avoid vaginal sexual intercourse, douching, and tampons for 48 hours before your exam. You should also schedule your appointment on a day when you are not having your period.
Once you arrive at the office, you will need to undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown. Your doctor will empty your bladder and then ask you to lie down on an exam table. A healthcare provider will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls apart and expose your cervix. They may also take a sample of cells from the cervix for testing.
You will likely experience light bleeding or spotting for a few days after your colposcopy exam. This is due to the minor trauma that the cervix undergoes during the test. To minimize this, you can use pads instead of tampons, and you should be sure to use a new pad each time. It is also important to avoid sex until your cervix is healed, which can take up to four weeks. However, the timeline varies from woman to woman. Some may be ready to resume sexual activity within a week, while others will need several weeks or even months.
Post-colposcopy exam
After your colposcopy exam, you can shower and get dressed. But don’t put anything in your vagina (creams, douches, tampons) or have sexual intercourse until your doctor says it’s OK. You may have some spotting and light vaginal discharge for a few days. This is normal.
When your doctor has a clear view of your cervix and vagina, they can use the colposcope to examine these areas for abnormal cells that might lead to cervical cancer. They can also take a small sample of these cells to send to the lab for testing, which is called a cervical biopsy.
If they find an area that’s suspicious, your doctor can perform a cone biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LLETZ) to remove the abnormal cell. This is a quick and painless procedure. But it can cause some bleeding and vaginal discharge that’s dark from the acetic acid solution used during the procedure.
A colposcopy isn’t painful for most women. But some feel pressure when the speculum enters their vagina. Some also have a burning sensation like they’re having a period when the acetic acid comes into contact with their cervix. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with this if needed. Some women may feel a little dizzy or lightheaded after the procedure. If this happens, it’s best to lie down until the feeling passes.
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