Question: What is a colposcopy and what happens during the procedure?
Answer: If a Pap smear detects cell changes, or if your doctor can see dysplasia during the smear, the next step is to perform a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a medical procedure that allows a physician to view your cervix with a microscope. It is performed right in the doctor's office and takes between 15-30 minutes to complete.
The procedure is done with an instrument called a colposcope. It is simply a small binocular microscope and is not inserted internally. Many colposcopes have the ability to project the image of the cervix on a monitor.
You will be asked to lay down and put your feet in stirrups, as you did for your Pap smear. The doctor will then insert a speculum into the vagina, widening the canal.
Next, an acetic solution (vinegar) will be applied to your cervix with a cotton swab. When the solution is applied, abnormal cells will turn white. This allows the doctor to identify abnormal cells.
If abnormal cells are found, the doctor may decide to do a biopsy. A biopsy means that a small sample of tissue is removed using small forceps. The amount of samples taken depends on the the area of cells that are abnormal. You may feel discomfort as samples as taken. Anesthesia is not usually given.
Please remember that it is important to abstain from douching and intercourse 48 hours prior to the colposcopy. Be sure to inform your doctor is you are pregnant, as this may change the way the procedure is done.
The procedure is done with an instrument called a colposcope. It is simply a small binocular microscope and is not inserted internally. Many colposcopes have the ability to project the image of the cervix on a monitor.
You will be asked to lay down and put your feet in stirrups, as you did for your Pap smear. The doctor will then insert a speculum into the vagina, widening the canal.
Next, an acetic solution (vinegar) will be applied to your cervix with a cotton swab. When the solution is applied, abnormal cells will turn white. This allows the doctor to identify abnormal cells.
If abnormal cells are found, the doctor may decide to do a biopsy. A biopsy means that a small sample of tissue is removed using small forceps. The amount of samples taken depends on the the area of cells that are abnormal. You may feel discomfort as samples as taken. Anesthesia is not usually given.
Please remember that it is important to abstain from douching and intercourse 48 hours prior to the colposcopy. Be sure to inform your doctor is you are pregnant, as this may change the way the procedure is done.
