Question: What is a colposcopy and what can I expect during it?
Answer: 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.
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 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.
Please remember it is important to abstain from douching and intercourse 24 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.
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 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.
Please remember it is important to abstain from douching and intercourse 24 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.
