What is a colposcopy? Has anyone had one?

Answer 1

Coloposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears.

A colposcopy is a visual examination of the cervix--a relatively simple and painless procedure, usually performed in your physician's office. The actual procedure lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes.
A colposcopy seems much like a Pap smear, however, there a few important differences. You are positioned on the examination table as in a Pap smear, however acetic acid (such as, common table vinegar) is placed on the cervix which causes the cervical cells to fill with water so light will not pass through them.

Another difference that you will notice is that your physician uses a colposcope to view your cervix. A colposcope is a large, electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from your vagina. A bright light on the end of the colposcope makes it possible for your physician to visualize your cervix.

Your physician focuses on the areas where no light passes through. Abnormal cervical changes are seen as white areas, the whiter the area, the worse the dysplasia. Abnormal blood vessel changes are also apparent through the colposcope. Abnormal vascular changes can occur in dysplasia. Typically, worse the vascular changes are the worse the dysplasia.

If your physician is able to view the entire abnormal area through the colposcope, a tissue sample or biopsy is taken from the whitest abnormal areas and sent to the lab for further evaluation.

Cryosurgery or a freezing of the abnormal cells may be performed next and, in some cases, can make this a diagnostic/ treatment procedure in one. If your physician, is unable to view the entire abnormal area, as when the abnormal area extends inside the cervix, another procedure such as a Cone biopsy or LEEP procedure is performed

Answer 2

Colposcopy is the direct magnified inspection of the surface of a woman’s genital area, including the cervix, vagina, and vulva, using a light source and a binocular microscope. Doctors use the test to evaluate potentially cancerous areas, typically after a Pap smear has indicated the possibility of such a problem. Your doctor also may perform a biopsy (take a sample) of an abnormal area during the procedure.

Colposcopy also can be used to detect inflammatory or infectious changes, harmless or cancerous growths, and traumatic injuries to the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Because the procedure is highly specialized, you should make sure that your doctor has performed many such examinations.

The colposcope itself is an instrument that shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the view for your doctor.

Some FAQs on colposcopy:

How is it performed?
At the beginning of the exam, you lie back and place your feet in the stirrups as you would for a Pap smear. Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina and opens it slightly so he or she can see your cervix. Then your doctor applies a vinegar solution to the cervix and vagina with a cotton ball or swab. The vinegar makes abnormal tissue turn white so your doctor can identify areas that may need further evaluation.

If your doctor sees areas of abnormal tissue during the colposcopy, he or she may also perform a biopsy. This involves removing small samples of tissue from any abnormal areas in or around the cervix. A specialist doctor called a pathologist will examine these samples.

It usually only takes 20 to 30 minutes for your doctor to complete a colposcopy and biopsy.

Colposcopy is important because it can detect cancer of the cervix at an early stage. Be sure to talk with your doctor after the test so that any problems are taken care of right away.

Is the procedure painful?
If your doctor takes a biopsy sample, you may feel mild cramps and pinching when he or she removes the abnormal tissue. Relaxing your muscles as much as possible and taking slow, deep breaths during the procedure may help. You may feel less discomfort if you take an over-the-counter pain reliever before the procedure. Ask your doctor whether you should take medicine, what kind to take, how much to take and when to take it. (When you ask, be sure to let your doctor know if you're pregnant or if you're allergic to aspirin or ibuprofen.)

How should I prepare to have a colposcopy?
You may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder and bowels before the procedure. Don't douche, use vaginal medications or tampons, or have sexual intercourse during the 24 hours before your appointment.

Does this procedure affect my ability to have children?
No. If your doctor takes a biopsy sample, the amount of tissue taken from your cervix is very small and removing it will not affect any future pregnancies. However, it is important to let your doctor know if you are pregnant now or even if you might be pregnant. This information will change the way your doctor does the procedure.

Will I have bleeding after a colposcopy?
You may have a dark-colored vaginal discharge after the colposcopy. If your doctor takes a biopsy sample, he or she will put a thick, brownish-yellow paste on that area to stop any bleeding. When this paste mixes with blood, it forms a thick black discharge. It's normal to have this discharge for a couple of days after the procedure. It's also normal to have a little spotting for at least two days after a colposcopy.

Can I use tampons after the procedure?
No. Don't use tampons or put anything in your vagina for at least 1 week after the procedure, or until your doctor tells you it's safe. Don't have sexual intercourse for at least 1 week.

When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following problems after your colposcopy:

Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one sanitary pad per hour).
Lower abdominal pain.
Fever, chills or a bad-smelling vaginal odor.
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When will I get the results of my colposcopy?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your doctor to get a report from the pathologist who looks at your biopsy samples. Your doctor's office will contact you when these results are available. You will need to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to talk about the results and any additional treatment you may need. Try to schedule an appointment no later than 1 month after your colposcopy.

Answer 3

I had one about a week ago. I was told that I would be able to go back to work directly thereafter, so I tried...However, I felt terrible and went home.

I'm still awaiting my results. The pain was akin to the worst cramps I've ever had...very uncomfortable, but not too much unlike a regular pap. They'll put vinegar and iodine on the inside of your vagina, so prepare for that. To some it tingles, some feel nothing at all.

I hope that helps...

Answer 4

I have had one. I was scared as hell before.
But it actually is just like haveing a pap. Takes a little longer, but is not all that bad. If you want more info u can email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

it is a scope up the butt to check for polips(cancer). you should know there is a computer version which requires no anesthia and nothing is inserted and you can just get up from the table with no side effects. it is said to be just as accurate with less cost and discomfort.. ooops my mistake wrong procedure sorry

Answer 6

It's where they take a sample of tissue from the cervix. I had one done, it hurts a little but not too bad.

Answer 7

colinoscopy- Yeah, My Mom and Dad did...they were fine!