I need a colposcopy but am worried about the pain?

Question

My doctor recommended that I have a colposcopy and punch biopsies. I'm really nervous about the pain. Is there anything a doctor can give you to help? Do they ever use anesthesia?

Thanks for all the great answers so far! I just wanted to clarify, I am asking about a *col*poscopy, not a colonoscopy.

Answer 1

I wonder how many colposcopies Brian has had! Apparently some of these people think you're talking about a colonoscopy.

It should basically be like a pap smear.

Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina, using only water for lubrication, because lubricating jelly may interfere with the laboratory analysis of any specimens obtained. The speculum will remain in place for the duration of the exam.

Your doctor will inspect your vagina and cervix using a magnified lens. An assistant may insert a small amount of saline solution (salt water) into the vagina to moisten the surface. The saline may feel cool.

Immediately following the inspection, an acetic acid preparation will be applied to your cervix. The acid also may feel cool but will not burn. The doctor then will reinspect your vagina and cervix and will decide whether to perform a biopsy (take a tissue sample).

Special stains may be required to see certain areas in the cervix. The most common stain is an iodine solution, which may feel cool but will not hurt.

Biopsy: If any abnormalities appear, the doctor will take a biopsy. You may feel a pinch and some discomfort for several seconds. The examiner also may perform an endocervical curettage—a gentle scraping of the cervical canal that may cause a cramping sensation. Any specimens obtained from these procedures then will be sent to a lab for examination under a microscope.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

A colposcopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine a woman’s vulva, vagina and cervix. This is achieved through the use of a colposcope, an instrument that shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the tissue being inspected. Colposcopy is usually performed as a follow-up test to a screening Pap smear, in which the classification suggests the need to rule out possible abnormal or potentially cancerous cells.

During the procedure, a vinegar solution (acetic acid) is applied to the cervix or area to be evaluated with a cotton swab. This solution will react with the abnormal cells – abnormal tissue will appear white – allowing it to be identified through the colposcope. A physician can magnify the image many times its normal size, making it easier to see abnormal cells. This white area also has certain changes seen with the colposcope affecting the surface appearance, texture and vessels in the abnormal area that will allow a directed biopsy sample to be taken.

Colposcopies usually produce only minimal discomfort for the patient. If a colposcopy reveals abnormal cells or any suspicious changes to the surrounding tissues, a follow-up procedure such as tissue removal (biopsy) will be performed. Biopsies are necessary to determine if cells are abnormal, precancerous or cancerous. In some cases, a biopsy can be performed at the same time as the colposcopy.

Answer 4

I just had a colposcopy for the first time today. From what I understand, patients are not given anesthesia. My doctor told me to take some pain killers about an hour beforehand. I took two naproxen sodium tablets (220mg) which normally help when I have period cramps. During the procedure I asked my doctor how much is usually hurts. She said it depends on the patient. We kept talking and at one point I asked her to tell me when the painful part was coming. She said she had already done that part and I was almost done. The procedure took maybe 10 minutes. I think the worst part for me was when she actually put the speculum in to help her see. I have a friend who said her colposcopy/biopsy was painful, but for me, it wasn't. I guess it just depends on the person.

Answer 5

The Pap smear is in basic terms a screening try to given a theory of abnormalities yet u can pattern each and all the cells on the cervix so there may well be aspects with greater abnormalities that its ignored. A colposcopy is comparable in examination ie a speculum examination yet they paint a chemical on the cervix to show up bizarre cells and then take samples form those sites. If some thing comes decrease back bizarre relies upon on teh sort of abnormality yet commonly a biopsy is achieved to do away with the abnomral tissues.. DOnt be too scared we deliver minor abnormalities for colpsocopy and maximum are very treatale and thats the reason we do smears.. to get the lesions previously they turn nasty ..

Answer 6

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An external hemorrhoid is simply a vein located at the anal verge, the wall of which as weakened and protruded. Don't push on it, this will only increase pressure and worsen it. The body has to repair the vein wall and rebuild the integrity. This takes time, perhaps weeks, if all goes well. Use sitz baths and over-the-counter medications such as pads or creams to provide symptom relief in the interim. These won't solve the issue long term, but will give the tissue a better chance at self-healing.

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

A colonoscopy is not painful, but it is very uncomfortable.
The shaft they use is very flexible, but still you don't like to have it moving around inside of you.

If you are nervous about the procedure then ask your doctor for a mild sedative to relax you. You can also ask for pain medication to make sure that you don’t have to deal with too much pain.

From personal experience the worst thing about it I found was that I have to take a medicine to completely evacuate the region before going to the hospital. It to was very uncomfortable and I didn't like it. However, the only pain I felt was because I had hemorrhoids. The purpose of my exam was to prove that I didn't have any other problems.

The problem is that if you doctor wants you to have the procedure then there is a good reason for this. Despite the way it may seem, doctors really don’t like to put their patients through a lot of pain. So ask your doctor why he wants you to do this and if it is really necessary.

These articles might explain the procedure better:
http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/0700/0749.asp?index=4949
http://gi.ucsf.edu/proc_colon.html
http://gi.ucsf.edu/proc_colon.html

This nurse has had it done and says: http://allnurses.com/forums/f21/my-1st-colonoscopy-draping-pain-questions-76001.html
“As far as pain, if there is inflammation (from whatever caused the positive occult test), passing the tube may cause some sharp pain. Also, occasionally, the scope trying to pass around corners (descending colon to transverse or transverse to ascending colon) will cause some sharp pain. Hopefully, the diagnostician added some more drugs then. Since the area of initial UC disease started at the descending to transverse corner, I routinely get some sharp pain there. You also get "inflated" with a great deal of air, to open you up and pass the tube. That, to me, has always been quite uncomfortable.

Just like the irritation of throat that occurs from passing an ET tube, post op, people will have a few days of discomfort following a scope. If in doubt, call the diagnostician and report these issues.”

Answer 9

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Answer 10

its not so painful, i had a colposcopy done when i was 30 it took awhile it all turned out ok though.be sure to follow through with your doctor,its going to be ok.bless you.