Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device called a colposcope that shines a light onto the vagina and cervix. A colposcope can enlarge the view by as much as 60 times normal size. This magnification makes it possible to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.

The Procedure
Colposcopy is done like a Pap test in a doctor's office. You may be referred to another doctor or to a special clinic to have it done.

Colposcopy may involve taking pictures of your vagina and cervix. Your doctor will talk to you about it before the procedure.

The procedure is best done when a woman is not having her period. For at least 24 hours before the test, it is a good idea not to:

Douche
Use tampons
Use vaginal medications
Have sex

As with a pelvic exam, you will lie on your back with your feet raised and placed on foot rests for support. A speculum will be used to spread apart the vaginal walls so that the inside of the vagina and the cervix can be seen. The colposcope is placed just outside the entrance of your vagina.

A mild solution of acetic acid (like vinegar) will be applied to your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab or cotton ball. This liquid makes abnormal areas on the cervix easier to see. You may feel a slight burning.

Reasons for Colposcopy
Colposcopy is done when a Pap test shows changes that could lead to cancer. It provides more information about abnormal cells.

Colposcopy may be used to investigate other problems, such as:

Genital warts on the cervix
Cervicitis (an inflamed cervix)
Benign (not cancer) growths, such as polyps.
Pain
Bleeding

Colposcopy can also be used to check the outcome of a treatment.

Biopsy
During colposcopy, the doctor may see abnormal areas on the cervix. A biopsy of these areas may be done.

During a biopsy, a special device is used to remove a small piece of abnormal tissue from the cervix.

Cells may also be taken from the canal of the cervix in a process called endocervical curettage (ECC).

Results
If a biopsy was taken, it will be studied in a lab. Your doctor will discuss the lab findings with you. The findings may indicate that you need to be checked more often or that you need further testing or treatments.

Recovery
If you have a colposcopy without a biopsy, you should feel fine right away. You can do the things you normally do. You may have a little spotting for a couple of days.

If you have a colposcopy with a biopsy, your vagina may feel sore for 1 or 2 days. You may have some vaginal bleeding. For a few days, you may have a dark discharge from the medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site. You may need to wear a sanitary pad until the discharge stops.

Your doctor may suggest you limit your activity for a brief time. To give the cervix time to heal, do not put anything into your vagina for at least 1 week:

Do not have sex.
Do not use tampons.
Do not douche.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these problems:

Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one sanitary pad per hour)
Severe lower abdominal pain
Fever
Chills
Bad-smelling vaginal discharge