Colposcopy

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a procedure to look closely at the condition of the cervix to find cell changes or abnormal cells in the cervix that have the potential to become cancerous. Colposcopy follows up on abnormal cervical cancer screening tests after a Pap smear, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), or other abnormalities in the cervix, vagina, or vulva.

Patients can have colposcopy examinations at any time in the menstrual cycle. Patients also need to inform their health care provider about any medications they are taking to prevent blood clots. If patients are pregnant, they also need to notify the health care provider before undergoing the examination.

Only doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants with special training could perform colposcopy. In the process, the colposcopy can take about 5-10 minutes, and it may cause some discomfort to the patient.

The doctor or medical personnel might remove a small piece of abnormal tissue (biopsy) from the cervix or vagina during the process and send it to a laboratory for further examination. After the inspection, patients generally can return to their normal activities immediately, while some may experience mild pain or cramping that can disappear within one to two hours.

Remember not to put anything into the vagina (cream, douche, or tampon) and not have sex for 48 hours after the colposcopy examination.