Colposcopy
What is Colposcopy?
It is a diagnostic procedure to take a closer look at your cervix.
It is done:
- if a previous Pap smear finds changes to your cells and these abnormal cells are linked with human papillomavirus (HPV) Read more about: HPV Vaccine. These cells are not cancer, but there’s a risk they could turn into cervical cancer in the long run in only some cases if not treated.
Colposcopy might also be done to find the cause of other cases such as abnormal bleedings.
How it is done:
- Takes 15-20 minutes.
- A tube-shaped tool is gently placed into your vagina to open it.
- A microscope with light is then used to magnifies the tissues to look at your cervix in more detail.
- Liquids will be put on your cervix. to help the doctor to see any abnormal cells. You might feel slight burning.
- If the doctor finds any abnormalities during the test, a sample of the tissues is collected for testing. You might feel a mild pinching.
Getting ready for the test:
- Schedule your colposcopy test outside of your menstrual period.
- Avoid intercourse 48 hours before the test
- Avoid using any products that you place inside your vagina 48 hours before the test.
- If you have an IUD in, Inform your doctor.
After the colposcopy test:
- Light bleeding may happen for a few days, wear a suitable pad or panty liners.
- Slight pain in your vagina for a few days.
- Black or brown vaginal discharge.
Results:
- No abnormal cells were seen: go home.
- Sample collected: 1-2 weeks to get the results:
- Normal cells: advised to still do a pap smear after regularly, depending on your age.
- Not normal: It’s not cancer, but there is a risk the cells could turn in some cases into cancer in the future if not treated. Your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options or do further testing.
Possible sides effects of the colposcopy test:
Rare:
- Bleeding in some cases.
- Vaginal infection.
