What is colposcopy?

So I know many have gotten that call when you hear you have an ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR and then it seems worse when you hear the words, "We want you to come in for a colposcopy." 😳

And you think, "a colpo-WHAT?!!!" "This is going to hurt!" "I'm scared!"

Well ladies, here I am with the machine I use to perform this procedure called colposcopy. Yes it looks slightly daunting but it's not as bad as you think once you know what it is used for.

💡So what is colposcopy? It is a procedure that uses a special magnifying device called a colposcope. It shines a light into the vagina and onto the cervix. It can enlarge the normal view and can find abnormal cells that may not be seen by the eye alone.

💡Why should it be done? So think of the pap smear as a screening test. It tells me if there are abnormal cells present or not. But think of colposcopy as a way of telling me exactly what are the abnormalities, so it is more diagnostic.

💡How is it performed? It is best done when a woman is not on her period so we can see the cervix better. Also try not to use any vaginal medications such as monistat or have intercourse at least 24 hours before.  You will be in stirrups and a speculum will be used like during a Pap smear. The colposcope will not touch you, it will just be outside the opening of your vagina. Then a solution will be applied to show where the abnormal cells are located. You might feel a slight burning.

💡Will a biopsy be performed? If abnormal cells are seen, a small piece of tissue is removed from the cervix or inner canal and feels like a small pinch.

💡What should I expect after?

If you don’t have a biopsy, you should feel fine right away.

If you have a biopsy, you may have pain and discomfort for 1 or 2 days. Over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful. You may have some vaginal bleeding. You also may have a dark discharge for a few days. This may occur from medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site. I usually have patients refrain from intercourse for a couple days.

Call right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or fever.

✔️Hope this helps make it not as intimidating!

💛Dr. Erica