What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an examination procedure that your doctor at Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC, might recommend if you have abnormal Pap smear results. During the exam, they use a speculum to expand your vaginal walls and view your cervix. Then, they wash your cervix with a solution that helps highlight cellular irregularities.
Your doctor uses an instrument called a colposcope to view your cervix. The colposcope looks like a large pair of binoculars with a bright light for illumination. While viewing your cervix, they look for suspicious-looking cells that could indicate a health complication.
If your provider finds any suspicious-looking cells during your colposcopy, they perform a biopsy. To do so, they use a sharp instrument to remove a sample of the abnormal cells. They send the sample to the lab for further testing and discuss the results with you when they become available.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is necessary if the results of your most recent Pap smear are abnormal. A Pap smear is a routine test that you get every few years as part of your preventive gynecological exams. The test looks for possible abnormalities in the cells of your cervix.
Many possible diagnoses can come from a colposcopy. The test results could indicate:
- Genital warts
- Cervical inflammation
- Precancerous changes in your vulva, vagina, or cervix
- Cervical cancer
With any results, your doctor discusses them with you in detail and creates a treatment plan for you if necessary. You might also need further testing if the results aren’t conclusive.
How should I prepare for a colposcopy?
You need to take a few steps and precautions in order to prepare for a successful colposcopy. The team at Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC, might recommend that you:
- Schedule the procedure outside your menstrual period
- Avoid intercourse for a few days before the procedure
- Avoid vaginal medications, douches, and other products for two days
- Avoid tampons for about two days
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before the appointment
Taking the correct steps before your colposcopy and asking questions about the procedure beforehand can help reduce your anxiety and make the procedure more comfortable in general. Your doctor can also recommend other ways to ease your anxiety if you feel nervous about the upcoming procedure.
To learn more about the colposcopy procedure and how to best prepare, call Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC, or request an appointment online today.
