If you had a Pap smear test after a normal gynecological examination and your test result showed abnormal cells, you may have a precancerous condition or cancer development in your cervix. In this case, your doctor will recommend a colposcopy. It will be more comforting for you to know the answers to questions such as “But what is this process, how is it done?”.
Why is it done?
Colposcopy is an examination using a special lighted microscope (colposcope) to see the area from the external genitalia to the vagina and cervix in more detail. Special training is required to perform this procedure. The colposcope shows the vagina and cervix 10 to 40 times larger than its normal size. This makes it easier to detect abnormal cell growths that cannot be seen with the naked eye. A tissue sample, i.e. a biopsy, is taken from the abnormal cells detected during this process and sent for analysis.
How to prepare for colposcopy?
Since it is not different from a normal gynecological examination, you will prepare as if you were going for an examination. However, since it cannot be performed during vaginal bleeding, it must be a date when you are not bleeding. In addition, you should not have had a vaginal douche, use vaginal suppositories or tampons, or have sexual intercourse in the last 24 hours. You will be more comfortable if you enter the examination with your bladder and bowels empty. In addition, if you take painkillers an hour before the colposcopy, you will reduce the discomfort you may feel during the colposcopy.
How is Colposcopy Procedure Performed?
It is similar to a gynecological examination and Pap smear test. It is done in the examination room. Lying on the gynecological table, you place your legs on the metal bars. Your knees should be spread sideways. First, an external examination is performed, then a speculum is inserted into the vagina and the cervix is tried to be seen. The colposcope, a special lighted microscope, is used to look through the vagina. But the colposcope is never inserted into the vagina. Saline is used to clean the cervix. You may feel a slight cooling sensation. Your doctor then applies acetic acid, a liquid like vinegar, with a cotton or gauze swab. The tissues that react with this liquid will look different depending on whether they are normal or abnormal. Abnormal structures will turn white. In this case, a second liquid (Lugol’s solution) will be used to stain the tissues. This will not stain the abnormal cells. This way your doctor will be able to easily distinguish abnormal cells. If there are abnormal tissues, the colposcope will be magnified further to examine blood vessels and other structures. It is also likely that your doctor will take a biopsy from one or more places if necessary. He or she may take biopsies from anywhere in the cervical area or from the cervical canal. These biopsies will be sent to the laboratory for examination by a pathologist.
What will happen during colposcopy?
You may feel uncomfortable during this procedure. The speculum may be uncomfortable and the application of acetic acid may make you shiver. If a biopsy is done, you may feel pinching and cramping. Try to relax and breathe slowly and deeply. This will reduce the pain and discomfort. However, if you are still very uncomfortable, tell your doctor.
What Happens After Colposcopy?
Vaginal bleeding or discharge may occur for up to a week after colposcopy. This is especially common if a biopsy was done. Do not put anything in your vagina for a week. This means that you will not have sexual intercourse, use tampons or do vaginal douching. You can continue with your other normal life, including bathing. There will be a dark vaginal discharge due to the fluids used during the colposcopy procedure. Use a pad, not a vaginal tampon, for discharge and bleeding. You will receive the colposcopy result in one to two weeks. Your doctor will let you know when the results are available. If you do not receive a call within three weeks, you must call yourself. Depending on the results, we will decide on further action or treatment.
What are the Risks of Colposcopy?
There is very little risk of infection. There may also be some mild vaginal bleeding after the procedure. However, if there is excessive vaginal bleeding (i.e. a dirty pad every hour), fever, foul-smelling, yellow, dark vaginal discharge, call your doctor immediately. Remember that severe abdominal pain is also not normal and requires urgent attention.