A colposcopy test can be described as a procedure in which the cervix, the vagina, and the vulvar are examined by an instrument called the “colposcope” in the case of any infection or disease.
The colposcopic examination is usually performed after an abnormal pap smear procedure results.
A pap smear procedure is a screening test that is used to check and examine abnormal cervical cells. When the result of the pap smear test is unusual, a colposcopy is carried out.
A colposcope is an electric device that acts as a microscope with a bright light that helps the doctor have a clear picture of the cervix. When an abnormal area is found, the doctor takes a tissue sample and examines it. This procedure is called “cervical biopsy procedure” or “endocervical curettage”.
PURPOSE OF COLPOSCOPY PROCEDURE
A colonoscopy of the cervix is usually carried out for the following purposes:
- When pap smear results are abnormal.
- It is done when there is suspected growth on the cervix, vulva, or vagina.
- When there is always painful sex and bleeding during intercourse.
- To diagnose cancer of the cervix or vaginal, genital warts, precancerous changes of the vulva, and inflammations of the cervix.
ELIGIBILITY FOR COLPOSCOPY
A colposcopy is a procedure that will be recommended by the doctor especially for:
- People who have abnormal pap smear procedure results.
- People are suspected of having genital warts, cancerous growth in the cervix, vagina, and vulva.
COLPOSCOPY SIDE EFFECTS
The side effect of a colonoscopy of the cervix is minimal and may include:
- Vaginal bleeding could last longer than two weeks.
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal.
- Vaginal or pelvic pain.
- Severe abdominal pain, etc.
You may feel slight pain when the speculum is inserted into the vagina, and maybe a stinging sensation when administered the Monsel solution.
There are certain things to keep in mind when preparing for a colonoscopy. Ask the doctor for more information about it and seek his guidance in preparing. Let the doctor know if you are pregnant.
Avoid carrying out the test when you are menstruating as this could affect your colposcopy result. The procedure is to be scheduled when you are not menstruating.
Avoid douching before the procedure. Avoid the use of tampons for a day or two before a procedure. Avoid the use of vaginal medication for at least 48 hours before the procedure.
Try emptying your bladder before the test to reduce your discomfort during the procedure. your doctor may recommend pain relievers if some biopsies will be conducted. You may have sexual intercourse at least 24 to 48 hours before the test.
THE COLPOSCOPY PROCEDURE
A colposcopy test can be performed in the doctor’s office and normally takes 10 to 20 minutes. This procedure does not require anesthesia.
During the Procedure,
You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in stirrups during the examination. Then the doctor positions the colposcope a few inches away from your vulva and a speculum is placed into the vagina and it holds the walls of your vagina open for the doctor to see clearly. Then your cervix and vagina are swabbed with cotton in other to clear the mucus and highlight abnormal cells.
The colposcope is used to take images of the cervix and vagina.
If needed, a biopsy of the infected area is carried out, and thereafter, a solution is given to help control bleeding.
(The solution given is called “Monsel solution” and this solution usually results in a dark discharge that has a coffee ground look. This may continue several days after the procedure.)
During the cervical biopsy procedure, a sharp biopsy instrument is used to take a portion of the tissue. This tissue may be taken from the cervical region or the vaginal region.
(The cervical biopsy procedure can be painful, hence, the administration of the Monsel solution.)
After the Procedure,
After the colposcopy procedure, you may have a dark vaginal discharge for up to 3 to 5 days. There could also be some bleeding encountered for a week and you may experience mild cramping for 1 to 2 days.
You can resume normal activity almost immediately if no cervical biopsy procedure was done. But if it was done, you can go back to normal activities after a week.
When the result is out, your doctor will use it to diagnose your condition and to give necessary additional treatments. When there are no abnormalities in the result or test may be considered in other to determine why the pap smear is abnormal.
When there is an abnormal colonoscopy result, the result of the biopsy is examined and it could help diagnose abnormal or cancerous cells of the cervix or vagina.
Your doctor will give treatment based on the findings of your biopsy.
Due to the discharge and in some cases, bleeding that occurs after the colposcopy procedure, it is important to adhere to some guidelines to keep clean and prevent infections.
- Avoid the use of tampons, panty liners, or pads.
- Do not use vaginal creams.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for at least a week.
- Make sure to bathe at least 2 to 3 times a day.
- Do not wear tight pants.
- Change your pants after taking your bath.
The cost of a colposcopy procedure varies and is quite dependent on the hospital conducting the procedure. The cost of colposcopy procedures in the U.S is between $150 to $300.
- How painful is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy Is a procedure that examines the cervix, vaginal, and vulva with an instrument called a “colposcope”. A colposcopy involves slight or almost no pain, however, you will feel pressure when the speculum is inserted.
- What cancer can a colposcopy detect?
A colposcopy is used to diagnose precancerous growth of the cervix, vaginal, and vulva. It is used to diagnosed genital warts and to determine further treatment.
- How long does it take to heal after a colposcopy procedure?
It may take close to 4 to 6 weeks for your cervix to heal, hence, you may need to avoid vaginal intercourse for a while, wearing of tampon, try having a showering more often.
- Should I be worried if I need a colposcopy?
You don’t need to worry if you are recommended for a colposcopy. give more information and guidance from your doctor about what to expect. It is okay to be a bit scared but you don’t need to worry much colposcopy is a safe procedure.
- Is it normal to smell after a colposcopy?
You may have some acidic or sour odor for a few days and you may still have a discharge for up to 2 weeks, but if the smell of the discharge is foul, you probably have an infection.