A colposcopy is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose cervical cancer and other issues
A colposcopy may sound a bit intimidating, but it’s actually just an examination that our San Antonio OBGYNs perform in the office using an instrument called a colposcope. This provides our physicians with a magnified view of your vulva, vagina and cervix. The enlarged view allows our physicians to look for changes and abnormalities, particularly cancerous cells that might indicate cervical cancer.
When do our San Antonio OBGYNs recommend this diagnostic examination?
One of the main things our physicians are looking for during a colposcopy is abnormal cells on the vulva, vagina or cervix that could be either precancerous or cancerous. Here are some other symptoms or issues that may require this diagnostic procedure.
- Abnormal Pap test
- Symptoms of genital warts
- Burning, itching or skin changes on the vulva
- Cervical inflammation
- Polyps
- Needing to see a magnification of the area after certain treatments
What to expect during the procedure
If you need a colposcopy, our physicians will advise you not to have sexual intercourse, use tampons, douche or use vaginal medications for at least 24 hours before you come into the office. You may want to take over-the-counter pain medication just to relieve any mild discomfort during or after the exam.
When you arrive, you lie on the examination table just like you would during a pelvic examination. Your OBGYN inserts a speculum into your vagina for a better view of the cervix. They position the colposcope by the vulva, shine a light on the area, and look through the instrument’s lens.
If our San Antonio OBGYNs see any suspicious tissue, then may perform a biopsy, taking a very small sample to send to the lab for testing for cervical cancer or other abnormal cells.
What you need to know after the colposcopy
After the exam is finished, you may lie on the table for a few minutes before you dress and go home. You may have some discomfort or mild pain if you have a biopsy. You might also have some spotting, dark discharge or bleeding for a few days, so we recommend that you wear a pad.
Your life can get back to normal quickly, but you need to avoid sex, using tampons or douching for a few days. The procedure has very few complications or risks, but you should always call us if you have a fever, chills, vaginal discharge that smells bad, severe pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Our caring OBGYNs expertly diagnose cervical cancer and other problems
If you are concerned about an abnormal Pap test or other gynecologic symptoms and need a colposcopy, talk to our OBGYNs. They can help alleviate your worries about the procedure and help you through this minimally invasive, in-office examination. Contact us for an appointment.
