What Is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a simple procedure that lets your doctor get a good look at your cervix. The exam takes as little as 5 minutes and is a lot like getting a Pap test. One of the biggest differences is your doctor uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
You usually get a colposcopy if you have had abnormal results on your Pap test. This helps your doctor further diagnose any problems.
Why Do I Need a Colposcopy?
If your doctor has reason to believe something may not be quite right with your cervix, they may suggest a colposcopy. Some of these reasons include:
- Your Pap results were abnormal.
- Your cervix looks abnormal during a pelvic exam .
- Tests show you have the human papillomavirus (HPV ).
- You have unexplained bleeding or other problems.
Your doctor can use a colposcopy to diagnose cervical cancer, genital warts, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer, as well. Once your doctor gets the results from your colposcopy, they’ll know whether or not you need further tests.
How to Prepare for a Colposcopy
Your doctor will tell you what to do before your appointment. Generally, you should avoid scheduling your colposcopy during the time you expect to have your period. You also shouldn’t:
- Put anything such as tampons or medications inside your vagina 1or 2 days before your appointment
- Have vaginal intercourse for 1 or 2 days before your appointment
Call your doctor to reschedule if your period is heavy on the day of your appointment. And let them know if you’re taking medicines that thin your blood. These could cause heavy bleeding during your procedure, especially if you have a biopsy, which is the removal of a tiny piece of tissue for testing.
Lastly, let your doctor know if you’re pregnant. You can still have a colposcopy, but they’ll probably choose not to do a biopsy.
Do I Need a Cervical Biopsy?
Your doctor might decide to do a cervical biopsy while you’re undergoing a colposcopy. This happens if the exam finds abnormal cells, polyps, inflammation, or genital warts. Your doctor will remove a sample of your cervical tissue and send it to a lab for a closer look under a microscope. A cervical biopsy is a simple procedure that takes less than half an hour.
Types of cervical biopsies
Your doctor may perform different kinds of biopsies, depending on where the abnormal cells are.
Endocervical curettage (ECC). Your doctor will use a small instrument called a curette to scrape the lining of your cervical canal or another area that can’t be seen from outside your cervix.
Cone biopsy. Your doctor will use a laser, surgical knife, or an electric or heated wire loop to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue.
Punch biopsy. Your doctor uses a blade similar to a hole puncher, to take a small tissue sample from one or more areas of your cervix.
Does a cervical biopsy hurt?
You may feel uncomfortable or have minor pain during or after a cervical biopsy. You may feel some stinging or burning from the solution your doctor uses to prepare your cervix. You may also feel a sharp pinch or cramping when the tissue sample is removed.
If you get a cone biopsy, your doctor may give you pain medicine to numb the area, so you won’t feel anything.
How Is a Colposcopy Done?
Colposcopies are performed in a doctor’s office just like a regular pelvic exam. You’ll get undressed and lie on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to make it easier to see your cervix.
Your doctor will clean your cervix with a mild solution of vinegar or iodine to make it easier to see any abnormal cells. They will look through the colposcope to examine your cervix and look for anything out of the ordinary. Your doctor will then decide if a biopsy is needed.
Colposcopy Results
Not every colposcopy requires a biopsy. If your doctor doesn't see anything unusual, you will know during or right after the exam.
If a biopsy is taken, your doctor should have the results back in about 7-10 days. Be sure to ask when you might find out and call if you haven’t heard back.
Just because you need a biopsy does not mean you have cancer. About 60% of women who get a biopsy will need treatment for conditions such as polyps, HPV, or cervical dysplasia, a condition that shows abnormal cells on your cervix. Some of these conditions can be precancerous, so it's important to follow your doctor's treatment plan.
Colposcopy Recovery and Aftercare
If you do not need a biopsy, you should be able to go back to normal activities right away. You may notice some spotting, but it should go away after a day or two.
If you had a biopsy, you may feel some minor pain in your vagina or have some light bleeding for a couple of days. You may also notice some black or brown discharge. This is from the solution your doctor used to clean your cervix. It’s nothing to worry about and will disappear in a few days. You can use sanitary pads in the meantime to protect your clothing. Mild pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol may help.
You should avoid using tampons, douche, or having intercourse while you heal. Depending on the procedure, your doctor might advise avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.
Colposcopy Risks
Colposcopy is a routine procedure, and complications are rare.
Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding that’s abnormally heavy or lasts more than 7 days
- Severe pain in your lower abdomen that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers
- Heavy or smelly vaginal discharge, fever, and chills, which could be signs of infection
There’s always a risk that test results are incorrect. It is rare but may happen. And there’s a chance that abnormal cells can come back, even after your doctor removes them. That’s why it’s important to continue to get regular Pap tests and checkups.
Takeaways
A colposcopy is a safe, routine exam that uses a special magnifying tool to look for anything unusual on your cervix. If your doctor sees anything abnormal, they may do a biopsy by taking a small tissue sample, which will be sent to a lab for more testing.
You may have some spotting, light pain, or bleeding following the procedure, which should disappear in a few days. Call your doctor if you have heavy discharge, severe bleeding or cramps, or a fever.
Colposcopy FAQs
Is a colposcopy painful?
The visual exam should not hurt, although you may feel some stinging from the solution your doctor uses to clean your cervix. If you need a biopsy, you might feel a sharp pinch or cramping.
Do I have cancer if I need a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is done if your Pap smear finds anything concerning. You may have cells that could become cancerous if left alone, other noncancerous cells called polyps, cervical inflammation, or genital warts. All are treatable.
Is a colposcopy a big deal?
A colposcopy is a safe, routine exam that is done in your doctor’s office and takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Your doctor uses a special magnifying lens and a bright light to get a better look at your cervix.
Can you work out after a colposcopy?
If your doctor did not perform a biopsy, you can go back to regular activities right away. You may have some light spotting for a couple of days. If you had a biopsy, you may be told to wait a few days before working out or doing any heavy exercise.
