What To Expect Before, During And After A Colposcopy

There are several reasons why you might need a colposcopy, including pain in the pelvic area, heavy period and abnormal Pap tests. With the help of a colposcopy, we would be able to determine precisely why the problem is.

Getting ready for a colposcopy procedure

A colposcopy is a procedure that makes it easy for doctors and gynaecologists to look at the cervical, vaginal and vulval areas to check for abnormal cells or precancerous cells. While it is normal to be nervous about the procedure, especially if it is your first time, there is really nothing to worry about. In this article, we will explain all that you should expect during the procedure.

Colposcopy involves examining the inner areas of the vagina, vulval and cervical areas. As such, it is expected that these areas are not contaminated or altered in the days before the procedure. Below are some points to take note of:

• Sexual activity

You should avoid sexual activity or vaginal penetration days before the procedure. This is because vaginal sexual activity within 24 hours before the colposcopy procedure can alter or affect the results.

• Vaginal medication

The look of the vagina and its texture can be affected when substances are introduced into the vagina or when vaginal medications are used. Because of this, you should avoid any vaginal gels, medications, lubricants or ointments. Also, avoid douching before a colposcopy.

• Menstrual cycle

Try not to schedule your colposcopy when you’re on your menstrual flow or on the days leading to it. The procedure cannot be performed at such periods.

• Tampons

If you use tampons, do not use them a day or days before the colposcopy procedure. The tampon leaves a residue of fibres behind or can even cause very small tears in the cervix. These can affect the state of the result after the colposcopy.

• Pain medications

Colposcopy is a painless procedure, but some people feel a little bit of discomfort during the procedure. Fortunately, you can avoid this feeling by taking pain relief medications before the colposcopy.

What happens during a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is similar to a Pap smear test and basically every other pelvic examination. However, before we carry out the procedure, we must ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. The procedure begins with lying on your back and placing your feet in stirrups or support. Then the doctor uses a speculum to open your vagina by inserting it and expanding it so that the vaginal walls are open.

Then the colposcope is positioned between your legs but not inserted into your vagina. With the help of a bright light, the cervix becomes visible, and it is inspected for any abnormal areas or tissues.

What if a biopsy is necessary?

We may decide that you should have a biopsy, depending on what we see during the colposcopy. For a biopsy, a sample of the tissue in your cervix will be extracted and examined in a lab. There are two different types of biopsy, and the type you get will also depend on what happens during the colposcopy. These types of colposcopy are explained below:

1. Cervical biopsy

The cervix is located at the lower part of the womb or uterus. It begins to narrow at the beginning of the vagina area. If abnormal-looking cells or tissues are detected in the cervical region, samples will be collected using a sharp instrument. Although the procedure is not painful, you may experience some discomfort or mild pressure as the samples are collected.

2. Vaginal biopsy

This is very similar to the cervical biopsy; the only difference is that samples are collected from the vagina when abnormal cells or tissues are detected. Like the cervical biopsy, it is generally painless. Still, you might experience some discomfort or sharp pain when the samples are collected. We can offer you a local anaesthetic to deal with the discomfort if you like

Post-colposcopy care

A colposcopy procedure without a biopsy is painless, and as such, you should not feel any discomfort or bleed afterwards.

On the other hand, if a biopsy is involved, you may experience light bleeding afterwards. It should last for a couple of hours or some days, during which you can wear a sanitary pad. You are free to leave directly after the procedure and resume your normal activities almost immediately.

Avoid sexual intercourse for about a week after a biopsy procedure. Avoid any form of invasion or vaginal penetration like tampons or douching until your doctor says it is fine to do so again.

What are the possible results of colposcopy?

You can get your colposcopy results about a week or two after the procedure. On the other hand, the results of a biopsy can take up to four weeks. When the results are ready, any of the following can show, after which diagnosis and treatment options will be discussed:

• Cervical cancer
• Polyps
• Precancerous cells
• Genital warts
• Abnormal blood vessel
• Abnormal tissue

Whatever your results are, try not to panic as there are solutions. If the results show a precancerous cell, you have the chance to treat it before it becomes full-blown cancer.

If you need to get a Colposcopy, you can call or request an appointment online with Gynae Clinic. Get in touch with us today.