Colposcopy

How the exam is done. After taking a medical history, the woman is placed in a gynecological position as during the exam. A colposcope is used to separate the vaginal walls so that the cervix can be easily seen. The colposcope is placed at the opening of the vagina, outside it. It is a telescopic microscope, which magnifies the image up to 40 times.

With the help of the colposcope we are able to check the cervix in detail. Special substances (acetic acid, Lugol) and lighting are used to separate the pathological areas from which the pathological cells in the Pap Test came. If there is dysplasia (depending on the degree) it is possible to take a biopsy from one or more places. Usually taking 1 – 3 biopsies is enough. A tissue sample (smaller than 1/10 the size of a pencil eraser) is gently removed. The tissue sample is placed in a bottle with preservative and sent to the laboratory for examination.

Will a colposcopy hurt? A colposcopy is a long gynecological exam in which we examine the cervix, vulva, and vagina to see if there are any abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye during a simple exam. The biopsy that is sometimes done during a colposcopy can be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a moment.

When the tiny tissue sample is removed, some women feel nothing while others describe a ‘stinging’ sensation. We may recommend taking a painkiller an hour before the procedure. The colposcopy takes 15 to 25 minutes.

What happens after the colposcopy? We explain to the patient what we saw during the colposcopy, whether a biopsy was taken, and whether there were any suspicious lesions that the woman should be concerned about. The biopsy results usually take 1-3 weeks.

If a biopsy is taken, there is a possibility that the woman will see a few drops of blood in the next few days. There may be a brown material along with the blood on the underwear for the next 2-4 days. This is not tissue. It is a fluid used during colposcopy to check for microbleeding from the biopsy, and is called ‘Monsel’.

It is possible that there will be a black material. This is in the case where ‘nitrate’ is used instead of ‘Monsel’. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 10-12 days. Do not use tampons, vaginal ointments or vaginal suppositories unless recommended by the attending physician.

There are some signs and symptoms after colposcopy that should concern the patient, so she should consult her treating physician: