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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Illustration
Colposcopy of the Vagina and Cervix
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a test in which your health care provider
uses an instrument called a colposcope to look at the vagina
and cervix. Your provider may also use the scope to take a
sample of tissue (biopsy).
When is it used?
This test may be done after you have had abnormal Pap test
results indicating an infection, a precancerous growth, or
cancer. It is also used to get a closer look at areas of
the vagina, cervix, and vulva that do not look normal.
Examples of alternatives include:
- conization of the cervix (removal of tissue from the
cervix with a laser or with surgery)
- random biopsy of the cervix (without the colposcope).
You could choose not to have treatment, recognizing the
risks of your condition. You should ask your health care
provider about these choices.
Tell your health care provider if you think you may be
pregnant. Your provider will want to perform the procedure
in a different way if you are pregnant.
How do I prepare for a colposcopy?
- Plan to have the test when you are not having a menstrual
period. These tests are not done during a period.
- Do not douche or have sexual intercourse within 24 hours
of the test.
What happens during the procedure?
You will lie on the examining table just as you do for a
regular pelvic exam. Your health care provider will use an
instrument to spread the vaginal walls apart. He or she
will do a Pap test and then use a swab to put a weak
solution of acetic acid on your cervix or vagina. (The
acid is like the acid in vinegar.) The acid will turn
abnormal tissue white and show where a sample of tissue
should be taken. Your provider will then put a thick, pasty
solution on the area to be biopsied. This will help prevent
bleeding.
Your health care provider will place the colposcope at the
opening of your vagina. When your provider looks into the
vagina, he or she will also see your cervix. If the
provider finds some problem tissue, he or she may use an
instrument to pinch or cut off a small tissue sample (a
biopsy). You may feel a pinch or slight cramp.
The health care provider will remove the instruments. The
tissue will be sent to the lab.
What happens after the procedure?
You may feel a little lightheaded right after the test. You
may have to lie down for a few minutes after the test is
over.
Your health care provider will tell you what he or she saw.
The test results should be ready in a few days or weeks,
depending on the lab.
If your health care provider took a sample of tissue, do not
have sexual intercourse for 48 to 72 hours after the
procedure. Ask your provider what other steps you should
take and when you should come back for a checkup.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Benefits of this procedure are:
- Your health care provider should be able to make a better
diagnosis of the problem in your cervix or vagina and
suggest further treatment if necessary.
- The procedure can be done without an anesthetic.
- The procedure can be done in the health care provider's
office rather than a hospital.
- The procedure is simple with few side effects or
complications.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
Minor bleeding from the biopsy site may occur. Other risks
include:
- heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour, or
more bleeding than your normal menstrual flow)
- infection.
You should ask your health care provider how these risks
apply to you.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your health care provider right away if:
- You have heavy bleeding.
- You have a fever over 100°F (37.8°C) 24 to 72 hours after
the procedure.
- You have pelvic pain.
Call your health care provider during office hours if:
- You have questions about the test or its result.
- You want to make another appointment.
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