Colposcopy literally means “looking into the vagina,” where colpo stands for vagina and scope means to look. A colposcopy is performed to inspect the cervix, vulva (vaginal opening), and vagina using an instrument called a colposcope to magnify their view and observe them under a light that is attached to the colposcope. The doctor makes you lie on your back, and your legs are placed in the stirrups (holders). The doctor then opens the vagina slightly with the help of a speculum to view the cervix. A vinegar solution is applied to the cervix and vagina with the help of a cotton swab, which makes the abnormal tissue turn white. To study the abnormal tissue further, a biopsy is done, in which samples of the tissue are taken and sent to the pathologist, who will then test the tissue. The duration of a colposcope or biopsy is 20 to 30 minutes.
Uses of Colposcope
A colposcopy is recommended when abnormalities are found in a pelvic exam or a Pap smear test. Colposcopy is used to diagnose inflammation of the cervix called cervicitis, genital warts, precancerous cells of the vagina and cervix, cancer of the cervix, cancer of the vagina, and genital warts. Colposcopy is important because you can detect cancer of the cervix at an early stage.
Preparing for a Colposcopy
To prepare for colposcopy, you must avoid medications for the vagina, tampons, and sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the procedure. If you are having periods, you must postpone your appointment. There may be discomfort if you take any over-the-counter medication for pain relief before colposcopy. You must consult your doctor before taking any medication before the procedure, and you must also tell the doctor if you are allergic to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Women do feel anxious about the procedure, and that is normal. You can ask your doctor for any reading material regarding the colposcopy. Try to relax through deep breathing, meditation, or just chatting with your friends and family to keep your mind diverted. It is important that you tell the doctor if you are pregnant. This will change the doctor’s approach to colposcopy. In this procedure, only a small sample of cervical tissue is taken, and this does not affect your ability to get pregnant. You may have slight cramps when a sample of the tissue is being removed for biopsy. You must relax your muscles as much as possible and take deep breaths during the procedure. It is observed that women feel less anxious when they listen to music on an MP3 or any other player while doing the procedure.
After the Procedure
After the colposcopy, a dark-coloured vaginal discharge may be seen. To stop bleeding after the procedure, the doctor puts a brownish-yellow paste in the area. The blood mixes with the paste and comes out as a black discharge that is thick in consistency for a few days after the procedure. Spotting is normal for two days after the procedure, and you may need to wear a sanitary pad for a few days. If only colposcopy is done, then you will feel fine immediately after the procedure, but if a biopsy is also done with colposcopy, then you will feel soreness for 1–2 days after the procedure. The doctor will advise you to avoid sex, tampon use, and douching, which is vaginal irrigation, during the healing period of the cervix for around 1 week.
You need to call your doctor after colposcopy if you have problems like pain in the lower abdomen, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever with chills, or a bad vaginal odour.
Test Results
The test results from colposcopy and biopsy take about 1 to 2 weeks to come from the pathologist. You will be contacted by your doctor when the report arrives. The doctor will give you an appointment to discuss your treatment plan, depending on the test results. If the result of the biopsy is normal, then it means that there are no precancerous cells in the tissue. If the results of the biopsy are abnormal, then it indicates cervical cancer or human papillomavirus infection leading to cervical warts or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which is a precancerous tissue change.
Colposcopy worldwide
The colposcopy procedure was first introduced by Professor Hans Hisselmann of Germany in 1925 to detect cervical cancer in its early stages. Early detection of cancer can help in its effective treatment. This procedure is now followed worldwide, and 22 countries are members of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy.
