Colposcopy and Biopsies
Colposcopy is a procedure to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. During colposcopy, your doctor uses a special instrument called colposcopies.
Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if your Pap test result is abnormal. If your doctor finds an unusual area of cells during your colposcopy procedure, a sample of tissue can be collected for laboratory testing (biopsy).
You may experience anxiety before your colposcopy exam. Knowing what to expect during your colposcopy may help you feel more comfortable.
Purpose
Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if a Pap test or pelvic exam revealed abnormalities. Colposcopy can be used to diagnose:
- Genital warts
- Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
- Precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix
- Precancerous changes in the tissue of the vagina
- Precancerous changes of the vulva
Preparation and Procedure
To prepare for your colposcopy, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Avoid scheduling your colposcopy during your period
- Don’t have vaginal intercourse the day or two before your colposcopy
- Don’t use tampons the day or two before your colposcopy
- Don’t use vaginal medications for the two days before your colposcopy
- Take an over-the-counter pain relievers before going to your colposcopy appointment/li>
During the colposcopy:
Colposcopy is usually done in a doctor’s office, and the procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll lie on your back on a table with your feet in supports, just as during a pelvic exam or Pap test. The doctor places a metal speculum in your vagina. The speculum holds open the walls of your vagina so that your doctor can see your cervix. Your doctor positions the special magnifying instrument, called a colposcope, a few inches away from your vulva. Your doctor then shines a bright light into your vagina and looks through the lens of the colposcope, as if using binoculars. Your cervix and vagina are swabbed with cotton to clear away any mucus. Your doctor may apply a solution of vinegar or another type of solution to the area. This may cause a burning or tingling sensation. The solution helps highlight any areas of suspicious cells.
During the biopsy:
If your doctor finds a suspicious area, a small sample of tissue may be collected for laboratory testing. To collect the tissue, your doctor uses a sharp biopsy instrument to remove a small piece of tissue. If there are multiple suspicious areas, your doctor may take multiple biopsy samples.
What you feel during a biopsy depends on what type of tissue is being removed:
- Cervical biopsy. A cervical biopsy will cause mild discomfort but is usually not painful; you may feel some pressure or cramping.
- Vaginal biopsy. A biopsy of the lower portion of the vagina or the vulva can cause pain, so your doctor may administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Risks
Colposcopy is a safe procedure that carries very few risks. Rarely, complications from biopsies taken during colposcopy can occur, including:
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Pelvic pain
Signs and symptoms that may indicate complications include:
- Bleeding that is heavier than what you typically experience during your period
- Chills
- Fever
- Severe abdominal pain
Call your doctor if you experience any of these signs and symptoms after your colposcopy.
Recovery
If your doctor didn’t take a biopsy sample during your colposcopy, you won’t have any restrictions on your activity once your exam is complete. You may experience some spotting or very light bleeding from your vagina in the next day or two.
If you had a biopsy sample taken during your colposcopy, you may experience:
- Vaginal or vulvar pain that lasts one or two days
- Light bleeding from your vagina that lasts a few days
- A dark discharge from your vagina
Use a pad to catch any blood or discharge. Avoid tampons, douching and vaginal intercourse for a week after your biopsy, or for as long as your doctor instructs you to.
