A colposcopy helps detect changes in your cervical and vaginal tissue
If our San Antonio OBGYNs recommend a colposcopy, you may wonder what to expect, or whether the examination is painful. We perform this minimally invasive procedure in the office. During this examination, our physicians use a colposcope, an instrument that gives them a magnified view of your cervical, vaginal and vulvar tissues. The enhanced view helps them diagnose a variety of conditions.
When do physicians recommend a colposcopy?
If your cervical cancer screening indicates any abnormal growth in your cervical tissue cells, our physicians may recommend this procedure. They also perform a colposcopy if they see symptoms of other conditions that affect your vaginal or cervical tissues.
- Genital warts
- Cervical inflammation, or cervicitis
- Benign polyps
- Itching or burning of the vulva
- Precancerous changes that affect vulvar, vaginal or cervical tissue
- Vulvar, vaginal or cervical cancer
What should you expect during this examination?
Before the procedure, our team gives you preparation instructions. This includes things like not having vaginal intercourse and not using tampons or vaginal medication or substances two days before the test. You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever the day of the procedure.
When you arrive at the office, you will lie on the examination table with your feet in stirrups. Our San Antonio OBGYNs insert a speculum in your vagina to hold the vaginal walls open for a better view of your cervix. The physician places the colposcope near your vulva, shines a bright light on the area, and looks through the instrument. You might feel some tingling or burning when the physician applies a solution to the area to help highlight any abnormal cells. If something looks suspicious, your physician may take a small tissue sample with a biopsy.
What happens after this minimally invasive procedure?
After a colposcopy, you can go home and return to your normal activities. If you had a biopsy during the procedure, you may experience the following.
- Vaginal bleeding that lasts a few days
- A dark vaginal discharge
- Vaginal pain that lasts about a day or two
Rest and over-the-counter pain medication should help with any pain after the examination. If you notice signs of complications or infections, such as fever, chills, heavy bleeding or severe pain, you should call our office.
Our San Antonio OBGYNs provide advice and expertise during your colposcopy
A colposcopy sounds more intimidating than it actually is. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery period, if any, and the procedure itself only lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Our caring team understands that any procedure can make you anxious and concerned. We are always here to answer questions and help you understand your medical issues. Contact us for an appointment.
