Colposcopy

What is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a minimally invasive treatment that allows a doctor to inspect the cervix for any abnormal cells.
What is it?
A doctor can check a woman’s cervix more thoroughly using a colposcopy. The process can assist to find whether or not there are any aberrant cells present.

A doctor uses a specialised tool called a colposcope to execute the treatment. A colposcope provides enough light and magnification for a clinician to more easily inspect the cervix.

The doctor will swab the cervix with an iodine or acetic acid solution during the examination. The treatment aids in the removal of cervical mucus. It may also induce a tingling or burning feeling in the person’s skin.
A doctor may take a small sample of tissue, known as a biopsy, for further examination.
Biopsies are divided into two categories. One involves taking a sample from the exterior of the cervix, while the other involves taking a sample from inside the opening of the cervix.
The tissue will be sent to a lab for examination and determination of whether the aberrant cells are malignant.
If a biopsy is performed, the patient may have bleeding or pain for several days following the procedure.

The complete colposcopy technique takes about 5–10 minutes on average.

Procedure:

It may be preferable to schedule a colposcopy when a woman is not in the middle of her menstrual cycle. This is because menstruation might make visualisation more difficult.
Some doctors, however, are ready to go forward with the appointment, so the patient should first verify with the DR.Gopinath

People should avoid the following for 24 hours before the surgery, according to the DR.Gopinath Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

  • Medication Vaginal
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Tampons
  • Douching
During the Procedure:
  • While in examination the person will lay down on an examination table and raise their feet.
  • During the examination, the doctor will use a speculum to keep the vaginal walls apart.As the doctor inserts this device; the patient may feel a tiny pressure.
  • The doctor will position the colposcope towards the vaginal opening.
  • To make it easier to see the cervix, the doctor will swab the cervix and vagina with a cotton swab and solution.
  • If abnormal tissue is discovered, the doctor may perform a biopsy to remove a sample of the tissue
Recovery:

AS soon as treatment is over, a person should feel fine. Light spotting or camping may occur, but people do not need to avoid vaginal sex and can go about their usual routines
It may take 1-2 days to recuperate if the doctor performs a biopsy. The person may endure some bleeding and pain during this time.
If the procedure included silver nitrate or Moel’s solution to assist minimize bleeding from a biopsy,they should expect a black discharge.
For any type of pain, people can use over the counter drugs.

Following a biopsy, your doctor may advice you to avoid:

  • Sexual intercourse for 3 days
  • Tampons Using
  • Douching
Results:

A person does not need to do anything further if a doctor performs an examination and nothing appears to be out of the norm.
It’s possible that if the cells are aberrant, they’ll repair on their own. A person may need to return for a Pap smear if the doctor advises waiting.
If a biopsy is performed, patients should discuss the timing of the results with their doctor.
During the biopsy, the doctor may be able to remove all of the abnormal cells.
If an individual requires additional therapy to eradicate aberrant cells, they may undergo one of the following procedures:

  • Laser: When a doctor employs a laser to eradicate aberrant cells, this is referred to as laser therapy.
  • Cone Biopsy: When a clinician extracts a cone-shaped wedge from the cervix to remove any abnormal cells, this is known as a cone biopsy.
  • Loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP): A doctor uses a tiny wire loop and an electrical current to eliminate aberrant cells in a loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP).
  • Cryotherapy: Any aberrant cells might be frozen by the doctor.
Risk Factor & Doctor Consult:
A colposcopy is a medically safe procedure Trusted Source. However, if a biopsy is required, there is a risk of infection or bleeding.
Any allergies to iodine, latex, or medicines should also be disclosed to the doctor.
If you have any of the following symptoms after a biopsy, you should seek medical help:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Severe Lower - Abdominal Discomfort
  • Copious Bleeding
  • Foul-smelling, Yellow, or thick vaginal discharge
If a person needs to use more than one sanitary pad each hour, this is a good indicator that they are experiencing excessive bleeding.
During the course of pregnancy:
It is safe to get a colposcopy when pregnant. A biopsy may, however, be postponed until after the baby is born.
Because of the increased blood supply that occurs during pregnancy, a woman who is pregnant may endure greater bleeding if she has a biopsy.
Summary:
A colposcopy is a procedure that doctors perform to look for abnormal cells or other underlying disorders in the cervix or vagina.
A doctor would most likely swab the cervix or vagina with a solution that may produce slight pain or burning during the operation.
If abnormal tissue is discovered, a doctor may perform a biopsy or obtain a small tissue sample.
Although there may be some brief bleeding or slight pain, most people only need a few days to recuperate from the operation.