A Colposcopy is a way for doctors to get a better look at a woman’s genitalia. This procedure allows the doctor to look closer at the cervix and vagina This procedure only last about ten to twenty minutes.
Just like a typical pelvic exam, a Colposcopy can be done in a doctor’s office or a gynecologist office. Before this procedure begins the doctor will tell you what they are going to do during this procedure. The doctor will first give you a drape to cover yourself and ask you to undress from the waist down. Then, you will put your feet into the stirrups, and allow your legs to fall naturally to the sides like you are getting a pelvic exam. The doctor will insert a vaginal speculum into the vagina so that they can see your cervix. The doctor will then position the colposcope near the opening of the vagina. The doctor will then look through the instrument using light to further inspect the vagina and cervix.
The doctor will then swab the cervix and vagina removing mucus. This will allow the doctor to see better and to look for any abnormalities. Sometimes, the doctor will apply a solution to highlight any areas that are abnormal. The doctor will take a biopsy of any areas that look abnormal The biopsy is painless, but some discomfort is normal. The doctor will then have the specimen sent to a lab for further examination. Most of the time, this procedure is only done when a pap smear test comes back abnormal. Abnormal pap smear tests can be caused by cervical cancer, yeast infection, HPV, or changes from menopause.
If the pap smear test comes back abnormal, this procedure will be done to make sure there are no further health risks. This procedure allows the doctor to see any problems that are not able to be seen by the naked eye. The procedure allows this because it magnifies the area being examined. For more information about this procedure and to make an appointment, you can visit places such as Metropolitan Family Planning Clinic.