Colposcopy is an examination by a doctor if there are signs of abnormal cells in the cervix or in the vagina. This examination can be done, among others, to find out the presence of genital warts, cervical inflammation and signs of cancer around the vaginal organs.
Colposcopy examination is generally done if the pap smear examination gives unfavorable results. With a device called a colposcope (colposcope), the doctor will observe the condition in the vagina to the cervix. If the doctor suspects that there are abnormal cells in the cervix or vagina, this procedure is followed by a biopsy, which is to take tissue samples for further examination.
Colposcopy Examination Process
Colposcopy often makes women anxious, even some time before this action. Actually colposcopy only takes 15 minutes, from the start of examination using a colposcope until tissue samples are taken.
You may feel uncomfortable when a colposcope speculum is inserted. Then, there is a slight feeling of cramping when tissue samples are taken. If tissue removal is done on the vulva or the outermost part of the vagina, anesthesia may be given to prevent pain. But if the tissue that is taken is in the cervix, you will only feel uncomfortable, but not painful.
To be clear, this is the process that will be carried out:
- You are asked to remove the underside of underwear and underwear to facilitate inspection.
- You are asked to lie down in a special chair, with both legs open, then lifted and placed on a support.
- The doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina that has been given lubrication or lubricant. This tool will open the vaginal wall, allowing doctors to look inside the vagina to the cervix.
- Acetic acid or iodine can be used so that the abnormal parts appear more clearly, then the doctor can take photos or videos of these parts.
- If a tissue surface that looks abnormal is found, the doctor will do a biopsy, which is taking a sample from the tissue for further examination in the laboratory.
The condition of a person after colposcopy is different. If the doctor does not do a biopsy, you can immediately move as usual. It is possible that you will only experience blood spots, but the condition is very mild.
Meanwhile, if the doctor does a biopsy, you may feel a little pain in the vagina or vulva (depending on the location of the biopsy) for a few moments, at most about two days. There may also be blood spots for several days. To be safer, use pads. In addition, avoid using vaginal douche or having sex about a week after colposcopy.
How to Prepare Before Colposcopy
To be more comfortable when taking a colposcopy test, prepare yourself in advance. Here are the things you can do before doing a colposcopy:
- Ask the doctor to explain the process in detail. Although you can read from various references, hearing an explanation from a doctor will make you become calmer.
- Not having sexual intercourse 24 to 48 hours before a colposcopy examination. Also avoid using vaginal douches during this time.
- Tell your condition, for example if you are pregnant. To ensure pregnancy or not, urine or blood tests can be done before colposcopy. Actually, colposcopy is safe to do during pregnancy, but there is a possibility of triggering bleeding if biopsy is done.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions, are taking certain medications, or have undergone treatment for vaginal, cervical or pelvic infections.
- Prepare time to undergo the examination when not menstruating. There is probably the best time to do colposcopy at the beginning or end of menstruation, but this has to be confirmed by the doctor.
- Consider taking pain medication. Previously consult this also on the doctor.
- When going for a colposcopy test, first empty your bladder.
Colposcopy is indeed a special action that not everyone has experienced. Ask your doctor for information about what should or should not be done before, during and after colposcopy.
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