A colposcopy is an important test to have if you have possible early warning signs of gynecologic cancer. At Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the team of caring specialists typically performs colposcopy in the office to ensure your comfort. To book an exam or schedule a colposcopy, call the office or click the online appointment scheduling tool.
A colposcopy is an advanced type of exam to view your cervix up close using a colposcope, a powerful magnifying tool. The colposcope magnifies the view of the cervix far beyond what’s normally visible, which allows for more accurate analysis and diagnosis of gynecologic issues and problems.
The Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology team typically recommends a colposcopy if your Pap smear shows abnormal cellular changes that could lead to cervical cancer. But, not all abnormal Pap smears require colposcopy.
Some other reasons for colposcopy may include:
In some cases, a colposcopy is more of a treatment assessment tool rather than a diagnostic tool. For example, if you have a treatment to remove abnormal cervical cells, you may need a follow-up colposcopy to make sure the treatment was effective.
The team helps you to schedule your colposcopy when you’re not on your period. That is important because bleeding can interfere with visibility during the exam.
You usually have a colposcopy in the Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology office. You lie in the same position as in a regular pelvic exam. A speculum, a tool that dilates your vaginal walls, gradually expands your vagina, so the cervix is viewable.
A special solution, swabbed onto the cervix, highlights abnormal cells to increase viewability. A colposcopy may include a biopsy. That involves removing a tiny sample of tissue for testing.
You might experience mild discomfort in a cervical biopsy. A vaginal biopsy can be more uncomfortable, so you may receive a local anesthetic if needed.
You can generally resume regular activities immediately. If you have a biopsy during your colposcopy, you may experience some bleeding and a dark discharge for a day or two.
The Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology team studies the information gathered in your colposcopy, including biopsy results after lab analysis. Once they reach a conclusion, the team can schedule an appointment in which you can learn about results and treatments, if needed.
Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology offers comprehensive women’s health care in a welcoming environment. To schedule your appointment, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.
