Colposcopy can save your life!
COLPOSCOPY AND CERVICAL BIOPSY
Before having a colposcopy and cervical biopsy, you need to know the possible benefits, risks, and alternatives. We have listed them here for you. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
What is a Colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a way to look for abnormalities in the cervix and surrounding tissue. A clinician uses an instrument called a colposcope. It is like binoculars with a bright light mounted on a stand. It doesn’t touch the vagina, but lets the clinician see a close-up view of the cervix. If an area of the cervix seems abnormal, a very small tissue sample — biopsy — is taken and sent to a lab for diagnosis. Usually it is necessary for one or more biopsy samples to be taken. If no abnormal areas are seen, you may not need a biopsy.
How are colposcopy and cervical biopsy done?
This exam is usually done between menstrual periods. The woman lies in the same position used for a Pap test. A speculum is inserted into the vagina. The cervix is washed with a special solution that highlights any abnormal areas. Then, the clinician looks for them through the colposcope. Most of the time during the procedure is spent just looking. It usually takes fewer than ten minutes.
Biopsies are usually taken during a colposcopy. One type of biopsy is taken from the surface of the cervix. Another type is taken from the endocervical canal — the short passage that leads from the vagina, through the cervix, up to the uterus, but not all the way into the uterus. The clinician uses a Pap brush or a narrow instrument called a curette to collect cells from the walls of the canal. The cells are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope by a doctor. The results are sent to Planned Parenthood.
What will the colposcopy and biopsy feel like?
Some women feel discomfort when the speculum is inserted into the vagina — like having a Pap test. The solution used to wash the cervix is like vinegar. It can make some women feel a brief discomfort or burning in the vagina. Cervical biopsy may feel like a quick pinch. It may be slight or sharp. Most women will feel brief cramping during endocervical sampling. It may be mild or severe. And most women feel only slight or no cramping after the procedure.
There may be slight spotting or bleeding for a few days after a cervical biopsy — especially if more than one biopsy is done. A dark, vaginal discharge may also appear for a few days after.
Reasons for Colposcopy
Colposcopy may be recommended for several reasons, including abnormal Pap or HPV (human papilloma virus) test results, an unusual looking area on the cervix, or certain other medical conditions.
Benefits
Colposcopy and cervical biopsy give more complete information than other tests. A Pap test only screens for possible abnormalities of the cervix. A test for HPV may only indicate a woman’s current or future level of risk for abnormal cervical cells. If either of these tests shows an abnormality or increased risk, a colposcopy and/or biopsy may be needed to make a definite diagnosis and to plan treatment or further tests.
It is not possible to diagnose some conditions simply by looking at the cervix with the naked eye. A magnified view is necessary to see abnormalities. When abnormal areas are seen, colposcopy also helps to see where biopsies should be taken. Sometimes a colposcopy will show that there is no cause for concern.
Risks
It is unusual for women to have any serious problems from colposcopy and cervical biopsy. The following may occur
- heavy bleeding that could require treatment in the clinic, or rarely, treatment in an emergency room or in the hospital
- infection that requires treatment
In very rare cases the colposcopy or cervical biopsy will give a wrong result. No examination or test is one hundred percent accurate, so there is no guarantee that diagnosis is correct.
Alternatives
There is no other procedure that will give you or your clinician the same information as a colposcopy and cervical biopsy. In a few cases, the procedure can be delayed while other testing, such as repeat Pap tests, are done. The results of those tests may indicate whether or not colposcopy and cervical biopsy will be needed later. Your clinician can discuss with you what the best plan is for you.
After Colposcopy
- Wait one week to allow the cervix to heal after a biopsy before having vaginal sex. If there is no biopsy, you can start having vaginal intercourse whenever you want.
- If you take the Pill or other medications, you should take them as usual.
- You may shower or bathe as soon as you want.
- You may use a tampon, unless you are told otherwise at the time of the colposcopy.
Warning Signs — Call the clinic if you have
- bleeding that’s heavier than spotting when you are not having your period
- severe pain in the lower abdomen
- fever or chills
- heavy, yellow-colored, or bad smelling vaginal discharge
Further Treatment
Sometimes colposcopy shows that no treatment is needed right away and that you only need further follow-up. If treatment is needed, we can usually provide it at Planned Parenthood. If your condition requires more specialized care than we can provide, we will refer you to another physician for further management.
For more information on coloposcopy services please call any of our health centers.
