Pap smear is important in early diagnosis of precancer or cancer of the cervix. This is usually performed every 2 years.

If the results of screening Pap test are abnormal, further testing with Colposcopy is recommended to confirm the result and determine the severity of the abnormality. Colposcopy allows a doctor to look at your cervix using magnification  and perform a small biopsy if required.

Not all women with an abnormal Pap test will need treatment. Colposcopy with or without biopsy can help to determine if and when treatment of the abnormality is needed.

PREPARATION FOR COLPOSCOPY
Before your colposcopy appointment, you should not put anything in the vagina (eg creams).

Colposcopy can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle, except on days of heavy vaginal bleeding – the appointment then needs to be rescheduled.
If you take any medication to prevent blood clots or think you might be pregnant, it is important to inform the doctor prior to colposcopy.

COLPOSCOPY PROCEDURE
It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, can be performed during an office visit  and causes minimal discomfort.

Colposcopy is performed similar to a routine Pap smear using a speculum while you lie on an exam table. The colposcope is like a microscope on a stand and it does not touch you.

Acetic acid, which helps to highlight any abnormal areas, is applied and may cause a cold or slight burning sensation, but it does not hurt.

During colposcopy, a biopsy is often performed, and sent to the laboratory for testing. Anaesthesia (numbing medicine) is not usually used before the biopsy because the biopsy causes only mild discomfort or cramping.

AFTER COLPOSCOPY

• You should be able to return to work immediately
• Mild pain or cramping may occur for 1-2 hours.
• Slight bleeding or brownish discharge may persist for up to a week.
• It is recommended that no cream or tampon is inserted in vagina for 48 hours after a biopsy and sex is avoided for that time.
• Biopsy results are sent out within 2 weeks. If you have not received a result within 4 weeks, please call the office to check.

Call my office  if you have any of the following after colposcopy:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a large menstrual pad in an hour to two hours)
• Vaginal bleeding for more than 7 days
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge; remember that the brown/black, coffee-ground discharge is normal for the first few days
• Pelvic pain or cramps that do not improve with Nurofen
• Temperature greater than 38 degrees C