Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a lighted magnifying tool (colposcope).
The colposcope magnifies the view 2 to 60 times so the doctor can see any problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be hooked to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix for a permanent record.
The doctor may put vinegar (acetic acid) and sometimes iodine (Lugol's solution) on the vagina and cervix with a swab or cotton balls to see areas of abnormal cells more clearly. Samples of the abnormal cells (biopsies) can be collected and looked at under a microscope.
Why is a colposcopy done?
Colposcopy is done to:
- Look at the cervix for problem areas when a Pap test was abnormal. If an area of abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy is often done.
- Check a sore or other problem (such as genital warts) found on or around the vagina and cervix.
- Follow up on abnormal areas seen on a previous colposcopy. It can also be done to see if treatment for a problem worked.
- Look at the cervix for problem areas if an HPV test shows a high-risk type of HPV.
How is a colposcopy done?
This test can be done in your doctor's office.
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist. You will be given a covering to drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table. Your feet will be supported by footrests.
The doctor will place a lubricated tool called a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit so your doctor can see inside the vagina and the cervix.
The colposcope is moved near your vagina. Your doctor looks through it at the vagina and cervix. Vinegar (acetic acid) or iodine may be used on your cervix to make abnormal areas easier to see. Photos or videos of the vagina and cervix may be taken.
If areas of abnormal tissue are found on the cervix, your doctor will take a small sample of the tissue. This is called a cervical biopsy. Usually several samples are taken. The samples are looked at under a microscope for changes in the cells that may mean cancer may be present or is likely to develop. If bleeding occurs, a special liquid (Monsel's) or silver nitrate swab may be used on the area to stop the bleeding.
If a sample of tissue is needed from inside the opening of the cervix, a test called endocervical curettage (ECC) will be done. This area can't be seen by the colposcope. So a small brush or tool called a curette is gently put into the area to take a sample. ECC takes less than a minute to do. It may cause mild cramping. An ECC is not done during pregnancy.
How do you prepare for a colposcopy?
If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your test. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
You will empty your bladder just before the test.
You may want to take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). It is best to take it 30 to 60 minutes before the test, especially if a biopsy may be done. This can help decrease any cramping pain that you may have.
Schedule your colposcopy for when you are not having your period.
What do the results of a colposcopy mean?
Your doctor will talk to you about what they see at the time of the test. If you had a biopsy, getting your lab results may take several days or more.
Normal: | The vinegar or iodine does not show any areas of abnormal tissue. The vagina and cervix look normal. |
|---|---|
| A biopsy sample does not show any abnormal cells. | |
Abnormal: | The vinegar or iodine shows areas of abnormal tissue. Sores or other problems, such as genital warts or an infection, are found in or around the vagina or cervix. |
| Results may show minor or serious changes to the cells on your cervix. Minor changes may go away on their own. You may need more testing. And your doctor may recommend treatment to remove the abnormal cells. |
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