Colposcopy

What is Colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix (neck of the womb). A colposcope is a special instrument that works like a large magnifying glass, enlarging the image up to 15 times and allowing the doctor to see cervical changes clearly.

Colposcopy is simple, quick, and generally painless. The examination usually takes about 15 minutes. It is not done during menstruation.

It can be safely performed during pregnancy and will not affect delivery. However, treatment is usually postponed until after delivery.

• Monitor
• Leg support
• Colposcope

Why do I need a Colposcopy?

Colposcopy is usually recommended when a routine cervical screening test (Pap smear) shows abnormal results.

Abnormal Pap smear results are common and occur in about one in twenty tests. These usually indicate minor changes in cervical cells and are very rarely cancer.

Colposcopy helps identify the cause of these cell changes and guides further management. It is a diagnostic procedure and not a treatment by itself.

What happens during Colposcopy?

A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina. The doctor applies special solutions to the cervix to highlight abnormal areas.

• Vinegar (3–5% acetic acid) is applied – abnormal areas appear white.
• An iodine-based solution may also be used to identify abnormal cells.
• If abnormal areas are seen, a small biopsy (few millimeters) may be taken.

Biopsy is usually not painful. The results help decide if treatment is required. In some women, cervical changes resolve naturally without treatment.

What happens after Colposcopy?

Normal activities can be resumed after the procedure. If a biopsy is taken, mild blood-stained discharge for a few days is normal.

It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for up to five days to allow healing.

Follow-up

• A review appointment is scheduled in 7–10 days with biopsy results.
• Further treatment or periodic screening will be advised based on results.

Treatment Options

If treatment is required, procedures aim to destroy or remove abnormal cells. These are usually done as outpatient procedures.

What happens after the treatment?

• After cryotherapy, watery vaginal discharge may last 3–4 weeks.
• After loop excision, blood-stained discharge may last 2–6 weeks.
• Discharge should not be heavier than normal menstrual flow.
• Sexual abstinence is advised for 6 weeks.
• Follow-up is scheduled 6 weeks after cryotherapy or 2 weeks after loop excision.