Colposcopy

An abnormal Pap smear may leave you feeling anxious and scared. However, your results don’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. To help determine the cause of your abnormal test, the highly experienced board-certified OB/GYNs at Lenox OBGYN perform a colposcopy. During this in-office procedure, they closely evaluate your cervical tissue and biopsy any abnormal tissue. To learn more about the colposcopy, contact the office located in the Midtown West area of Manhattan in New York City, by phone or online today.

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What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is an in-office test that allows the team at Lenox OBGYN to closely evaluate your cervical tissue. During the procedure, your OB/GYN uses a colposcope, which is a lighted magnifying device that enlarges the area of tissue being evaluated, making it easier to identify abnormalities.

Why would I need a colposcopy?

The team at Lenox OBGYN may recommend a colposcopy if your Pap smear results are abnormal. The Pap smear is a routine test that screens for cervical cancer. The team recommends you get a Pap smear at least every three years starting at age 21 up until you reach age 65.

An abnormal Pap smear doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. However, further testing may be needed to better understand your results.

Your provider may also suggest the in-office test to evaluate:

Abnormal bleeding
Pelvic pain
Cervical polyps
Cervical warts
Inflammation of the cervix

The team also uses colposcopy to evaluate your vaginal tissue.

What happens during a colposcopy?

Your provider at Lenox OBGYN performs your colposcopy at the office. To get the best results, the team recommends you schedule the test when you’re not menstruating and to avoid vaginal intercourse, use of tampons, and other vaginal treatments and medications for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

During your colposcopy, your OB/GYN has you lie back on the exam table with your feet up, similar to what you’d expect during your pelvic exam. Your OB/GYN places a speculum in your vagina to separate the walls and then places the colposcope outside the opening.

Your provider closely examines your vaginal and cervical tissue using the magnifying device. To improve visibility of abnormal tissue, your OB/GYN may apply a vinegar solution or iodine to your tissue.

If abnormal tissue is found, your OB/GYN removes a small sample of the tissue (biopsy), which is sent out to a pathology lab for testing. You may feel cramping or pinching during your biopsy.

What happens after a colposcopy?

Recovery following your colposcopy may depend on whether the team at Lenox OBGYN performed a biopsy or not. If you didn’t need a biopsy, you should be able to resume your usual activities after your test.

However, if a biopsy was performed, the team may suggest some activity modification for a few days until your tissue heals.

The team reviews the results of your colposcopy after the test and schedules a follow-up to discuss the results of your biopsy.

To get the answers you need, contact Lenox OBGYN by calling the office or booking an appointment online to learn more about the colposcopy.