Colposcopy

If you have an abnormal Pap smear depending upon the degree of abnormality, your provider may refer you for a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination of your cervix by a specially trained medical provider using a colposcope, (instrument similar to a high-powered microscope) to magnify your cervix.

The purpose of a colposcopy is to screen for and treat abnormal cervical cells which may lead to cervical cancer. Therefore it is very important that you complete ALL abnormal exam/test follow-up appointments as requested without delay.

We are fortunate at the Wellness Center of Door County to provide colposcopy services

This allows us to continue your care in a seamless, comfortable and affordable manner. As with our PAP tests all biopsies are sent to the WI State Lab of Hygiene which is one of the most highly regarded labs in the state.

PREPARING FOR THE COLPOSCOPY:

  • Make sure you eat a normal breakfast or lunch prior to your colposcopy appointment
  • Dress comfortably (you will be undressed from the waist down)
  • 30 minutes prior to your colposcopy appointment take 600 mg of Ibuprofen with some food to minimize any discomfort you may experience during the examination.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A COLPOSCOPY:

  • After you undress from the waist down you'll be on the exam table as you are for any pelvic exam
  • After placement of the speculum, the clinician will swab a solution on your cervix and look for any abnormal cells.
    • If anything is found that should not be on the cervix, a small biopsy of tissue will be taken
    • An internal photograph may be taken for your medical record and you may be shown the area of your cervix that was examined.
    • Biopsies taken are sent to the laboratory for evaluation with result typically returned within  3-4 weeks. Depending upon those results you may need close PAP follow-up or asked to return for treatment of the biopsy findings.
    • A mustard colored brown substance will be applied to the area(s) where a biopsy was taken to stop any bleeding which is normal after a biopsy
    • Speculum is removed, and after dressing you will be able to return home or to work with minimal discomfort if a biopsy was performed

AFTER THE COLPOSCOPY:

  • If a biopsy was taken:
    • expect mustard/dark brown vaginal discharge over the next week (a result of the medication used to stop bleeding after a biopsy)
    • avoid any vaginal visitors (no vaginal sex, tampons, douching, etc) for one week
  • Expect your results within four weeks; call the provider's office if it has been more than 30 days since your colposcopy

WHAT COMES AFTER THE RESULTS:

Depending upon biopsy results you may need follow-up PAP testing for the next 6-12 months or asked to return for treatment of the biopsy findings. If the test results indicate that the abnormal cells be removed in a follow-up visit, the clinician may use one of several methods.:

  • Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the abnormal cells;
  • Laser therapy, using a carbon dioxide laser to vaporize (turn into steam) the abnormal cell;
  • LEEP, (loop electrosurgical excisional procedure) involves using a small electrically charged loop to remove cell;
  • Cone Biopsy involves removing a small  cone shaped piece of the cervix.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO DECREASE YOUR RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER:

  • Defer sexual activity until you are older
  • Minimize the number of sex partners you have over your lifetime
  • Avoid unprotected intimate sexual activity
  • Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke exposure
  • Take 1,000 mg folic acid daily
  • Optimize your immune system:
    • Choose a well balanced approach to meals
    • Get adequate rest
    • Stop smoking
    • Practice good stress management as stress impacts your immune system