New York City colposcopy exams
Colposcopy exams are procedures to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. During colposcopy, your doctor uses a special instrument called a colposcope.
Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if a Pap test or pelvic exam revealed abnormalities. If your doctor finds an unusual area of cells during colposcopy, a sample of tissue can be collected for laboratory testing (biopsy).
Your doctor positions the special magnifying instrument, called a colposcope, a few inches away from your vulva. A bright light is shined into your vagina, and your doctor looks through the lens, as if using binoculars.
Your cervix and vagina are swabbed with cotton to clear away any mucus. Your doctor may apply a solution of vinegar or another type of solution to the area. This may cause a burning or tingling sensation. The solution helps highlight any areas of suspicious cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare for a colposcopy?
- Avoid scheduling your colposcopy during your period.
- Don’t have vaginal intercourse the day or two before your colposcopy.
- Don’t use tampons the day or two before your colposcopy.
- Don’t use vaginal medications for the two days before your colposcopy.
What does a colposcopy show?
What are the side effects of a colposcopy?
The colposcopy examination itself (without biopsy) has no risks. With biopsy, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection, which might require additional treatment. If a biopsy was done, you might have some cramping and discharge or light bleeding from the vagina for a few days.
What happens if a colposcopy is abnormal?
If your results show you have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) this means that you have abnormal/precancerous changes to cells in your cervix. These changes are not cancerous, but without treatment these cells could change into cancerous cells.