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Many women hear abnormal Pap smear and believe that it is a synonym of cervical cancer. The truth is that women can have abnormal pap smears for many reasons such as: HPV virus, bacterial infection, and if you are under the age of 25 there is a higher chance of resolution.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is simply a procedure that is performed by means of a colposcope which will investigate further why the pap smear came out abnormal.
How is it done?
A colposcopy is very similar to a pap smear. You will lay on the exam bed like if you were going to have a pap smear. The doctor will use a colposcope which will help him take a better view of the cervix. Then he will place acetic acid (a vinegar composed solution) inside the cervix to see if any abnormal cells form. Finally the doctor will take a sample from the cervix to send it to pathology to make sure that it is not cancerous.
Before your procedure: - Take between 600 to 800 mg of Motrin or Tylenol about one hour before the procedure to help alleviate the pain during the procedure.
- Do not douche or use any vaginal products 24 -48 hours before the procedure.
- No sexual intercourse for 24- 48 hours
You will return to the doctors office 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure to discuss your results. |
