Colposcopy
Gynecology Gynecological surgery Colposcopy: why it is needed, to whom it is prescribed, how to prepare
Colposcopy of the cervix is a diagnostic gynecological examination of the cervix, vulva and vagina. With the help of a special device, a colposcope, the doctor can examine the state of the organs in a greatly enlarged form. The study makes it possible to assess the condition of the mucous membrane, detect some changes, and diagnose some diseases and pathologies.
Why is the procedure prescribed? Types of colposcopy
Colposcopy is popular in Kyiv, because it is one of the important minimally invasive procedures that every woman should undergo periodically. But it should be done only on the doctor's prescription. The main goal of colposcopy is to detect cervical cancer at an early stage, or to notice precancerous and malignant formations and papillomas. The magnifying power of the colposcope is adjustable and allows you to examine various abnormal signs - from the mucous relief to the state of the vessels.
Doctors also prescribe the procedure in the following cases:
- the Pap test showed an ambiguous result, which causes concern;
- the patient experienced sexual violence;
- the patient often has inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs;
- bleeding occurs (not during menstruation);
- assessment of intrauterine effects of DES, immunosuppression is necessary;
- the patient was diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.
Colposcopy can also be an intermediate examination that will allow the doctor to better understand the state of the reproductive organs and prescribe further treatment or examination. Colposcopy can be conventional or extended: during the procedure of extended colposcopy, the doctor can perform a biopsy of the cervix for additional research.
How to prepare for colposcopy?
Your doctor will answer all questions when prescribing the procedure. In fact, there are no strict guidelines for the colposcopy procedure, as with most tests and studies.
You don't even need to starve before a regular colposcopy. But if a biopsy is planned, you need to consult your doctor about it. If anesthesia is planned, it is better to refrain from eating for 6 hours. Also, tell your gynecologist about any allergies you have and any medications you are taking.
24 hours before the colposcopy, refrain from sex, and also stop using:
- tampons;
- vaginal creams and ointments;
- suppositories and other intravaginal drugs.
If a biopsy and anesthesia are planned, be prepared to stay in the hospital until the anesthesia wears off, or ask a loved one to drive you home.
How is colposcopy of the cervix performed?
To avoid discomfort during the procedure, the doctor will suggest that you take a mild pain reliever. Colposcopy is performed in a gynecological chair and lasts from 5 to 40 minutes.
The colposcope will be installed 10-15 centimeters from the entrance to the vagina, and access to the cervix will be opened using a special gynecological mirror. With extended colposcopy, special solutions can be used to better understand the condition of the tissues.
The results of the study, that is, an enlarged image, are displayed on the screen. It will be saved in photo or video format for further diagnosis.
If you experience pain during the procedure, you can tell the doctor about it, and he will offer you a pain reliever.
Who should not have a colposcopy?
It is a safe procedure that has practically no contraindications. And the existing contraindications are purely temporary or easily eliminated.
- Allergy to solution, latex, drug. It is easily solved by changing medications.
- Menstruation. It is enough to wait for its completion.
- Acute inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs. It is necessary to treat before the operation.
- Acute inflammation of the cervix. The acute condition is removed or treated.
If there are risks, your doctor will think up special recommendations for your case, the main thing is not to hide any details about your health during the appointment.
Rehabilitation after colposcopy
This is an outpatient procedure, after which you can go home almost immediately, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor. After using the solution, it is possible to feel dryness inside - this is normal. But if you feel severe discomfort, tell your gynecologist or family doctor about it.
After the procedure, do not engage in sexual contact for two days, and also do not use any intravaginal means - tampons, suppositories, creams and ointments. In order for your body to cope better with post-intervention stress, also avoid alcohol, nicotine and heavy food for the next few days.
Universum clinic professionals have a lot of experience in performing routine and complex procedures, so you can be sure that everything will go well. We are always happy to answer your questions and wish you only good results!
The procedure of "colposcopy" is carried out according to certain indications, namely:
- deviation in the cytological smear (PAP test);
- detected human papillomavirus in laboratory tests;
- changes in the cervix, which are determined visually during a gynecological examination;
- the appearance of bleeding between periods;
- control after medical procedures on the cervix;
- suspicion of oncological diseases of the cervix and a number of other pathologies (for example, acute warts);
- pain during intercourse;
- discharge after intercourse;
- chronic inflammatory processes of the cervix;
- genuine erosion and pseudo-erosion of the cervix; cervical polyps; cervical endometriosis.
Preparation for the procedure is simple and consists of the following rules:
- 24 hours before the examination, you should refrain from sexual intercourse;
- you can not use tampons a day before the procedure;
- you can not put vaginal suppositories, vaginal tablets, and also apply vaginal creams 48 hours before the procedure;
- refuse douching and intimate hygiene products (use only warm water for washing) a day before the procedure;
- 24 hours before the examination, vaginal contraceptives should not be used;
- do not plan the procedure during menstruation.
It is better to carry out colposcopy in the period no earlier than a few days after the end of menstruation and no later than a couple of days before the possible start of a new cycle.
Colposcopy allows the doctor to see the epithelium of the cervix and the walls of the vagina under a magnification of 30-60 times. With the help of a colposcope, the doctor evaluates the color, character, relief of the surface of the mucous membrane of the vaginal part of the cervix, vascular pattern, and the state of the glands. All this makes it possible to determine with high accuracy not only the size of pathological changes in the cervix, but also their origin, that is, to make a diagnosis and prescribe the optimal treatment.
There are two types of colposcopy: simple and advanced. Simple - this is only an examination of the cervix under a microscope. And the extended one always includes sampling, that is, treatment with a solution of acetic acid, Lugol's solution (an aqueous solution of iodine).
Using a simple colposcopy, the doctor can roughly assess the shape and size of the cervix and external os; relief and color of the mucosa; the severity of the vascular pattern; limits of flat and cylindrical epithelium.
During an extended colposcopy, the doctor can evaluate the appearance and color of the cervix; the severity and condition of the vascular pattern; relief of the mucous layer of the cervix; the junction of the epithelium of the cervix and cervical canal; condition and presence of glands; mucosal reaction to acetic solution; mucosal reaction to Lugol's solution (Schiller's test); type of epithelium; clarity or blurring of the boundaries of formations.
Colposcopy is a safe, painless procedure that takes no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. After the examination, the gynecologist will explain in detail what was found and "seen" during the colposcopy, and also tell you what the next tactic should be: observation, additional examination or treatment. Doctor's explanations and answers to questions last on average 15-20 minutes. So, the entire visit to the doctor for the colposcopy procedure will take 30 minutes.
