Colposcopy of the cervix

Colposcopy is one of the basic examinations in gynecology that helps to assess the condition of the cervix in detail and, if necessary, clarify the nature of the detected changes. It may be prescribed when a gynecological checkup is performed, after a Pap test or a human papillomavirus test.

At «Oxford Medical», colposcopy is performed using modern equipment, which helps to examine the cervix in detail. After the examination, the doctor explains the results, answers questions and, if necessary, recommends additional diagnostics or treatment. You can make an appointment for a gynecologist consultation and colposcopy by phone or through the form on the website.

Colposcopy — is a method of examining the cervix, during which the doctor examines it using a special optical device — a colposcope. It provides multiple magnification and bright illumination, which helps the doctor assess the condition of the mucous membrane in detail and notice even minor changes.

During the examination, the doctor also assesses the condition of the vaginal walls and, if indicated, the vulva. The examination is performed using gynecological speculums, as during a regular appointment, while the colposcope is positioned near the gynecological chair.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that colposcopy does not replace a Pap test or a human papillomavirus test but complements them. It helps clarify the nature of the detected changes and determine whether additional examinations or treatment are needed.

There are two main types of colposcopy:

• Simple colposcopy — the doctor examines the cervix under magnification, assesses the condition of the mucous membrane, the shape of the cervix, the external os, and the features of the vascular pattern.
• Extended colposcopy — after a regular examination, a weak acetic acid solution is applied to the cervix and, if necessary, Lugol’s solution. This helps to see the altered areas of the mucous membrane more clearly, assess their boundaries, and determine whether a biopsy is needed.

Extended colposcopy is performed most often because it provides more information about the condition of the cervix and helps to assess the detected changes more accurately.

Colposcopy in gynecology helps to detect changes in the cervix that may be unnoticeable during a regular gynecological examination. The examination allows their nature to be assessed and helps determine whether additional examinations, including a biopsy, are needed.

With the help of colposcopy, it is possible to detect:

• cervical erosion and ectopia;
• signs of inflammation;
• polyps and condylomas of the cervix;
• other benign changes in the cervix;
• areas with signs of possible precancerous changes, including dysplasia.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that colposcopy helps to detect pathological changes but does not make it possible to establish a final diagnosis. If, during the examination, the doctor detects an area with altered tissues, they may recommend a cervical biopsy. The obtained tissue sample is sent for histological examination to determine the nature of the cellular changes.

Further treatment depends on the examination results. It may include observation, medication therapy, or surgical intervention. In particular, for dysplasia, modern methods of treatment of cervical dysplasia are used, one of which is conization of the cervix. If other diseases are detected, the doctor selects treatment in accordance with the established diagnosis.

The doctor may also recommend an examination in the presence of unusual vaginal discharge, pain, or discomfort during sexual intercourse if such symptoms may be associated with the condition of the cervix. If a woman is concerned about a menstrual cycle disorder, the gynecologist first determines the possible cause of this symptom and, if necessary, may prescribe colposcopy as one of the stages of a comprehensive examination.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing the procedure prescribed by the gynecologist. It helps to detect pathological changes in a timely manner and determine whether additional diagnostics or treatment are needed.

Colposcopy is a safe examination and has few contraindications. In most cases, these are temporary limitations, so the examination can be performed later.

Colposcopy is usually postponed in the following cases:

• during menstruation;
• in the first weeks after childbirth;
• during the recovery period after operations on the cervix;
• in the case of an acute inflammatory process (in individual cases).

For extended colposcopy, an additional contraindication may be an allergic reaction to acetic acid or Lugol’s solution.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend informing the gynecologist before the examination about a possible pregnancy, an allergy to medicinal products, and recently undergone gynecological interventions. This will help to select the optimal time and method for conducting the examination.

For the examination results to be as informative as possible, it is sufficient to follow several simple recommendations.

A woman’s preparation for colposcopy includes:

• abstaining from sexual intercourse for 1–2 days before the procedure;
• refraining from douching;
• refraining from using vaginal suppositories, creams, tablets, and tampons for 1–2 days before the examination.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend, whenever possible, scheduling colposcopy in the first half of the menstrual cycle — after menstruation has ended. During this period, the mucous membrane of the cervix is clearly visualized, which contributes to a more accurate assessment of its condition.

Colposcopy is performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist during a gynecological examination. The patient is positioned in a gynecological chair, after which the doctor inserts speculums and examines the cervix using a colposcope. The device is located next to the chair and provides multiple magnification of the examined area.

If extended colposcopy is performed, after the initial examination the doctor applies special solutions to the mucous membrane — acetic acid and, if necessary, Lugol’s solution. They help to better assess the condition of the tissues and identify areas that may require additional examination. If indicated, the doctor may perform colposcopy with a biopsy — take a small tissue sample for subsequent histological examination.

In most cases, colposcopy can be performed within 10–20 minutes. After completing the examination, the doctor prepares a colposcopy description and explains the results.

After a regular colposcopy, a woman can immediately return to her usual activities. If a biopsy was not performed during the examination, there are usually no special restrictions.

After colposcopy with a biopsy, the doctor may recommend for several days:

• abstaining from sexual intercourse;
• not using tampons;
• not douching;
• avoiding intense physical activity and visits to a sauna, bathhouse, and swimming pool.

The doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: after extended colposcopy, slight brownish discharge associated with the use of Lugol’s solution is possible. After a biopsy, slight bloody discharge or mild discomfort may also be observed for 1–3 days.

If unusual discharge appears after colposcopy or there is heavy bleeding, severe pain in the lower abdomen, an increase in body temperature, or discharge with an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The cost of colposcopy depends on the type of examination (simple or extended), as well as on the need for additional procedures, including a biopsy. The current price of colposcopy can be viewed here.

You can make an appointment for colposcopy and a gynecologist consultation through the online appointment form on the website or by calling the contact center. When making an appointment, you can choose a convenient location, date, and time of the visit.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• National Cancer Institute
• International Agency for Research on Cancer