Colposcopy

(Examination of the cervix for abnormalities)

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A colposcopy allows a doctor to visualize the cervix to examine it for potential abnormalities. A colposcope, used to shine light and magnify, is placed near the cervix following preparation of the cervix with acetic acid. A biopsy may follow if the doctor identifies potential abnormal areas.

Advice

Rating
4.3
Pain
Pain is 5 of 10
Inconvenience
Inconvenience is 3.5 of 10

0 = not bad, 10 = bad

Use relaxation breathing techniques during the procedure; the procedure is longer then a Pap smear and remembering to breath during it is helpful.

Because there is the possibility that you may have a biopsy doing the procedure, consider scheduling the colposcopy at the end of the day and go home to rest afterward (instead of returning to work).

Get as much information as possible from your doctor beforehand, and write down what you consider most important.

 

Stories

Colposcopy

I had an irregular Pap smear and as a precaution, my ob-gyn wanted to make sure that the abnormal cells in my cervix were not pre-cancerous. Read More

Katie, female, 27, New York

Colposcopy

I had a colposcopy after having an abnormal Pap smear. During the procedure the doctor also biopsied my cervix. Read More

Jess, female, 27, New York

 

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