Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix or the lower part of the uterus and the wall of the vagina. It is performed using a special microscope, called colposcope that gives a magnified view of tissue lining the cervix and vagina. Colposcopy allows the examiner to take tissue sample or biopsy from specific areas that do not look normal. Usually, colposcopy is recommended from women who have a Pap smear that shows some abnormal cells, have an irritated area on the cervix or vagina, unexplained cervical or vaginal bleeding and women who took Diethylstilbestrol while pregnant. If doctors recommend colposcopy, it does not mean that you have cancer.

The cells in the vagina and cervix can show changes from infections or other irritations. Once these conditions have been treated, the cells go back to normal. But if there is some problem the doctor will tell the patient to undergo biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from all areas that were noted during the examination. There are several different kinds of instrument made to do biopsy. An endocervical curette is used to scrape the endocervical canal and may cause some cramping. The doctor will apply pressure to the cervix using a large cotton swab to stop bleeding from the biopsy areas. If this doesn’t work, a solution called Monsels Solution or silver nitrate will be applied to the cervix.

This will stop the bleeding that is happening. After the procedure is finished, the doctor will explain what he found. The doctor will also tell you to expect a coffee grounds discharge. This comes from the solution used to stop the bleeding. The patient will also be instructed not to put anything into the vagina for two weeks which includes having sex and tampons because of the risk of infection. Patients may have bleeding or infection after biopsy. Bleeding is usually controlled with a topical medication prescribed by the physician or health care provider. If colposcopy is performed on a pregnant patient there is a risk of premature labor.

A patient should call the doctor right away if she notices any of the following symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding which is more than one sanitary pad an hour, fever, chills, unpleasant vaginal odor and lower abdominal pain. Abnormal conditions that can be detected using colposcopy and biopsy include precancerous tissue changes or cervical dysplasia, cancer and cervical warts caused by human papilloma virus. Complications associated with colposcopy are extremely rare. There is a risk that the procedure will missed precancerous tissues and thus prolong until the cancer has become advanced.