Colposcopy is a modern method of examining the cervix, vagina and vulva using a special magnifying device called a colposcope. This examination allows an obstetrician-gynaecologist to find problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Colposcopy is indicated in the following cases:
- abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix according to the results of PAP test;
- presence of high-risk oncogenic HPV types;
- bleeding;
- itching and burning in the intimate area;
- prolonged lower abdominal pain;
- pain and/or bloody discharge during and after sexual intercourse;
- acute genital condyloma and papilloma;
- benign (non-cancerous) neoplasms (polyps);
- cancer suspicion;
- scheduled preventive examination.
How to prepare for the procedure?
The procedure is best done when you are not having your period. This allows an obstetrician-gynaecologist examining the cervix more efficiently.
For at least 24 hours before colposcopy, it is also recommended not to:
– douche;
– use tampons;
– use vaginal medications;
– have sex.
How is the procedure done?
As with a pelvic examination, you lie on your back with your feet raised and placed on foot rests for support. A speculum is used to hold apart the vaginal walls so that the inside of the vagina and the cervix can be seen. The colposcope is placed outside the vulva.
The most important step of colposcopy is performance of special tests.
- The first test is the acetic acid solution test.
The doctor applies the acetic acid solution with a cotton swab. Thanks to this test, lesions on the surface of the cervix become more visible and well-shaped and the border between the cylindrical and squamous epithelium can be clearly seen.
Acetowhite epithelium is the most important colposcopic sign. The conclusion depends on its thickness, durability, uniformity or mosaicism.
- The second test is Schiller’s test.
It is performed using iodine solutions. A healthy squamous epithelium is uniformly coloured brown. Abnormal areas are stained weakly or not stained at all. Well-defined unstained areas are called iodine negative areas.
The colposcope is connected to the monitor screen in Berehynia Medical Center, so you can see the colposcopic images during the colposcopy.
All images taken during colposcopy are stored and attached to the conclusion. This allows you monitoring the condition of the cervix over time.
Dear ladies, we are waiting for you in our Medical Center. Come for a colposcopy: it is not painful, not scary and it will help prevent many problems associated with women’s health.
