COLPOSCOPY provides a high magnification of the cervix to evaluate you for abnormalities that may be present. This procedure is a supplementary examination when the Pap Smear is suspicious. We have equipment to do this at our Canal Fulton office and our Norton office. 

If you start your period, then please cancel your appointment, as bleeding would interfere with the exam.

The procedure is done similarly to a Pap Smear in that a speculum is placed into the vagina while you lie on the exam table. A vinegar solution and an iodine solution may be used to help better visualize your cervix.

Small pieces of tissue will be pinched from the cervix for further evaluation under a microscope by a a pathologist. This is a called a CERVICAL BIOPSY. Also, a sample of tissue will be obtained from just inside your cervix in the endocervical canal which will also be sent for examination. This procedure is called an ENDOCERVICAL CURETTAGE (ECC). Together the ECC and the cervical biopsy will be needed for a complete evaluation of the cervix. There may be some cramping noted with these procedures.

We request that you take two 200mg. ibuprofen approximately two hours before your appointment time to help with the discomfort and cramping of the procedure. After the procedure, you may have some spotting of blood for one to three days as well as some mild lower abdominal irritation or cramping for about a day. This can usually be relieved with further dosing of ibuprofen.

If you notice any continued passage of clots from the vagina after the procedure, please call our office. Also, if you develop any fever or discharge, please give us a call.

Following the procedure, we request that you do not use tampons or douche for 7-10 days.