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Colposcopy Specialist

Swor Women's Care Our Services Colposcopy
Swor Women's Care - - Gynecology

Swor Women's Care

Gynecology & Obstetrics located in Sarasota, FL

If you have an abnormal Pap smear, you may need a colposcopy procedure to examine your cervix in more detail. The team at Swor Women’s Care in Sarasota, Florida, provides this painless diagnostic procedure for women of all ages to identify a variety of health conditions that could affect the cells of their cervix. To schedule a colposcopy, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Colposcopy Q & A

What is a colposcopy?

The team at Swor Women’s Care perform colposcopy procedures to examine your cervix. It’s a noninvasive procedure where your provider looks through a colposcope, which provides a magnified view of your cervix and allows them to look for signs of abnormal cells. 

They can also perform biopsies and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test during the procedure.

Why would I need a colposcopy?

In most cases, your provider suggests colposcopy procedures when you have abnormal Pap smear results. 

Abnormal Pap smear results don’t necessarily mean cancer. They usually indicate a vaginal or cervical infection. However, in order to diagnose the cause of your abnormal results, your provider needs to examine your cervix more closely. 

Following a colposcopy, your OB/GYN can diagnose:

  • Genital warts/HPV
  • Vaginal or cervical infections
  • Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
  • Precancerous cells on the cervix, vaginal wall, or vulva

Remember, abnormal Pap smear results are not a reason to panic. Talk to your OB/GYN and have follow-up testing for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What happens during a colposcopy?

During your colposcopy, you rest on a table with your feet in stirrups, like when you have a Pap smear. Your OB/GYN inserts a speculum to hold your vagina open. This isn’t painful, although you may feel some pressure.

Your provider positions the colposcope outside of your vagina, and peers through it for a magnified view of your cervix. They may apply a solution to your cervix that turns certain cells — like genital warts — white.

If they see signs of abnormal cells, they may take a biopsy for further testing. Before taking the sample, your provider sprays a topical anesthetic onto your cervix and vaginal tissue. This helps keep you comfortable while they take the cell sample.

Colposcopy procedures aren’t any more painful or uncomfortable than a Pap smear and they usually only take 10-20 minutes.

What should I expect after a colposcopy?

You can get right back to your normal activities after a colposcopy. If your provider takes a biopsy, you may experience some spotting and need to wear a sanitary napkin for a couple of days.

If you have abnormal Pap smear results, call Swor Women’s Care or schedule an appointment online for a colposcopy.

Q & A