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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
