- How colposcopy is done
- What should be the preparation
- Is it possible to have colposcopy during pregnancy?
Colposcopy is an examination performed by the gynecologist to assess the vulva, vagina and cervix in a very detailed way, looking for signs that may indicate inflammation or the presence of diseases, such as HPV and cancer.
This test does not hurt, but it can cause a little discomfort and a burning sensation when the gynecologist applies products that help to better observe the cervix and the vagina.
Colposcopy is usually requested by the doctor after an abnormal pap smear and its price is around 100 to 400 reais, varying according to the clinic and the need to perform a biopsy or not.
How colposcopy is done
During the examination, the woman should remove her lower body clothing and lie on the gynecologist's stretcher with her legs apart. Then, the doctor will perform the following steps of the procedure:
- Insert a small instrument called a speculum into the vagina, to keep the vaginal canal open and allow better observation; Place the colposcope, equipment that looks like a binocular, in front of the woman to allow an enlarged view of the vagina, vulva and cervix; Apply different products on the cervix to identify changes in the region. It is during this time that the woman may feel a little burning.
If changes are identified, the doctor can collect a small sample from the region to send for biopsy in a laboratory. Learn more about the biopsy and the result.
In addition, during the procedure, the doctor can also use the instrument to take enlarged photographs of the cervix, vulva or vagina to place on the final examination report.
What should be the preparation
Preparing for colposcopy includes avoiding having sex in the 2 days prior to the exam, even if using condoms. In addition, it is also important to avoid introducing any medication or object into the vagina, such as creams or tampons, and avoiding vaginal douching.
The woman must also not be menstruating and must take the result of the last pap smear.
Is it possible to have colposcopy during pregnancy?
Colposcopy can also be performed normally during pregnancy, as it does not cause any harm to the fetus, even if the procedure is done with biopsy.
If any changes are identified, the doctor will assess whether the treatment can be postponed until after delivery, when a new exam will be done to assess the evolution of the problem.
See what are the symptoms of cervical cancer.
