Coposcopy
What is a
colposcopy?
What happens during the procedure?
What happens after the procedure?
What are the benefits of this procedure?
What are the risks involved with the procedure?
Also
See:
Cervical Cancer
Pap Smear
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What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy allows
your doctor or nurse to look very closely at your cervix using a
colposcope, an instrument with a series of lenses that magnify the tissues
in the cervix.
Initially, a
colposcopy feels similar to a Pap smear. However, instead of taking a
sample of the cervical cells, your health care provider will place the
colposcope at the vaginal opening. If your cervical tissue appears
abnormal, he/she may use an instrument to cut off a small tissue sample.
This is called a biopsy. You may feel a slight pinch or cramp. The tissue
will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What happens after the
procedure?
You may feel a
little lightheaded afterwards, but many women feel no after effects.
Consult with your doctor or nurse about what steps you should take and
when you need to return for a checkup.
What are the
benefits of this procedure?
Your health care
provider should be able to make a more specific diagnosis of the problem
in your cervix and suggest further treatment if necessary.
What are the risks
involved with the procedure?
If a biopsy is
performed there might be some minor bleeding from the biopsy site.
Infection could occur, but is rare. Please consult with your doctor or
nurse to see how these risks apply to you. After the procedure, your
should call your doctor immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, a
fever, or pelvic pain.
from
The Office On Women's Health - US Department of Health and Human Services
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