Colposcopy Specialist in Austin, TX

Colposcopy Q & A

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a gynecological procedure that uses a magnifying device — a colposcope — that gives your OB/GYN the ability to closely examine the lining of your cervix, as well as your vulva and vagina.

The colposcopy significantly enlarges the cervical tissue, allowing your doctor to look for signs of cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cervical tissue, they can’t see with their naked eye.

Women’s Health Domain includes highly skilled physicians with advanced training and experience in cervical dysplasia who follow the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines when performing this procedure.

Why would I need a colposcopy?

The team at Women’s Health Domain may recommend a colposcopy if you have a positive Pap smear.

A Pap smear is a cancer screening for cervical cancer. Having a positive test doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer, but it may indicate abnormal or precancerous cells.

During a colposcopy, the team at Women’s Health Domain examines the tissue more closely to better understand the results of your Pap smear and take samples of abnormal tissue.

The team may also recommend a colposcopy to look for other conditions that affect the cervix, such as genital warts, polyps, or cervical inflammation (cervicitis). They may also perform the test to find the cause of your pelvic pain or abnormal menstrual bleeding.

What happens during colposcopy?

The Women’s Health Domain team performs your colposcopy at the office. You lie back on the exam table with your feet raised, similar to your annual pelvic exam. Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina and places the colposcope outside the vaginal opening.

The colposcope shines a light on your cervix, allowing your doctor to clearly see the tissue. Your doctor applies a special solution to your cervical tissue to highlight the abnormal tissue.

If your OB/GYN finds any abnormal tissue, they take a biopsy and send it to the lab.

What can I expect after colposcopy?

What you can expect after your colposcopy depends on whether you need a biopsy or not. If you don’t need a biopsy, you shouldn’t have any discomfort and can resume your usual activities after the procedure.

If you need a biopsy, you may have some pain and bleeding following your colposcopy. The team also recommends you limit activities for a few days after your test to allow the cervical tissue to heal.

For expert care from highly-trained OB/GYNs, call Women’s Health Domain or book an appointment online today.