Ultimately, we want you to leave your colposcopy procedure at One Medical not only healthier with a lower risk of cervical cancer, but also with a better understanding of how your body works and a greater sense of agency over your life. Not a member? Head to onemedical. The all-encompassing nature of primary care allows Bernadette to understand the body and mind on a profound level.
Though her approach to care is very evidence-based, Bernadette believes in individualized care and an integrative, nonjudgmental style which helps her build strong partnerships with her patients. She completed her nursing and advanced practice training at Yale University, where she also served as a clinical instructor for several years. Before this, she spent time in Africa working with traditional healers and worked as a massage therapist in the Bay Area. Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice.
If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider. A pathologist can identify abnormal cells by looking at the tissue sample under a microscope. While a colposcopy can suggest that you have cancer or precancerous tissue, only a biopsy can actually make a diagnosis. If an abnormal area is small, your doctor may be able to remove all of it during the biopsy.
For example, 1 common biopsy method of cervical tissue uses an instrument to pinch off small pieces of suspicious areas. You may feel pinching or discomfort similar to menstrual cramps during some biopsy types.
Sometimes a local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the biopsy. Ask your doctor about the different types of biopsies that could potentially be done during your colposcopy. Your doctor may suggest that, for 24 to 48 hours before a colposcopy, you stop using vaginal medicines, creams, powders, or foams.
During this period, you should also stop having vaginal sex, using tampons, or placing any other products in your vagina. You may also want ask your doctor if you should take an over-the-counter pain medication before the examination in case you have a biopsy. There are no direct side effects that a colposcopy will cause. However, if you have a biopsy during a colposcopy, then you could have a dark vaginal discharge for a few days.
This comes from the solution doctors use to reduce bleeding that can happen with a biopsy. You may also have some bleeding, cramping, or soreness. If a biopsy taken during your colposcopy shows that you have precancerous tissue, the tissue may need to be removed to keep cancer from developing. Your doctor will explain the different removal methods that may be right for you. If the biopsy shows that cancer is present, you may need to have more tests before you begin treatment.
Your doctor will likely refer you to a gynecologic oncologist, who specializes in treating gynecologic cancer. Help rule out cervical cancer. Possible side effects after a cervical biopsy include: Vaginal bleeding and discharge.
Don't have colposcopy Don't have colposcopy You have a follow-up Pap test in about 6 to 12 months or as often as your doctor suggests to see if the abnormal cells have returned to normal.
You may have an HPV test to see if minor cell changes are caused by a type of HPV that can cause more severe cell changes and cervical cancer. You avoid the cost of colposcopy. You avoid the risks of having colposcopy and a cervical biopsy. The abnormal cells may return to normal on their own. If you start to worry and don't want to wait any longer, you can decide later to have colposcopy. Minor cell changes may become more severe.
If you don't have colposcopy, you won't know right away if the cell changes may be the kind that are more likely to turn into cancer and that need to be treated. Personal stories about treating minor cervical cell changes These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have colposcopy Reasons not to have colposcopy. I'm worried that the abnormal cells may turn into cancer.
I don't want to have a colposcopy or biopsy if I don't need to. I'm not worried about how much colposcopy costs. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Having colposcopy NOT having colposcopy. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. Yes That's right. Most minor cell changes go away on their own and don't cause problems.
No Sorry, that's not right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. Some types of HPV can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer.
Decide what's next. Yes No. I'm ready to take action. I want to discuss the options with others. I want to learn more about my options. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your Summary. Your decision Next steps. Which way you're leaning. How sure you are. Your comments. Your knowledge of the facts Key concepts that you understood.
Key concepts that may need review. Getting ready to act Patient choices. What matters to you. Print Summary. Credits and References Credits. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6 : — Get the facts Compare your options What matters most to you?
Get the Facts Your options Have colposcopy. Compare your options Have colposcopy Don't have colposcopy What is usually involved? You lie on your back with your feet raised and supported by footrests while your doctor uses a magnifying device called a colposcope to look at your vulva , vagina , and cervix.
You have a follow-up Pap test in about 6 to 12 months or as often as your doctor suggests to see if the abnormal cells have returned to normal. Check the facts 1. Do most minor cell changes go away on their own? Yes No I'm not sure. That's right. Can HPV infection cause minor cell changes to get worse? Decide what's next 1. Do you understand the options available to you? Certainty 1.
Not sure at all. Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information e.
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