Colposcopy
Colposcopy is procedure used to visually examine the vula, vagina and cervix for abnormalities and disease such as cervical cancer, genital warts, cervicitis and other conditions. Colposcopy can be performed as a 10-15 minute in-office procedure and does not require the use of anesthesia or pain medication.
The procedure is often combined with biopsy for accurate diagnosis.
How Colposcopy Works
A gynecologist will position an illuminated, magnifying device called a colposcope inches from the vulva to look at areas of the vagina and cervix not easily examined by the naked eye. A camera can be attached to the colposcope to record images for additional examination.
If there are suspicious looking areas, a biopsy may be taken.
Results
After the colposcopy with biopsy, a woman may have a brownish discharge from an iron solution called Monsel's solution, which the gynecologist applies to prevent bleeding. A gynecologist may also advise sexual abstinence for 1-2 weeks.
