If you’ve been told that you need a colposcopy, you might feel anxious about what that means and what happens during the procedure.
Board-certified OB/GYN A. Michael Coppa offers in-office colposcopy services and the guidance you need to prepare for one.
With offices in Cranston and Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Copopa wants to highlight some of the reasons you may need a colposcopy and what to expect during one.
Read on to learn about this diagnostic procedure and why you might need to schedule one.
A colposcopy is a noninvasive procedure to closely examine the tissues of your cervix, vulva, and vagina.
Dr. Coppa uses a special magnifying instrument to check these areas for abnormal cells and growths that may indicate the presence of infection or cancer.
During a colposcopy, he can decide if you need a biopsy, a surgical procedure to remove a sample of tissue for further evaluation under a microscope.
The results of your colposcopy and a biopsy help Dr. Coppa determine if you need additional care and which treatments might be necessary.
Some women may need a routine colposcopy every few months or as part of their annual well-woman exam, especially those at high risk for cervical cancer or other gynecological disease.
Routine testing helps identify abnormal cell changes in the earliest stage – a time when cancer and other conditions are most treatable.
If you’ve never had a colposcopy, Dr. Coppa may request one for reasons like:
A colposcopy may be the next step after an abnormal Pap smear, a test to collect a sample of cells from your cervix to check for cancer or infection.
If suspicious tissue is found during a colposcopy, Dr. Coppa can also perform a biopsy at the same time to confirm or rule out cancer.
If Dr. Coppa notices lesions or other abnormal growths on your cervix, vulva, or vagina during a pelvic exam, you’ll likely need a colposcopy and a biopsy to determine their cause.
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that spreads through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Some strains of HPV cause changes in cervical cells which can increase a woman’s risk for cancer.
Dr. Coppa performs colposcopies to identify cervical cell changes before they can progress to cancer.
To ensure the accuracy of your colposcopy results, there are a few ways to prepare before your appointment.
You should avoid the use of tampons and vaginal medications for at least 48 hours before your colposcopy. Dr. Coppa also recommends that you not have vaginal intercourse in the days before your visit.
If you have your period on the day of your colposcopy, you should call our office to reschedule your appointment.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about your first colposcopy. Dr. Coppa will answer any questions you have about the procedure and recommend strategies to reduce your anxiety. For more information about colposcopy, schedule your appointment with Dr. Coppa today.
