Colposcopy is a simple examination, as much as the pap-smear. The gynecologist will examine the cervix through a microscope called a colposcope. During the colposcopic examination, special liquids (acetic acid and Lugol's solution) are applied to the cervix, which help in detecting cellular changes at the level of the epithelium covering the cervix. Colposcopy can also be performed during pregnancy as it poses no risk.
The importance of colposcopy lies in its ability to detect (or exclude) cellular changes in the cervix that precede cervical cancer. In some cases, it is the first examination to detect cervical cancer.
Beyond detecting these precancerous conditions, colposcopy can also treat them by excising (removing) them through a diathermy loop.
A colposcopy is performed by a gynecologist with competence in colposcopy. Colposcopy can be done in a hospital or clinic. It is a diagnostic/therapeutic technique that does not require hospitalization. It lasts about 10-20 minutes and is painless.
Colposcopy is recommended in cases of an abnormal pap-smear or when the cervix does not look normal during a visual examination.
Colposcopy can be done on days without menstruation.
One day before the examination you should not perform vaginal toilet, should not insert ovules, and should not have sexual contact.
The steps followed in colposcopy are:
In most cases, patients do not complain about anything after colposcopy. In rare cases, they may have discomfort similar to that during menstruation. In cases where a biopsy is taken during colposcopy, patients may have light, non-troubling hemorrhagic secretions for a few days.