Colposcopy



Definition

Colposcopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine a woman's cervix and vagina using a special microscope called a colposcope. It is used to check for precancerous or abnormal areas.


Purpose

Colposcopy is used to identify or rule out the existence of any precancerous conditions in the cervical tissue. If a Pap test shows abnormal cell growth, colposcopy is usually the first follow-up test performed. The physician will attempt to find the area that produced the abnormal cells and remove it for further study (biopsy) and diagnosis.

Colposcopy may also be performed if the cervix looks abnormal during a routine examination. It may be suggested for women with genital warts and for diethylstilbestrol (DES) daughters (women whose mothers took the anti-miscarriage drug DES when pregnant with them). Colposcopy is used in the emergency department to examine victims of sexual assault and abuse and document any physical evidence of vaginal injury.


Demographics

It is estimated that 30–44% of women fail to follow-up with colposcopy after an abnormal Pap test. Minority women, teenagers, and those of low socioeconomic status are at a greater risk of this.


Description

Colposcopy is usually performed in a physician's office and is similar to a regular gynecologic exam. An instrument called a speculum is inserted to hold the vagina open, and the gynecologist looks at the cervix and vagina using a colposcope, a low-power microscope designed to magnify the cervix 10–40 times its normal size. Most colposcopes are connected to a video monitor that displays the area of interest. Photographs are taken during the examination to document abnormal areas.

The colposcope is placed outside the patient's body and never touches the skin. The cervix and vagina are swabbed with dilute acetic acid (vinegar). The solution highlights abnormal areas by turning them white (instead of a normal pink color). Abnormal areas can also be identified by looking for a characteristic pattern made by abnormal blood vessels.

If any abnormal areas are seen, the doctor will take a biopsy of the tissue, a common procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Several samples might be taken, depending on the size of the abnormal area. A biopsy may cause temporary discomfort and cramping, which usually go away within a few minutes. If the abnormal area appears to extend inside the cervical canal, a scraping of the canal may also be done. The biopsy results are usually available within a week.

If the tissue sample indicates abnormal growth (dysplasia) or is precancerous, and if the entire abnormal area can be seen, the doctor can destroy the tissue using one of several procedures, including ones that use high heat (diathermy), extreme cold (cryosurgery), or lasers. Another procedure, called a loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP), uses low-voltage, high-frequency radio waves to excise tissue. If any of the abnormal tissue is within the cervical canal, a cone biopsy (removal of a conical section of the cervix for inspection) will be needed.


Diagnosis/Preparation

Women who are pregnant, or who suspect that they are pregnant, must tell their doctor before the procedure begins. Pregnant women may undergo colposcopy if they have an abnormal Pap test; special precautions, however, must be taken during biopsy of the cervix.

Patients should be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before colposcopy. Patients should empty their bladder and bowels before colposcopy for comfort. Colposcopy does not require any anesthetic medication because pain is minimal. If a biopsy is done, there may be mild cramps or a sharp pinching when the tissue is removed. To lessen this pain, the doctor may recommend ibuprofen (Motrin) taken the night before and the morning of the procedure (no later than 30 minutes before the appointment). Patients who are pregnant or allergic to aspirin or ibuprofen can instead take acetaminophen (Tylenol).


Aftercare

If a biopsy was done, there may be a dark vaginal discharge afterwards. After the sample is removed, the doctor applies Monsel's solution to the area to stop the bleeding. When this mixes with blood, it creates a black fluid that looks like coffee grounds. This fluid may be present for a couple of days after the procedure. It is also normal to have some spotting after colposcopy. Pain-relieving medication can be taken to lessen any postprocedural cramping.

Patients should not use tampons, douche, or have sex for at least a week after the procedure (or until the doctor says it is safe) because of the risk of infection.


Risks

Patients may have bleeding or infection after biopsy. Bleeding is usually controlled with a topical medication prescribed by the physician or health care provider. If colposcopy is performed on a pregnant patient, there is a risk of premature labor.

A patient should call her doctor right away if she notices any of the following symptoms:

Normal results

If visual inspection shows that the surface of the cervix is smooth and pink, this is considered normal. Areas that look abnormal may actually be normal variations; a biopsy will indicate whether the tissue is normal or abnormal.

Abnormal conditions that can be detected using colposcopy and biopsy include precancerous tissue changes (cervical dysplasia), cancer, and cervical warts caused by human papilloma virus.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Complications associated with colposcopy are extremely rare. There is a risk that the procedure will miss precancerous or cancerous tissues and thus prolong treatment until the cancer has become advanced. Of the 12,800 women who are diagnosed in the United States each year with cervical cancer, approximately 37.5% will die as a result of the disease.


Alternatives

While the Pap test is an effective screening test for abnormal cell growth of the cervix, it is an inadequate diagnostic alternative to colposcopy because of the potential for false negative results (10–50%). In some instances, a repeat Pap test may be recommended before performing colposcopy (e.g., in the case of inflammation or no previous abnormal Pap test).


Resources

books

Ryan, Kenneth J., Ross S. Berkowitz, and Robert L. Barbieri. Kistner's Gynecology, 7th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999.


periodicals

McKee, M. Diane, Joseph Lurio, Paul Marantz, William Burton, and Michael Mulvihill. "Barriers to Follow-up of Abnormal Papanicolaou Smears in an Urban Community Health Center." Archives of Family Medicine 8 (March/April 1999): 129–34.


organizations

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th St., SW, PO Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090-6920. http://www.acog.org .

American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. 20 W. Washington St., Ste. #1, Hagerstown, MD 21740. (301) 733-3640. http://www.asccp.org .

Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses. 2000 L St., NW, Ste. 740, Washington, DC 20036. (800) 673-8499. http://www.awhonn.org .

DES Action USA. 610 16th St., Ste. 301, Oakland, CA 94612. (510) 465-4011. http://www.desaction.org .

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. 401 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 644-6610. http://www.sgo.org .


other

"Colposcopy (Position Paper)." American Academy of Family Physicians, [cited March 11, 2003]. http://www.aafp.org/x6665.xml .

Garcia, Agustin. "Cervical Cancer." eMedicine, April 17, 2002 [cited March 11, 2003]. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic324.htm .

Mayeaux, E. J. "Colposcopy Atlas." Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical Library, [cited March 11, 2003]. http://lib-sh.lsumc.edu/fammed/atlases/colpo.html .

Pattan, Charles. "Colposcopy." eMedicine, July 15, 2002 [cited March 11, 2003]. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic 3298.htm .


Jennifer E. Sisk, MA Stephanie Dionne Sherk

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


Colposcopy may be performed by a gynecologist or other qualified health care provider in an outpatient setting. A gynecologist specializes in the areas of women's general health, pregnancy, labor and childbirth, prenatal testing, and genetics. In cases of sexual assault, a nurse practitioner or registered nurse may perform the procedure. If a biopsy is performed, a pathologist examines the tissue samples under a powerful microscope in the laboratory and sends the results to the health care provider who, in turn, informs the patient of the results.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


User Contributions:

Glad I decided to look around the internet about this. I just had a colposcopy biopsy done yesterday. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Your article so to not use tampons but the doc put one in at the end of the procedure to "put preasure" on the biopsy area to reduce bleeding. The "coffee grounds" seem to be really uncomfortable coming out.
I have to agree the biopsy didnt hurt as much as i thought it would. however i have had some minor bleeding since (spotting), today is sunday and i had my biopsy/ colposcopy on tuesday. and now im experiencing some severe cramps combined with an occasional stabbing pain on the one side. so now im going to see my doc in the morning and hope nothing more is wrong.
i had my colposcopy today an i found it really painful, i had quite a large area of abnormal cells which had to be removed and a biopsy sent away, i felt really ill afterwards, stomach cramps, shooting pains in my stomach, bleeding, sickness and lower back pains. im going to give it a couple of days and see how i feel but if the shooting pains continue i will be going to see my doctor just to make sure everything is ok. i hope these 3-6 weeks fly for my biopsy results.
4
Nicole
I have hsv2, and an abnormal pap..I go in to have my colposcopy on the 3rd and had a question on how long I should wait afterward before having sex. Given my hsv2 and there being an open wound due to where they will take the biopsy from, should I worry about my husband and contracting anything...I know we have to wait a week after but will that time frame be sufficient to keep him safe?
I have just had an nhs letter through my door and im so scared as it said ive to have a colposcopy and i should get my appointment through within the next 8 weeks.im 22 and ive got two daughters,6 and 1. ive had a few smears which said there was small cell changes but now ive been sick with worry as im thinking what if ive got cancer or something?!?!im sooo scared ive been researching on the net all day about abnormal smears and biopsys.my periods are normal and i dont seem to have any symptoms like bleeding between periods,after sex etc.but what if they find something bad when i have a colposcopy??? i cant help but worry.look what happend to jade goody am so scared its gunna happen to me.and i dont fancy waiting 8 weeks to have this procedure done i would rather have it asap to get it out the way incase these cell changes get worse! im so worried.
6
Jami
I just had my colposcopy and biopsy done 2 days ago and still having pain. I have had several problems with my reproductive system such as cysts and endimitriosis. Just had a laporoscopy in April. They decided to do the biopsy because I have also had 2 abnormal paps in the last 6 months. It was a painful procedure because they took 4 pieces one from top and bottom and each side. Still have the "coffee ground" discharge and a lot of cramping. For anyone who is about to have this done I recommend waiting a couple of days to return to work. I am on my feet all day at work and it makes the cramping more severe. Will not find out results till next week so wish me luck.
7
Laura
i have been diagnosed with severe dyskaryosis, i had my biopsy done today and my doctor showed all of the affected area of my cervix i'm so worried about my results coming back in the next 4-6 weeks wish it could be sooner so i could have my mind put at ease my biopsy at colposcopy was so painful i hope this pain goes in the next couple of days or i shall be making another appointment to see my doctor again. i just feel like i cant ask questions because im not getting any answers when they told me in april it was mild but now severe wat are my chances of cancer:(??
I just had a colposcopy this past Friday, (three days ago) and I was so scared, almost crying because of how painful I heard that it was going to be but it wasn't that awful just hard pinches and mild cramping during the procedure. Apparently my primary care physician did a routine pap smear on me, Results came back abnormal. My doctor also told me that the results indicated I have displyasia. Which sounded odd to me. Anyway, I had the colposcopy done already and I am nervously awaiting my results. I am only 23 years old so the doctors who preformed the procedure said because of my age, it probably isn't cervical cancer. (but you really never know) . I am really really scared. But on a funnier note, I saw my cervix on the ob/gyn's color laptop computer during the colposcopy and it looks like a pink dougnut.
I had a colposcopy done yesterday. The procedure was very uncomfortable and painful. After the procedure was done i went to the front desk to pay. Next thing i know im waking up on the floor with nurses in my face. I fainted. Im not sure how normal this is? But it was definitly scary. Now that im home im worried about what is coming out of my vagina. Its not blood, discharge or "coffee grinds". But it looks almost like chunks of skin. Im getting scared bc i dont know if that is what this article refers to as "coffee grinds".
10
kim
Hi guys I had a biopsy done today and I am only 19.I was scared cause I didn't know what to exspect. I told told everything looks okay,but I having doubt because I dont know if it can be serious and how can I break it down to my mom? I found it painful when I got it done. I dont know it I am a whimp or not but I cryed the whole time It was the worst experiance ever. I felt a burning sensation while the insterment was in meit was mainly by my pelvic bones are is that normal? I started to panic when she said the interment that they used for stretching the vagina was stuck.It was extremely painful I didnt know what to do. I had really bad cramps for 15 mins and I couldn't sit up right at all. I hope if you guys have any tips or anything can you let me know?
11
Rosalind
Hi I had a colcoscopy 9 weeks ago and I have a return appointment tomorrow. I had 3 biopsies and silver nitrate treatment ( they found a viral wart and a cervical erosion)Since that appointment I have been in pain and have undergone other examinations to find out why. Is it possible to be experiencing long term nerve damage?
I've had a colposcopy done two weeks ago and I've been bleeding off and on ever since. I also have very bad cramps and shooting pains in my lower abdomen. Is this normal or should I see my dr asap? Thanks
I've had a colposcopy done two weeks ago and I've been bleeding off and on ever since. I also have very bad cramps and shooting pains in my lower abdomen. Is this normal or should I see my dr asap? Thanks
Hi, i went to see my GP 5 days ago as ive been feeling a bit run down for a while and was having back ache and started bleeding inbetween periods ive also had a persistant discharge for many years witch ive had tests for but always come back clear so she gave me an overdue smear test she said she could see white patches on my cervix that bled when she took a swab and that could be where the discharge has been coming from and that she would refer me for a colposcopy, im still waiting for my appointment but am terrified i have cervical cancer as all the symptoms i have suggest thats what the problem is as ive been researching on the internet :( im 27 with two small children and extremely scared. im just wondering if anybody else has had symptoms like me? or if their doctor has noticed abnormalities during a smear without even having to send it off? thanks x
oh mel :( you must be worried sick i hope everything goes okay.i know how worried you must feel as i also have two small kids.i had the loop procedure done 2day it wasnt to bad i just couldnt stop shaking!the nurses had to hold my legs! I just hope they removed all th abnormal area and i dont have to go back again :( im so sick of goin for check ups every 6months xx
Hello,to everybody that has to deal with this procedure. This is my second colposcopy my first time it was very scary because I was left alone for along time in my doctor's room, so I look around reading labels and looking at instruments that will be use for the procedure, so I got very scared. This second time I decided to just relax, I think this procedure is very physically and mentally hard to take, because you think about your children and loved ones and that just kills you inside. I'm not going to lie it does hurt it feels like a pinch. Some advice try to relax so your muscles are not to tight and you will fell less pain. Good Luck to everyone.
17
Hope
I hv had a colposcopy done on thursday last week.I stil hv cramps n pains,but wat worries me is I haven't menstruted.my last date was 28 May 2011.till nw nothing is happening.
After having a year of 3 abnormal smears, heavy painfull and more frequent periods, greenish discharge and occasional pain after sex and bleeding I was finally being scheduled for a colposcopy, I had my colposcopy done yesterday. I bled heavily and felt very tired afterwards. Today I returned to work and started to have really painfull cramps. The colposcopy went well considering she took 3 punch biopsies from my cervix and 1 large piece from the lining of the womb.
The large piece they took was very painfull upon removal and i almost swore at the doctor but did manage to thankfully keep it together throughout the procedure. Just glad its over for now, worrying time over the next few weeks for the results.
hello everyone, i had my colposcopy and treatment 7 weeks ago,i didnt find it painful at the time and it was over very quickly,i have to go back in dec for another smear,but im really worried and not sure who to talk to as im bleeding heavily still after sex and inbetween periods.
I know this is some of the symptoms of cervical cancer and it scares me to death,not sure if i should wait till dec or find out sooner,not sure if i really want to know.
I was terrified about having to have a colp/biopsy, even put off the appt twice, begged the doc to avoid the biopsy...but I had several yesterday on my cervix and I FELT NOTHING...not a pinch, a pull, a tug, a finger, NOTHING.
I took 800mg of ibuprofen before the procedure, had 4 women in the room with me plus my fiancee.
I would rather have the biopsy than a pap smear with the brush ANY DAY!!!
I had this done 6 weeks ago and Iam still waiting on results , I have four kids single mother and Iam very worried .My periods have stopped and I feel sick at times run down , gotten ugly cold sores , and also have shooting pains . So confused so worried havent and still no letter . The joys of being a woman rrrgghhh !
I had this done 6 weeks ago and Iam still waiting on results , I have four kids single mother and Iam very worried .My periods have stopped and I feel sick at times run down , gotten ugly cold sores , and also have shooting pains . So confused so worried havent and still no letter . The joys of being a woman rrrgghhh !
23
Laura
I had my first colcoscopy last june, got myself really worked up and was very afraid.. the procedure itself was painless but quite uncomfortable, i was ok until they applied the solution which stops the bleeding. Thsi was painful for me, she warned me that its that solution which causes the cramping and the pain would pass shortly. On my way out i felt really faint and weak,I was told id be fine to drive after but i wasnt, i had to call somebody to pick me up because i felt so ill. An hour later the cramps were so intense and i had extreme pain in my back. I took strong Tramadol and tried to go to sleep. The pain lasted on and off for three days, the bleeding was gone within a week. Ive been called for a repeat biopsy for confirmation, its next week and im dreading it. I will be booking at least 3 days off work this time and will have someone drive me ... hope this is all over soon!
24
nicola
i had a biopsy yesterday and it went ok didnt hurt that much and was ok after just dont like the waitin around for the results .
25
Shannon
My concern is I had a Robic Hysterectomy October 2009 have not had any problems since the surgery, followed doctors orders and everything has been great. I did have a bladder sling June 2011 because since my Hysterectomy it seemed to have gotten worse and I am a very active person.
I went back June 2011 for my yearly check up and my pap smear came back slightly abnormal. I was told to wait 6 months and have another pap smear. Go back December 5, 2011 for my second one. At that time the doctor said I had a slight yeast infection. My results this time come back highly abnormal and the doctor put me on a steroid to clear up the yeast infection. Told to wait several weeks and come back for a third pap smear. Went in January 5, 2012 for my third round and the doctor performed a Colposcopy and notice a white spot on my Viginal Cuff when she was performing the biopsy she tore a hole in Viginal Cuff and my bowel came through. She stated that my cuff was so thin and was not surprised that it had not torn during having sex. She tried to clean it up and stitch it put said I was in too much pain and schedule surgery that afternoon to stitch me up. She said she double stitch me and had another doctor come in and check to make sure that my bowel and intestines had not been punctured. I am back to restrictions no lifting, no squatting, and no bending down for 6 to 8 weeks.

My question is: Is this normal to have such a thin Virginal Cuff after my Hysterectomy and should this be a concern having sex later on? And if she knew my cuff was so thin, should she have done something different as for as doing the biopsy?
26
Debbie
My daughter in law to be is 13 weeks pregnant. A few years ago she had an irregular pap come back so they did a colposcopy. Her dr says now that she is pregnant he needs gto do another one. i have heard it is not good to do this test on a pregnant woman. Any comments regardings ths i?Is it safe,
27
Ayen
Hello guys. I have abnormal result of pap smear last month.. My doctor advised me to do colposcopy.. I am now very nervous of what I read about their experience. I'm only 22 and it's my first time to do this procedure.. I already had finished the vaccine for anti HPV or cervical cancer so I hope my situation is not too critical.. Anybody who can advise me what to do?? And anyway, after you done the colposcopy, how many weeks you can have sex again?? thanks and take care everyone...
28
Ayen
Hello guys. I have abnormal result of pap smear last month.. My doctor advised me to do colposcopy.. I am now very nervous of what I read about their experience. I'm only 22 and it's my first time to do this procedure.. I already had finished the vaccine for anti HPV or cervical cancer so I hope my situation is not too critical.. Anybody who can advise me what to do?? And anyway, after you done the colposcopy, how many weeks you can have sex again?? thanks and take care everyone...
29
Myrisa
I had this done while pregnant with my son I was 8 months the doctor told me my cells would shed just bu looking at it. But in this it says samples are needed to kno if anything is truly wrong im pregnant again my ob said ill be gettin another one done when im 8 months again I juat do not understand what really happened during my test
I had loop diathermy yesterday... Dr and Nurses were so so nice and best of all i could have my hubby with me. It wasnt as bad as i thought it was going to be. I would urge every woman to get regular smears.
31
sam
I have a colcoscopy scheduled Monday (I've had one in the past) due to abnormal cells but I also have a biopsy scheduled for my vulva area due to a dark spot under my skin(not an STD). Both procedures are done by the gyno but i'm wondering if they will complete my exams as i just started spotting for my period. My appointment was marked urgent and moved up from July 2012 to Monday. Any suggestions? There is no one I can call because it's the weekend.
32
Dot
I just had a colposcopy done today and 1 biopsy taken from an area. The doc was really good,spent time with me before she did the procedure answering all my questions and when it was time to have it all done she talked it through step by step throughout the procedure and the taking of the biopsy didnt hurt. Pap smear feels more uncomfortable (not painful)which I had done just seconds before the biopsy.She needed to put the silver nitrate on the area and warned me that I will feel a cramping pain. I did have a cramp pain but only for like 30 seconds and it just felt like period pain or when ur just about to get the runs and got to go to the loo! No pain afterwards, walking and doing the normal house work, no bleeding or after pain, no spotting yet. Its been 8 hrs since I had it done. Results come back in 2 weeks and most likely will have to have the area lasered. Then I have to wait 4 months, go back and get another biopsy and if all clear I can start trying to have babies. By the way I did have 2 panadeine forte 1 hr prior to the procedure but this just made me feel a bit 'dazed out and sleep'. It was not at all as bad as I thought it would be.
33
starr
about 3 weeks ago i went for a pap test & i got a call informing me there was precancerous cells found & it would most likely be HPV, so i had to go in for a colposcopy 2 days ago. when i went in for the colposcopy my dr. said before preforming the procedure that HPV came back negative so they had to see what it was after this colposcopy. now i am hearing i can still have HPV even after my doctor said no? im really confused and concerned someone please email me back helping me understand whether i might have HPV or not or if it could be something else? Thank you!
34
sam1
hi all i had abnormal results from my smear test it read severe dyscariosis. i have now had my colposcopy and they took a biopsy, i chose to have the anastectis injected first though witch i diddnt even feel,nothing hurt me at all but she was messing around inside me for over half an hour so i was a bit uncomfortable. i am now waiting for biopsy results, they said i will hear with in 2 weeks. its been a week today(12/06/12) my family say if it was anything to worry about they would have contacted me by now. is this true or does it take 2 weeks no matter what? x x
35
MARY
Hi i had my third colposcopy done today. afterwards i was really light headed and dizzy and felt quite a bit of pain with this one unlike the others. i have taken my 800 mg tylenol which they gave me for my endimitriosis to help with the pain. but it is so bad that i just want to cry. and i am not having any discharge or anything, im not sure whether i should call my doctor in the mornin or what. please help anybody
36
Michelle
I had an abnormal pap 2 months ago and went for my colposcopy today. The procedure was bearable and even the biopsy, though my cervix area is still stinging.
My doctor was able to tell me its not cancer (the 'white' bits werent big or dominant), but she wasnt able to tell me if I will need follow up surgery, or just checkups. Need to wait 2 months for that :(
All in all, Im just glad they caught it when they did and will go though any pain to make sure I am around for my 3 kids. Pain is worth it if you know you will not get the dreaded c word!
37
amber
hi i had a colposcopy done on the 25th and they told me that i would have a coffee like discharge which i been having but there was a couple of days where there was something like skin comeing out from down there when i wiped and know i am bleeding is that oh k or do i need to talk to a doc?
38
sue
Hi i will have a colcoscopy on dec and im really scared especially after reading all this comment here
and also im really worried, i hope that i don't have cancer, I'm not really at ease at the moment since i went to my smear test, I started worryieng then until now.
39
Linda
I am going to have a colposcopy this coming Monday Dec 10th. I am so nervous if this will be painful? I have had a pap smears,,and I know what that feels like,,and I also had to get a Pelvic and a Vaginal Ultrasound,,and it did not show everything,,so now I need a colposcopy so my Dr.can take biopsy,,just the sound of a scope going in makes me afraid..I know I should not be afraid,,because I have had many pap smears..I was hoping I could be put to sleep for this procedure,,but it is done in the office..I am going to call before I go to see what nerve and pain medication I can take before I go,,so I will be more relaxed. I am sure I will feel pressure and pinching,,I hope not too much...
40
michelechristmas
I had a colposcopy dine a month ago. Was very painful to me. My results came in a week later and my obgyn called me personally from his home to give me the results. I also just had a baby in September so this was all extremely scary for me. My results show that I have level 3 dysplasia and I have to have a radical hysterectomy done asap. I am 35 years young and a mother of 3. My mother had the exact same thing at 35. But after the hysterectomy they tested it all and found she had cancer of the uterus. So I'm still very scared. Still having sharp pain from the biopsy. Dr said it should stop but it hasn't add of yet. I also have a auto immune disease that I take a immune suppressor for. I'm hoping this doesn't cause complications.
41
Gay
Kia ora everyone. I have had three Colposcopys. The last one I had biopsies taken, and all the things woman have experienced during the procedure.Because the first two times I had cramp afterwards, I mentioned this but just told to take some pain killers. The last time, I took a support person, and saw for the first time my 'insides' on the screen. Very interesting! However, professional said that my Uterus was somehow in an awkward positon. He told me calmly that he would need to push down with force to effectively complete the procedure. He told nursing staff etc, and me that not to get a fright if the instrument snaps as it had been known to as it was only plastic 'handle'. It hurt, I was moaning softly. Bleed, wad of cloth inserted. Incredible pain three days later. COULDNT SIT DOWN INTO CAR OR SWING MY LEGS AS I SAT without severe pain. Went to Doctor, sent to Physio who did some amazing work but ACC (New Zealand) held up payment contribution for THREE MONTHS as had to investigate first. finally called it 'Sacroiliac ligament strain as a result of positioning during a difficult gynaecological procedure'. It's cost me $48 so far and I've had three months off waiting for ACC decision through Xmas with no other treatment. Now what? Finding a physio that doesn't have extra charges as I'm on poverty line income. Gynaecologist is a very nice guy, explained it all to me, but forgot about no sex, description of colour of discharge. Support people need to be trained more about what just may happen, and it seems those who have biopsy taken have the most pain. Good luck everyone, and don't forget to watch the monitor.
42
Queen
Thank you to you all, I yet to go for my colposcopy WAS VERY SCARED BUT NOT ANY MORE READING EVERYONE EXPERIENCE I HAVE PREPARED MYSELF, FOR STOMACH CRAMPS, BLEEDING, AND NOT TO GO BACK TO WORK STRIGHT AWAY, THESE COMMENTS HAS HELP ME TO MAKE SURE SOME ONE IS HOME WITH ME TILL AM WELL AS I LIVE ALONE AND MY HEALTH HAS BEEN NOT THE BEST MY SMEAR TEST WAS URGENT ABNORMAL CELLS,
WOW JUST GOT A PHN CALL MY APPOINTMENT NEXTWEEK AWESSM
43
tina
I had a cervical biopsy 3days ago iv been having sever backpain is this normal
44
Flora Jackson
I am 50 yrs.of age just had a papsmear 7 weeks ago.I got a letter stateing i have a pre-cancerous condition of the cervics,and need a colposcopy.Haven't had a paps in 30 years,felt good until a year and a half ago,started with back pain,leg,stomach and pain in my ovaires,really scared because a DR. dealing with my stomach problems told me of this. He said i had 2 things come back bad one, looked like a severe infection,the other the numbers were really high and that called for this procuder.Have had the papsmear and nothing from the GYN,untill i got the letter stating the colposcopy.Is this something to worry about? Its just scary the way it was handeled,does this test mean you have cancer?
45
Michelle
Hi I had a colposcopy done just over 5 weeks ago and they said it would take 4-6 weeks for results to come back. I phoned my GP last week, the receptionist informed me that results where back, but wouldn't say what the results where and that my doctor had put a letter in the post. That was nearly 6 days ago and still no letter. I am finding the wait to be excruciatingly worrying. I try to be positive, But one minute I'm sure it's going to be fine, (no news is good news right?) and the next min I'm crying and worried sick in case it's bad news. How long do the results normally take to come back? And I can't help wonder why there isn't a better system in place to put ladies minds at rest? Would it be better to phone the hospital direct and speak to them to find out results? I feel so anxious.
46
philly
Last week Thusrday I had my colpo done because I had abnormal cells, I was given dexytet capsules, I have a running tummy and also I am still bleeding up till today, is this normal #worried. Tnx
47
raiyu
I'm 35weeks pregnant and I had diarrhea for 4 days. I at the hospital today and the trainee doctor did this procedure to me. It was very2 painful as she was being so rough.i am being warded by this time. Now, I started bleeding and having very painful contractions. I'm scared that I might end up having premature birth just because of this. I already told the doctor's but I'm not sure if they even concern about it.
I have had 2 colposcopies in the past 2 years and I have to have another one today because my pap found pre-cancerous cells. They wanted to do the LEEP but I saw a specialist and she urged me not to do the LEEP but to do a colposcopy. I am beyond terrified that they will find cancer. I was in the ER a couple weeks ago for something else and they did a Cat Scan and said the abnormal cells are lining my cervix. THAT TERRIFIED ME. They said to move my colposcopy up to a sooner date. I don't know how to not worry. If the cells are cancerous I assume they will have to take that part of my cervix out.
Any advice??
Hello, I had a cervical biopsy done last Friday. I'm 18 weeks pregnant so they also perform a cerclage (a stitch that hold together my cervix so I dnt go into premature labor. I was asleep for the procedure. When I woke up I had severe back pain in my lower back. I'm having the "coffee grounds" discharge but it's not a lot. However, I'm still having these horrible back pains and I've been to the doctors office several times but they are not telling me why I'm having these pain. How long does the pain last?
50
Denise
Hi, I had the cospolcopy and was exactly how they explained is not very comfortable put what it is worrying me is been more than a moths ago ( 35 days) and my period it is not coming. I did pregnancy test and shows negative. It is normal to have delay on my period after this examination?
51
Audra
Hi Ladies.Having an abnormal pap us scary for anyone. Keep in mind sometimes it could be a false positive. Anyway last week I had a annual exam but I hadn't gone fur a pap in over 2 years. Anyway this us my 3rd abnormal pap.My first was when I was 17, and I had a colposcopy and then it showed mild dysplasia. I had a keep done and then all my pap tests were perfect until 2013 I had my 2nd abnormal pap and colposcopy and that one was now moderate/severe dysplasia. I just went last month for my annual I was way over due and my pap came back abnormal again. Today I had a second colposcopy(biopsy) because the cells are more localised inside the cervical cavity. They had to take a biopsy and go inside the opening I'd my cervix and scape it like 5 different times.. Wow was that extremely uncomfortable. My cervix us very sensitive because if the Leeps and I'm so worried if it's up in the banality could have spreading the uterus and who knows what. Anyone have any information on where us can get a second opinion. I'm now only 34 years old and have 2 small children. Thank you
52
KImberly
Hi, I had the colposcopy and was exactly how they explained it not very comfortable put what it is worrying me its been more than a month (June 4,2015) and my period it is not coming. I did pregnancy test and shows negative. It is normal to have delay on my period after this examination?
53
Brittany
I just had my colposcopy on Friday (10/9/2015) my Dr ended up taking 2 biopsies on 2 different places, I also had an ultrasound the same day to check for cysts or anything else, I won't know my results until 10/22 to say i'm nervous is an understatement, it is now Saturday and i'm having severe cramping and pain on my right side from the top of my Uterus all the way up my back, my question is.. What is going on? Should I go to the Er? Its extremely painful
54
alisha
I had something come out of me three days after my copo it looked like a sack what should I do. Is it normal I never had this the other two times I've had this done or may be I did see it it's the size of my pulm
55
Mj
I had the colposcopy done five days ago...I took 800mg if IBUPROFEN like instructed 1hour to the procedure...and I still felt pain as they took the biopsies and did a pap...I had a lot of tenderness and still am cramping, but now my nipples are incredibly tender. There seems to be a discharge still and now I'm starting to itch and I'm worried that I have a Yeast infection now
56
donnease sturgis
Brittany what your talking about is normal it's just what they used to stop the bleeding after the biopsy
57
Fee
I had my period come back on after 4 years and stayed on for 5 days, so I went to see my doctor. I had to have my yearly exam and I was telling them that I had pain after I pee. They did a pap smear and it came back with cell on my pap and blood in my urine. I had a colposcopy and the doctor stayed that everything looked fine and I needed no biopsy. Which is good and bad, what is going on with me. The pain is definitely not like I thought it would be. I have lite bleeding and little pain when going to bathroom. I just puzzled about what is going on with me.
58
Ivonne
I had a colposcopy on Nov 22, 2016 because I have HPV stage 1, but its in my left vaginal wall not the cervix. In Dec I started to feel something on my left vaginal wall. I went to see the dr and she checked and felt nothing and saw nothing...but I'm still feel something there. I wonder if its just scar tissue I'm feeling. I remember when I had my daughter 29 years ago I had to be cut to deliver her and after that I felt a strange feeling for years after that but only when I would get my period it lasted for about 10-12 years that feeling. This kinda feels the same but ongoing. I'm worried so I'm changing Dr's and getting second opinion. I had dysplasia when I was 22 years old and had a laser, cryo with no luck and then had a loop which did the job and I never had it again until now and I'm 48. Can someone tell me if they had felt this?
59
Lin
I have had more than enough colonoscopies over my 59 years. I will never endure another one. It is the most barbaric and painful procedure I have ever had. I can not imagine why women undergoing this are not medicated properly. Honestly I would have a full hysterectomy before ever having this proceedure done without medication. I am not a wimp. I have had 4 children born without pain medication, many laparoscopic procedures and gynecological proceedures. I hardly even take tylenol for anything. I think a Male dominated society disregards anything to do with female anatomy and pain.

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