Colposcopy
Colposcopy is an exam of the cervix, vagina, and/or vulva using a microscope. This handout tells you what to expect before, during, and after colposcopy.
Reasons you may need this exam
1. If you had an abnormal pap smear.
2. If you have had genital warts.
3. If you or your mother took a medicine called DES (diethylstilbestrol).
4. To see this part of your body more closely.
Before the Procedure
1. Do not take aspirin products for 7 to 10 days before the exam.
2. Do not use creams or gels in the vagina before the exam for at least 2 days.
3. Do not have sexual intercourse or use a douche one day before the exam.
4. Pain medicine is usually not needed, but if you wish, you may take 2 ibuprofen tablets (200mg each) one hour before the exam.
During the Procedure
This exam lasts up to 30 minutes. You will undress from the waist down and lie in the same way you would for a pelvic exam. The exam table is raised and lowered during the exam to better see the cervix. The doctor will insert a speculum and look into the vagina using the scope. The scope does not go into the vagina. You may feel some movement inside the vagina when the doctor swabs the cervix and vagina (a Pap smear). A cold spray (vinegar mixture) may be used to help see better. Sometimes this mixture causes mild stinging. The doctor may remove small pieces of tissue (do a biopsy). You may feel pressure or pinching during the biopsy.
After Exam Care
If a biopsy is done
1. You may have bleeding (like a period) and discharge with flecks of old, dark blood for 2 to 7 days.
2. You should not use tampons (unless told to do so), douche or have intercourse for one week.
3. The doctor will let you know the results of your exam. The biopsy and Pap smear results take two weeks to return.
4. If you have any questions, please call your doctor.
Call Your Doctor
1. If bleeding is heavier than a normal period.
2. If pain occurs and lasts more than a few hours.
3. If your temperature is above 100.4ºF for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
4. If you have a lot of discharge or if it smells foul.
Phone Numbers
UW Health- Managed OB Clinics |
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UW Health West OB/GYN Clinic 451 Junction Rd Madison WI 53717 (608) 265-7601 |
UW Health East OB/GYN Clinic 5249 E Terrace Pkwy Madison WI 53718 (608) 265-1230
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UW Health Benign Gynecology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-6240
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UW Health Gynecology/Oncology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-1548 |
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UWMF- Managed OB Clinics |
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OB/GYN Clinic 20 S. Park, Suite 307 Madison, WI 53715 (608) 287-2830
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East Towne 4122 East Towne Blvd. Madison, WI 53704 (608) 242-6840 |
West Towne 7102 Mineral Point Rd. Madison, WI 53717 (608) 828-7610 |
Fitchburg 5543 East Cheryl Parkway Fitchburg, WI 53711 (608) 274-5300 |
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The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #5601.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/23/2012
Copyright © 05/23/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4596
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