Colposcopy is an office procedure used to evaluate a variety of female problems. Such problems include:
* a Pap smear showing a precancer or a cancer of the cervix,
* vaginal tube changes found on Pap or exam, and
* skin problems of the opening of the vagina, or vulva.

The tool, which looks like binoculars, allows your health care provider to see the areas in question more closely. It may have a camera attached or even a video that allows you to see a TV screen of the test as it is done. To be able to see the cervix, the vagina needs to be opened slightly. A tool called a speculum is used to open the vagina. The surface of the cervix is washed with a vinegar solution that helps bring out the patterns of the abnormalities. The color, surface texture, and blood vessels are noted.

Any areas that seem to be a precancer or cancer will be sampled with a clipper type tool or an electrical wire loop. Luckily, the cervix has little sensation of pain, so no anesthesia is needed for this. It is felt as a pull or tug in your pelvis and may give you mild cramps for a short time afterwards. Because there is a small area of the cervix opening beyond where the examiner can see, this area is also sampled by a gentle brushing or scraping of the canal. There will be a small amount of bleeding that will be controlled with a chemical solution that will leak out of the vagina for several days as a brown, sandy discharge. You will need a pad for about a week after this test. From the office, these samples are sent to a lab to be looked at under the microscope. Further treatment or follow-up will be recommended by your healthcare provider if abnormal results occur.

If the area of the vagina or vulva are being tested, anesthesia is used for the sampling. Rarely are stitches needed for the skin here, but if used, they will usually heal and dissolve quickly.

If you are pregnant and have a problem Pap smear, these tests can still safely be done. It may be repeated during the pregnancy. Full treatment is usually done after delivery.

Make sure to bring any concerns or questions about colposcopy to the attention of your healthcare provider.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go