A procedure known as colposcopy checks for abnormalities such as tumor or mumps in a female’s genitalia, vagina and cervix. Using a colpomicroscope or colposcope it illuminates the cervix and magnifies the view for the doctor to examine closely.

The procedure takes about twenty to thirty minutes. The female patient is made to lie down with feet on the stirrups. The doctor then inserts a speculum to the vagina to open and allow examination. Using a vinegar solution (making the tissue turn white for easy identification of areas) the doctor dabs the cervix and the vagina area. A biopsy maybe request or performed if the doctor sees any abnormal tissue. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the area in question for further laboratory examination. A pathologist is then requested to examine the tissue.

A colposcopy procedure is one way of checking and detecting early sign of cancer or irregularities in the cervix region. Usually a request for a colposcopy is made when a female shows sign of abnormal Pap smear. Although not always the case, colposcopy may be requested anytime if the female patient request for one.

Mostly awkward to the patient rather than painful, a colposcopy is a painless procedure although a patient may experience cramp and a slight pinching may be felt, if the doctor removes a sample tissue for biopsy.

A colpomicroscope (colposcope) maybe daunting to the patient due to its size and make, it is only a microscope with an articulating arm for easy positioning. A colpomicroscope is an electric microscope positioned approximately thirty centimeters from the vagina. Attached at the end of a colpomicroscope is a light for clearer viewing of the cervix.
Usually the whitest abnormal area seen under a colpomicroscope, there a small sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for evaluation.

Preparation before a colposcopy may require a patient to take over the counter pain reliever if the patient anticipates discomfort. It is also advised to empty ones bladder and bowel before a colposcopy. The article further advises to avoid sexual intercourse at least twenty four hours before the procedure, and to avoid using any vaginal medication and tampons.
Some questions and concerns are tackled in this article such as bleeding after the procedure or the probability of affecting the fertility of a woman undergoing a colposcopy. Bleeding may occur during an examination but this is unlikely, although spotting or intermittent bleeding may be noticed, this will usually last for at least a day or two. Vaginal discharge may also occur after a colposcopy depending if the doctor performed a biopsy wherein a paste or cream has been applied to the area where the sample is taken and is applied to stop the bleeding. On the effect of having children, a colposcopy will not in anyway affect a patient’s future pregnancy. The article also advices if a patient is pregnant or suspect that she is pregnant it is best to inform the doctor before any other procedure in line with colposcopy is undertaken.Read the entire article