What Happens During a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy uses a special magnifying instrument to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal cells. The colposcope provides 8-40x magnification, allowing detailed visualization of tissue that appears abnormal during routine Pap smears. During the 10-15 minute procedure, you'll lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam. Your doctor may apply acetic acid or iodine solutions to highlight abnormal areas, which may cause mild stinging. If suspicious tissue is found, a small biopsy sample may be taken for laboratory analysis. Most patients experience only mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramping.
Related Questions
What do abnormal colposcopy results mean?
Is a colposcopy painful?
How long does colposcopy recovery take?
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