WHY DO YOU NEED A COLPOSCOPY?
If your smear test has shown abnormal cells in your cervix, then an appointment will have been made for you to go to a Colposcopy Clinic. As your doctor will have explained, an abnormal smear can arise for many reasons, and does not necessarily mean that you are going to develop cancer. Colposcopy enables a doctor to examine your cervix, and to see what treatment (if any) is necessary.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE COLPOSCOPY CLINIC?
You will be met at the clinic by a nurse who will introduce herself, and answer any questions you might have (it often helps to make a list of questions you want to ask before coming). She will also ask you for the date of your last period. You will be asked to undress, and it is a good idea to wear a full skirt, because this will not need to be removed. You will then lie on a specially designed couch which supports your legs. The couch can be adjusted, and if you are uncomfortable, you can tell the nurse, who will make the necessary adaptations. As in the smear test, a doctor will use a speculum to open your vagina so that the cervix can be clearly seen. The colposcope itself, a type of microscope, is not put inside you. The doctor will then examine your cervix, something that usually takes about 10 minutes. Sometimes, a biopsy (a small piece of skin) is taken. This does not usually hurt, but can be a little uncomfortable, and for this reason, a local anaesthetic is usually given. After the examination, most people feel fine, but you may want to take it easy for a while, and, particularly if you have had a biopsy, to avoid intercourse for a few days.
WHEN WILL I KNOW THE RESULTS?
After the examination, the doctor will answer any questions you have, and will either give you an appointment at the clinic to discuss the results, or ask you to make an appointment with your family doctor.
WHAT TREATMENT MAY FOLLOW?
In many cases treatment is given during the examination. This is painless, and involves the killing of the abnormal cells either by heat, by laser treatment, or by freezing them. Occasionally, the affected area is not visible to the colposcope, and a biopsy from the canal leading to the womb may need to be taken. This procedure, known as 'cone biopsy' requires a general anaesthetic and a short stay in the hospital.
WHAT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT?
Colposcopy will not usually be carried out if you are pregnant, and your appointment will be delayed until three months after your baby is born. If you are having your period, colposcopy is not possible, and you should contact the clinic to postpone your appointment.
If you have any further questions about colposcopy, feel free to telephone your local clinic and speak to the sister in charge, who will be happy to answer your queries.
If you would like to recommend a suitable Internet link please e-mail the details to us.