When Is a Colposcopy Necessary?

In so many areas of life, taking a closer look offers insights. It’s particularly true of your health. That’s why medical experts developed a diagnostic tool called a colposcope. 

A lot like a microscope, the colposcope allows your provider to take a clear, close look at what’s going on in your cervix, vagina, and/or vulva. The process for a colposcopy isn’t very different from a Pap smear. 

We utilize colposcopes at our Elite Gynecology offices in Manhattan, Forest Hills, and Rego Park, New York. Just as importantly, we have an all-female team ready to perform your colposcopy. 

Why you might need a colposcopy

Experts writing for the National Library of Medicine recommend a colposcopy when:

• You had an abnormal Pap test
• You test positive for DNA that puts you at a high risk for HPV
• Your doctor has visually confirmed the presence of lesions on your cervix
• You have unexplained bleeding or discharge

A colposcopy can also be helpful if you have cervical polyps or genital warts.

In short, this diagnostic process allows your doctor to get a better idea of what’s going on in your reproductive system. 

If we identify anything suspicious, we can also use this time to take a biopsy to send to the lab for testing. We offer a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove potentially cancerous cells.

What to expect during a colposcopy

A colposcopy typically takes 20 minutes or less. You change into a gown and lie back on a table just like you do for a Pap smear. We also use a speculum to gently open your vagina, just like a Pap.

Then, we align the colposcope so we can see down your vaginal canal to your cervix. By looking through the lens of the colposcope, your provider can more clearly see the cells there. We might also apply a solution to help visually highlight potentially problematic cells. 

If we spot cells that look cancerous or precancerous, we can perform a LEEP. This allows us to remove those cells while cauterizing the area at the same time. We thoroughly numb you before the procedure. 

If we don’t perform a LEEP, you can go about your usual activities immediately after a colposcopy. You might have some minor spotting. If we do take a biopsy, we let you know what to expect afterward, depending on how much tissue we had to take. 

The main thing to know is that a colposcopy gives us a powerful tool to spot problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. If we recommend one for you, don’t delay in making your appointment. 

To have your colposcopy performed by a female who specializes in gynecological health, schedule yours with our team. Call Elite Gynecology or book your appointment online today.