Colposcopy

Colposcopy at University of Iowa Health Care finds abnormal cells that can be treated before they become cancerous.

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Regular screenings, like a Pap smear or human papilloma virus (HPV) test, look for abnormal cells (dysplasia) on your cervix, vagina, or vulva.

If your screening shows that you have dysplasia, your provider may refer you for a colposcopy.

In this procedure, a specialist uses a magnifier called a colposcope to examine the area. They may take samples of tissue for further examination.

Except in very rare cases, being referred for a colposcopy doesn't mean you have cancer. In fact, treatment for dysplasia is very successful at preventing cancer.

Our team performs hundreds of colposcopies each year, so they're routine for us. But we know it's not a routine experience for you. We'll make sure you're comfortable every step of the way.

Having colposcopy at UI Hospitals & Clinics

The UI Health Care obstetrics and gynecology team practices patient-centered care. That means we focus on your unique needs and on supporting you if you feel nervous or anxious.

Your colposcopy appointment will start with a conversation between you and your provider.

They will explain the procedure and offer some options to help you feel comfortable including:

Aromatherapy with a soothing essential oil
Heat packs to help relieve any cramping
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Having a loved one in the room with your during the procedure

Colposcopy is normally performed in your provider's office. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

What to expect

Your colposcopy will feel much like a pelvic exam and Pap smear:

You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups.
Your provider will insert a speculum into your vagina. They will apply a small amount of white vinegar to your cervix, which causes abnormal cells to turn white.
They will look at your cervix vagina, and vulva through the colposcope.
If they see abnormal cells, they will apply numbing medication.
Using a small tool, they will remove samples of the cells. This is called a biopsy.
They will apply a solution to stop bleeding from the sample area. This could cause some discharge that looks like coffee grounds.

The biopsy samples will be sent to a pathologist for examination.

You can go home and return to normal activities immediately after your colposcopy.

After your colposcopy

You might have some pain that feels like menstrual cramps. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help.

You should avoid having sex, using tampons, or douching for one week after your colposcopy.

You may have vaginal bleeding or discharge for a few days, up to two weeks. It's normal for discharge to be brown, black, red, or pink. Use sanitary pads; do not use tampons.

What happens next?

You will hear from your provider within two to three weeks with the results of your colposcopy.

It's possible that you won't need any treatment.

If you do need treatment, our team will call you to schedule an appointment and answer your questions.

If you need further treatment

Treatment for dysplasia can prevent you from developing cancer in later years. The treatment your provider recommends depends on the type and location of your biopsied cells.

Possible treatments include:

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

Cryotherapy to freeze the abnormal cells

Laser surgery that destroys that abnormal cells with a thin beam of light

Prescription cream to treat abnormal cells of the vagina

Your provider may also want you to have a cone biopsy (conization), which removes additional tissue for further examination.

In the unlikely instance that you're diagnosed with cancer, you will have access to the most advanced, most effective therapies. When caught early, cervical cancer is curable.

UI Health Care has Iowa's largest team of board-certified gynecologic oncologists. They lead a care team of specialists who'll create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.