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Colposcopy Clinic

Request an Appointment
For Obstetrics and Gynecology related requests:
1-319-356-2294
For all other requests:
1-800-777-8442
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Why do I need a colposcopy?

  • Your provider has referred you to this clinic because you had an abnormal Pap smear. That is a sign that you need more evaluation.
  • Pap smears and human papilloma virus (HPV) tests are good at showing abnormalities.

Does an abnormal Pap smear mean cancer?

  • No, except in very rare cases. Most abnormal Pap smears mean dysplasia (abnormal cells).  These are precancerous cells.
  • In some people, dysplasia will go away without treatment.  But for some people it can turn into cervical cancer after 5 to 10 years.
  • It is suggested you get treatment for dysplasia.  The treatments we have are very good at preventing cervical cancer.

What is a colposcopy?

  • The provider uses a colposcope to magnify your:
    • cervix
    • vagina
    • or vulva
  • The provider applies vinegar to the area of concern.  THis causes abnormal areas to turn white.  Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken of any abnormal places.
    • If your cervix looks normal, you may not need a biopsy.
    • If a biopsy is needed, it is about the size of a pen tip.

 

What will a colposcopy feel like?

  • You may have some minor discomfort during the exam.  This is mostly because it is not a comfortable position.
  • The provider may use a numbing medicine on the cervix before taking the biopsies.
  • It is hard to predict how you will feel.  Most people have mild to moderate pain that feels like menstrual cramping.

After biopsies

  • You may or may not have vaginal bleeding for a few days to 2 weeks.
  • The provider uses a product called Monsel's to stop bleeding at your biopsy site.
    • It looks dark-brown or black when it mixes with blood.
    • It may look like coffee grounds.
    • It is normal for your vaginal discharge to be brown, black, red, or pink.
  • Do not have sex, use tampons, or douche for a week.
  • You may take tub baths or showers.
  • You may go back to work and normal activities the same day as colposcopy.

Getting your results and follow up

  • The Pap smear and biopsy results will take 2 to 3 weeks to come back.
    • Call the Colposcopy clinic at 319-356-2294 if you do not have results in 4 weeks.
  • Make sure your care team has your phone number and address.  They will let you know your results.
  • If your results show you need treatment, your care team will call you to schedule this.
  • You can be treated in the clinic most of the time
  • Your treatment is decided by the area that is involved and the degree of abnormality.

Treatments

  • Destroys abnormal cells by using a LASER machine.  It has a strong, thin beam of light that burns or vaporizes the abnormal cells
  • Uses a wire loop to remove abnormal cells.
  • Freezing of the cervix.
  • A cone shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix.  A laser beam or sugical blade is used.
  • This is done in the operating room under anesthesia.
  • Special creams used to treat abnormal cells of the vagina
LASER surgery
LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)
Cryotherapy
Cone biopsy
Fluorouracil or Aldara Creams

Ask us if you would like a handout on any of these treatments.

Sidebar content

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Pregnancy Care
      • Breastfeeding Support
      • Labor and Delivery
      • MOMS Program
      • Maternal Substance Use Disorder Clinic
      • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
        • Diabetes During Pregnancy Clinic
        • Perinatal Care Clinic
      • Midwifery
        • Meet the Midwives
        • Nurse Midwifery Education Program
      • Prenatal Genetics Clinic
      • UI Childbirth and Parenting Education
      • Ultrasound Clinic
    • Infertility Care
      • Andrology Laboratory
      • Fertility Preservation Program
      • Gestational Carrier Program
      • IVF Donor Information
      • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
      • Semen Analysis (Sperm Count)
    • Gynecology Clinic
      • Colposcopy Clinic
      • Menopause and Sexual Health Clinic
      • Urogynecology
        • Self-check your pelvic floor health
        • Urogynecology Seminars
      • Vulvar Vaginal Diseases (VVD) Clinic
    • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at UI Hospitals & Clinics

Call us if you have:

  • Fever above 100° Fahrenheit (or 38° Celsius).
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding, such as soaking a maxi pad in 1 hour or less.
  • Low abdominal pain or tenderness that is not better with over the counter pain medicines.

Call:

The Obstetrics Gynecology CLinic at 319-356-2294 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

  • For urgent questions or concerns:
    • Call toll-free at 800-777-8442, 24 hours a day
    • Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
    • You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number.
  • Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.

Our Care Team

Abbey J. Hardy-Fairbanks, MD portrait

Abbey J.
Hardy-Fairbanks
MD

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
4.89 out of 5 (545 ratings)

Colleen Kennedy Stockdale, MD, MS portrait

Colleen Kennedy
Stockdale
MD, MS

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
4.86 out of 5 (1,130 ratings)

Joseph Ehle, MD portrait

Joseph
Ehle
MD

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
4.90 out of 5 (75 ratings)
Not sure which Colposcopy Clinic provider is right for you?
When you call 1-319-356-2294 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-356-2294

Locations and Offices

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

31500 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 3, Elevator M
1-319-356-2294
Clinic
Interior image of the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic front desk at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242

Iowa River Landing - Floor 3

Third Floor
1-319-467-2000
Clinic
Lobby photo of the third floor of Iowa River Landing
In Iowa River Landing
105 East 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241

Obstetrics and Gynecology - North Dodge

Suite 1000
1-319-356-2294
Clinic
OBGYN North Dodge main entrance location photo
In Iowa City - North Dodge
1360 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Clinical Trials currently in progress
Browse all clinical trials in progress

Educational Resources

Treating vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) or condyloma lesions
Treating vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or condyloma lesions

200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States

1-800-777-8442
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