If you’ve been told that you need a colposcopy, you might feel anxious about what that means and what happens during the procedure.
At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we offer in-office colposcopy services, as well as the guidance you need to prepare for one.
Our skilled OB/GYNs want to highlight some of the reasons you may need a colposcopy and what to expect during one. Read on to find out more about this diagnostic procedure and why you might need to schedule one.
A colposcopy is a noninvasive procedure to closely examine the tissues of your cervix, vulva, and vagina.
Our physicians use a special magnifying instrument to check these areas for abnormal cells and growths that may indicate the presence of infection or cancer.
During a colposcopy, our team can decide if you need a biopsy, a surgical procedure to remove a sample of tissue for further evaluation under a microscope.
The results of a colposcopy and a biopsy help our OB/GYNs determine if you need additional care, and which treatments might be necessary.
Some women may need a routine colposcopy every few months or as part of their annual well woman exam, especially those at high-risk for cervical cancer or other gynecological disease.
Routine testing helps our physicians identify abnormal cell changes in the earliest stage – a time when cancer and other conditions are most treatable.
If you’ve never had a colposcopy, our team may request one for reasons like:
A colposcopy may be the next step after an abnormal Pap smear, a test to collect a sample of cells from your cervix to check for cancer or infection.
If we find suspicious tissue during a colposcopy, we can also perform a biopsy at the same time to confirm or rule out cancer.
If our providers notice lesions or other abnormal growths on your cervix, vulva, or vagina during a pelvic exam, you’ll likely need a colposcopy and a biopsy to determine their cause.
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that spreads through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Some strains of HPV cause changes in cervical cells which can increase a woman’s risk for cancer.
We perform colposcopies to identify cervical cell changes before they can progress to cancer.
To ensure the accuracy of your colposcopy results, there are a few ways to prepare before your appointment at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group.
You should avoid the use of tampons and vaginal medications for at least 48 hours before your colposcopy. Our physicians also recommend that you not have vaginal intercourse in the days before your visit.
If you have your period on the day of your colposcopy, you should call our office to reschedule your appointment.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about your first colposcopy. Our compassionate team will answer any questions you have about the procedure and recommend strategies you can use to feel more relaxed.
Call The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group office in Brooklyn or Staten Island, New York, today to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of colposcopy. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment online.
