What is a Colposcopy?

If you’ve had an abnormal pap smear, then you’ll need a colposcopy. This is where we look more closely at your cervix with a microscope. We may do small biopsies have any abnormal appearing areas. These biopsies should be relatively painless. At the end, if biopsies are done, we place monsel’s solution on the cervix to help the site heal. Many abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, or other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous changes.

During colposcopy, your doctor uses a lighted magnifying device that looks like a pair of binoculars (colposcope). The colposcope allows your doctor to see problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be attached to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix.