If the results of your latest Pap smear are abnormal, you may need a colposcopy to find out what’s going on. At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., in Rochester Hills and Troy, Michigan, in-office colposcopy services give you the answers you need. The experienced providers use advanced diagnostic testing to identify cancer of the vagina, cervix, or vulva in the earliest stage when the condition is most treatable. To find out more about the diagnostic benefits of a colposcopy, call the Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., office nearest you or book a consultation online today.

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure to closely evaluate the tissues of the vagina, cervix, and vulva.

The goal of colposcopy is to confirm or rule out disease following an abnormal Pap smear, a routine test that involves collecting cervical cells to identify precancerous or cancerous changes in your cervix.

You may also need a colposcopy to diagnose cancerous tissue changes in your vulva or vagina, cervical inflammation, or genital warts.

By identifying precancerous conditions or cancer in its earliest stages, your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., physician can treat it more effectively to prevent cancer from spreading.

What happens during a colposcopy?

During a colposcopy, your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provider helps you get comfortable lying on an exam table, much like you would for a pelvic exam.

They use a speculum to hold your vagina open and insert a colposcope, a special instrument that magnifies the targeted tissue. For your physician to have the best view of the tissue, they first may need to apply a solution to clean away mucus and other materials before looking through the colposcope.

If they detect abnormal tissue, your physician may collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) during the same exam. They send the tissue to a medical lab for further evaluation. 

Depending on your lab results, you may need additional diagnostic testing or treatment. Your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., physician discusses what to expect moving forward if you have cervical cancer or another condition.

How long does it take to recover from a colposcopy?

If your colposcopy does involve a biopsy, you may have some mild spotting after your exam but can return to your usual activities right away.

When you have a biopsy during a colposcopy, you may experience more noticeable side effects, such as heavier vaginal bleeding, discharge, and pain for several days after your procedure. You shouldn’t use tampons or have sex for at least a week, depending on your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., physician’s recommendation.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of colposcopy, call the Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., office nearest you or request an appointment online today.