
If you have unusual symptoms of a gynecological problem, further exploration is vital. At Marina OB/GYN in Marina Del Rey, Hawthorne, South Gate, Long Beach, Torrance/ Gardena, Carson & East Los Angeles, CA, the skilled practitioners offer colposcopies to examine your cervix and intimate areas and look for signs of potential women’s health issues. Call the Marina OB/GYN office or use the online booking feature today to determine if a colposcopy is right for you.
request an appointmentHow should I prepare for a colposcopy?
To get ready for a colposcopy, don’t have vaginal intercourse or use tampons a day or two before your appointment. Arrive on time for your appointment.
What should I expect during the procedure?
During a colposcopy, you lie on your back on a comfortable exam table and place your feet in stirrups, as you do during a Pap test. Your specialist places a speculum instrument into your vagina to hold it open while using a lighted colposcope to get an in-depth view of your vagina and cervix.
They swab your cervix and vagina and may apply a special solution to it to highlight suspicious cells. If necessary, your specialist takes a gentle biopsy of abnormal cells for laboratory analysis. A colposcopy procedure often lasts less than 5 minutes. You will experience mild discomfort during the procedure (similar to the discomfort of a pap smear).
What happens after a colposcopy?
After you undergo a colposcopy, your Marina OB/GYN specialist reviews the results with you. You will be given a follow up appointment in person or via Telehealth to go over the results and necessary follow up procedures if any. At minimum you will need to have a repeat pap smear in 6-12 months. You may have light vaginal bleeding for a day or two or tenderness after a biopsy. Avoid tampons, vaginal intercourse, and douching for about a week or as instructed by your provider.
The results of the colposcopy determine if you need further diagnostic testing or treatment. Your specialist discusses your options with you to find one that matches your needs.