Colposcopy
The gynecologists at Forrest City offer annual well-woman exams, which include a routine Pap smear. Should the test show anything unusual, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy to get a closer look at the cervix.
Colposcopy is a simple, virtually painless procedure, which we can complete in a few minutes right in the office. It can help prevent or detect a variety of conditions, including cervical cancer, which is often highly treatable when caught early.
About the Procedure
A colposcopy is very similar to a normal pelvic exam. In the doctor’s office, you will be asked to lie back on the table, with your feet in the stirrups. A speculum will be used to keep the vagina open and provide good visuals of the cervix. Next, a mild solution is applied to the cervix and vagina with a cotton swab, making abnormal cells easier to see. Your doctor will then use a colposcope, which resembles binoculars on a telescoping arm, to closely examine the cervix for any problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.
The entire process should take between five and ten minutes; your health and comfort is the priority.
Cervical Biopsies
If your doctor or nurse sees anything abnormal, they’ll perform a biopsy to take tiny samples of tissue from the cervix and send it to the lab for testing. They may also recommend other options to remove precancerous cells.In addition to screening for cervical cancer, colposcopy may also be used to assess other problems, including:
- Genital warts on the cervix
- Cervicitis (an inflamed cervix)
- Benign growths, such as polyps
- Pain
- Bleeding
Before Your Appointment
You don’t have to do much to prepare for a colposcopy. Just make sure to schedule your colposcopy for when you won’t have your period. That makes it easier to view the cervix. Also, don’t douche, use tampons, use vaginal medications or have sex for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Recovery & Follow-Up Care
If you only have a colposcopy, you should feel fine right away without restrictions in your normal activities. You may have very light spotting or bleeding.
If you had a biopsy sample taken, you may experience vaginal or vulvar pain, light bleeding or a discharge that lasts a few days. In this case, use a pad and avoid inserting vaginal products for up to a week or until recommended by your doctor. You can always call us if you have any questions or concerns.
The results of your colposcopy will determine any follow-up testing or treatments. Rest assured that the women’s health team at Forrest City Medical Center is here for you with expert and compassionate care, every step of the way.
For More Information
Related Services and Conditions
Mammography
More than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are discovered in the U.S. each year. At Forrest City Medical Center, we know the value of early detection and mammography is a tool we use to identify potential issues. An x-ray of the breast, mammography is used to look...
Ultrasound
Forrest City Medical Center uses ultrasound as a painless, non-invasive way to diagnose a variety of diseases and conditions without the use of radiation, making this a widely used procedure during pregnancy. Sometimes called sonography, ultrasounds bounce...
Women’s Health
At Forrest City Medical Center, we are dedicated to providing preventative, diagnostic and clinical services that support the health and wellness of women of all ages.mobile iconCall 870-261-0151 Related Services and Conditions
Endometrial Ablation
If you suffer with heavy, painful and prolonged periods, the women’s health team at Forrest City can help. The experts at Forrest City Medical Center specialize in endometrial ablation, an outpatient treatment that can significantly reduce or eliminate menstrual...
Hysteroscopy
If you have heavy periods, then you should discuss with your doctor to find out if fibroids or polyps are the culprit. Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. Forrest...
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy is surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from your breast. During lumpectomy, a small amount of normal tissue around the lump also is taken to help ensure that all the cancer or other abnormal tissue is removed. Lumpectomy helps confirm a...
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a way to treat breast cancer by surgically removing a breast and sometimes nearby tissues. For those with early-stage breast cancer, a mastectomy may be one treatment option. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) in which only the tumor is removed...
Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse, affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. It impacts a group of muscles that keep the bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum in place. Though it’s very common, many women are embarrassed to speak with...
Total Hysterectomy
Do you have abnormal bleeding that is not controlled by other treatments, uterine prolapse, or cervical or uterine cancer? These might be reasons for a total hysterectomy. A total hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, ending menstruation and...
Tubal Ligation
If you’re considering permanent birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about a safe and effective procedure called tubal ligation, also known as “having your tubes tied.” Tubal ligation is one of the most commonly used surgical sterilization options for...