What to Expect During and After Colposcopy

If you're scheduled for a colposcopy, chances are you’ve experienced an abnormal Pap smear — but don’t panic. This screening procedure is simply your next step in the process of gaining clarity about your gynecological health. 

We also may recommend a colposcopy if you have pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. We understand that it’s difficult to relax when you’re worried about unknown health issues, so we’re here to help. 

Our team at Women’s Health Services wants to calm your anxiety about your upcoming colposcopy by providing clear steps and detailed information. We have offices in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas.

In this blog, our practitioners explain what to expect at each stage so you feel more at ease before, during, and after your colposcopy.

Colposcopy: What it is and why you need it

A colposcopy is a simple yet important procedure that allows us to examine your cervix more closely, most commonly after an abnormal Pap smear. It might sound daunting, but it’s a critical step in detecting or ruling out problems.

A magnifying instrument called a colposcope helps us identify issues that need further investigation, such as with a cervical biopsy (small tissue sample). The good news is that fewer than 1 in 1,000 women who undergo colposcopies have cervical cancer. It’s all about making sure and providing peace of mind.

Before your colposcopy

In preparation for your colposcopy, there are a few things to remember. 

• Don’t be on your period; menstrual blood can interfere with the results 
• Avoid the use of vaginal creams, medications, and tampons for at least 24 hours 
• Don’t have sexual intercourse before your colposcopy

Talk with one of our providers if you’re worried or have concerns about the procedure. We can explain each step of the test, what we’re looking for, and what the results mean. It’s normal to feel nervous before a procedure, but rest assured that colposcopies are standard tests that will benefit you overall.

During your colposcopy

On the day of your appointment, you begin by undressing from the waist down and lying on a table with your feet in supports, a position similar to the one you're in for a Pap smear. Our team inserts a speculum to hold the walls of your vagina open, allowing her to see your cervix.

The colposcope stays in place while our team looks through it to examine your cervix. We apply a solution to your cervix to highlight any abnormal areas — this often feels cool and wet, but it shouldn’t hurt.

Should our team see an area of concern, we may take a small tissue sample. You can expect to feel some pressure or cramping, but it typically only lasts a few seconds. This part may be uncomfortable, but remember to breathe and stay as relaxed as possible.

The colposcopy procedure only takes a few minutes, and your total appointment time is about 20-30 minutes. 

After your colposcopy

After the colposcopy, there are no restrictions on your normal activities. You can eat, drink, exercise, and even drive yourself home.

You might experience light bleeding or discharge for a few days after the procedure. If we took a biopsy, you might also experience some discomfort, but over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage cramping.

Keep the area clean and dry, and don’t use tampons or engage in sexual activity for a few days. Most importantly, follow up with us to discuss the results and what they mean. If you require a biopsy, our team will contact you when we have those results.

Going through a colposcopy can be unsettling, but with preparation and an understanding of the process, you can approach it confidently. If you still have questions or concerns or if you want to schedule a colposcopy, call Women’s Health Services today or book online.