Colposcopy and Biopsy

Information for Patients Receiving a Colposcopy

What is a colposcopy?
If you have had an abnormal pap smear or abnormal cervigram, you may be scheduled for a colposcopy. Specially trained clinicians use an instrument called a "colposcope" to examine your cervix carefully. The colposcope is similar to a microscope. It is attached to a floor stand and magnifies the cervix under a powerful beam of light. By using this instrument the doctor can locate any suspicious areas on the surface of the cervix not visible to the naked eye.

Is a colposcopy painful?
Colposcopy itself is not any more painful than getting a pap smear: however, if a biopsy is also taken there may be some brief pain (see below about biopsy).

Information for Patients Receiving a Biopsy

What is a biopsy?
Should an abnormal area appear on your cervix, a tiny pinch of tissue, or a biopsy, will be removed from that area. The specimen will then be sent to a pathology laboratory for processing and evaluation. The final results are returned to your clinician within one week.

Will the biopsy be painful?
This pinch biopsy will hurt as would a pinch anywhere on your body. The cervix has fewer pain fibers than your skin so this will not be severely painful. Anesthesia is not required.

You may also have a scraping of your endocervical canal (the passageway from the opening of the cervix to the uterine cavity). This will be uncomfortable, usually crampy, but should not be painful.

You may experience some pain and cramps during and following the biopsy. You may wish to take some pain medicine (Motrin-800mg or Advil-4 tablets) with food about an hour before your appointment.

Are there any complications after a cervical biopsy?
Generally, complications are rare. Following the biopsy, you will have a very dark, thick discharge from your vagina. This is due to the medicine applied to the pinched area of your cervix. This discharge should last only a few days. You may have a bloody discharge. If the discharge becomes heavier than normal menstrual flow, contact the Women's Clinic (706-542-8691 or 706-542-1162).

Will I be restricted in my activities after a biopsy?
No. You can carry on your normal activities, although you should abstain from vaginal intercourse for two to three days after the biopsy.

When will I receive my biopsy results?
The report should be back within one week. Please call the Women's Clinic (706-542-8691) and ask for your biopsy results. The clinician will explain the results to you as well as any additional treatment that is recommended. If your clinician is unavailable at the time of your call, s/he will return the call as soon as possible.

If you would prefer, you may schedule an appointment with your clinician to discuss your results. Please schedule a consultation for one week after your biopsy.