I just found out that I need to have one done and I must say I am very scared. I had an abnormal pap smear 3 years ago, the one last year was normal, and this year it is abnormal again. I didn't go for the colposcopy the first time because I was too scared.
What exactly can this procedure tell the doctor besides the possibility of cancer? Or is this strictly a test for cancer?
I understand that sometimes women experience cramping and spotting. Are there any other problems I should be aware of?
Ashley K2008-02-08T09:37:19Z
Favorite Answer
I just had this done in December. It's quick and you will experience some pain. In my case, the doctor looked at my cervix noticed a lesion and cut a little piece of it off to be sent to the lab and analyzed. I then had to have a cervical conization which was an outpatient procedure because they found out I did have some abnormal cells that had to be removed. It is in your best interest to have this done because there is something going on with you. It may not necessarily be bad or urgent at the current time but without treatment or maybe removal you very well could have cancer in a few years. I did have cramps but they only lasted a few days and yes, I bled for about 5 days but it was very light. It is not strictly a test for cancer. Most likely if they think you have cancer they will remove it and then biopsy that part to see if it is indeed cancer. My best advice is just to get the ball rolling and get the procedure done.
Practically during a colposcopy, the doctor can see the cervix, and see if there any abnormalities, and carry out some simple tests to check for cell abnormalities, and he may take some biopsies. In general it is done to look for cancerous lesions, but also problems which are pre-cancerous, and that if untreated they might lead to a cancer in the future. Therefore it is very important that you follow it up, because you might have a cervical lesion which is pre-cancerous, and you can easily manage it now. If you do not take care of it things can get way more serious.
There might be some pain during the procedure, and could see some bleeding after, might be very dark in colour. Another complication is infection.