Colposcopy - a procedure, which assumes a direct examination of the cervix with a special microscope (colposcope) is used to detect abnormal formations in the tissues of the cervix.

What is colposcopy?

Typically colposcopy is performed after the direct examination of cervical mucus to identify any anomalies. Routine inspection of the mucosa of the cervix and vagina can check the health of the reproductive organs of the female body and, in some cases, helps to identify the abnormal growth and development of cells, which in very rare cases may be one of the first signs of cervical cancer. According to statistics, in the formation of abnormal cervical mucus observed in only one case out of thousands - but timely diagnosis, for which the need colposcopy, you can start treatment as soon as possible and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Although the development of abnormal cells means cervical cancer only in rare cases, it is important to carefully examine the abnormal growths in the lining, in order to properly diagnose and eliminate the possibility of cancer. For this and used a colposcopy - a procedure that allows the most thorough examination of cervical mucus. It is important to understand that colposcopy is not used for the treatment of abnormal formations in the cervical mucus, and to a thorough and full of learning.

In some cases, colposcopy may be performed for other purposes, including:

• identify the causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain
• examination and diagnosis at cervicitis Cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix with far-reaching consequences   (inflammation of the mucosa of the cervix)
• examination and diagnosis of cancers is not - for example, polyps
• study of genital warts in the cervix

Colposcopy - absolutely safe and painless procedure, which, however, can be accompanied by some discomfort. Before performing colposcopy allowed to take painkillers an hour before the procedure - such as paracetamol. It is strictly forbidden to take aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding after a colposcopy.

Preparing for a colposcopy

Colposcopy - a simple and fairly quick procedure that does not require an extended stay at the gynecologist. In most cases, it is not recommended to perform a colposcopy in the menstrual period, as menstruation complicates the process of studying the cervical mucus and increases the risk of infection. Colposcopy can be done during pregnancy.

At least twenty-four hours before the colposcopy is necessary to eliminate the use of tampons, vaginal creams or suppositories, sexual intercourse, douching.

How is colposcopy?

Colposcopy procedure involves making a horizontal position on the gynecological chair. In the vagina entered a special device - speculum, Spreading and locking in a position of the vaginal wall, and then use a colposcope investigated cervical mucus. A colposcope is a special microscope with a light source, a bit like a pair of binoculars. The colposcope does not come into contact with the walls of the vagina and inserted into the vagina.

In some cases, to complete the survey may need to take samples of mucous cells, which is performed with the help of cotton swab - sterile swab, is actually a common cotton swab. Furthermore, in the case of extended colposcopy to study cervical mucus may use special formulations - including iodine solutions or acetic acid which process mucosa may cause a slight tingling or burning.

Upon detection of abnormal formations in the cervical mucus may need a biopsy - a fence of a small sample of tissue from the cervix. Biopsy - a fairly simple procedure, which in most cases is not accompanied by sharp pain and feelings only causes unpleasant burning sensation or tingling. In some cases, a biopsy is required to perform local anesthesia. The procedure itself takes about colposcopy twenty minutes, in general, a visit to the gynecologist to perform colposcopy - about an hour.