What is a colposcopy of the cervix. Colposcopy - diagnostic examination of the cervix

The real optical magnification of the device is up to 40 times, and the device can have a special LED for illuminating dark tissues and fine vascular networks. In modern gynecology, photo and video of colposcopy of the uterus is used with the possibility of subsequent saving of data. This simplifies the comparative analysis of tissues before and after treatment. Such an examination is indispensable for suspected uterine diseases prone to relapse (erosion, dysplasia).

The purpose of the

First of all, colposcopy is a diagnostic research method applicable in the presence of the following symptoms:

itching, burning in the vagina;
acyclic uterine bleeding;
pain, possible bleeding before or during sex;
dull pain in the lower abdomen, which has a constant and growing character.

If a woman found a rash around the external genital organs or the result of a smear was unsatisfactory, then colposcopy is indicated first of all.

Preparation

As a rule, colposcopy does not have special recommendations before the procedure. A woman should only abstain from sexual activity a few days before visiting a doctor.

Douching, vaginal tablets and other effects on the cervix should also be postponed for 2-3 days so that the microflora returns to normal, and you can see the real picture of the disease. It will be enough to wash with warm water and baby soap in order to maintain personal hygiene. Colposcopy of the uterus is performed on any day of the cycle, because it does not have any contraindications.

Any changes in well-being, cycle failure should be reported to the doctor immediately.

How do they do it?

Assign colposcopy, as a rule, after a gynecological examination, if necessary, it is carried out on the spot. The procedure itself is short and takes a maximum of 30-40 minutes.

A woman should sit comfortably in a gynecological chair and try to relax as much as possible. The colposcope is placed 15 cm from the perineum. First, the doctor uses a special dilator (made of metal or plastic), introducing it into the vagina to the cervix. It allows you to assess the condition of tissues and general changes that are visible to the naked eye. This is a virtually painless manipulation, which can cause only slight discomfort in the presence of inflammation. At the same time, a woman should not strain and contract the abdominal muscles - this will only increase the discomfort and interfere with the examination.

Then the doctor proceeds to conduct a colposcopy. Here the device itself is involved, which in appearance resembles a small microscope, equipped with a lighting device in the frontal part. Additional lighting allows you to expand the view of the walls of the vagina and cervical canal. Colposcopy doesn't hurt! You should not pre-wind yourself, thereby aggravating the general moral, and as a result, physical well-being. Moreover, now the examination chairs are made to fit the curves of the body as much as possible, the skin material is pleasant to the body, and there are practically no metal elements.

Preventive colposcopy should be done once a year. It includes a simple examination of the vagina and cervix in order to determine the nature of the mucosa, secretions. Discharge is blotted with a sterile swab, which allows you to examine in more detail the mucous, vascular network and cervical canal. In the absence of any deviations, the procedure is completed with a smear. Colposcopy includes several types, so the price will vary depending on the depth of the study.

An extended examination allows you to determine the exact geography of the affected areas. For this, acetic acid (its 3% solution) or Lugol's solution is used. With a swab, the selected liquid is applied to the cervix or vagina for 2 minutes. Then a second colposcope examination is performed. The treated areas in which pathological changes have occurred take on a spotted color. This method of inspection is called the Schiller method. The procedure is also painless, you can only feel the moment the liquid is applied with a swab. Lugol and acetic acid solution have good antiseptic properties, while disinfecting the surface.

results

Visual results of colposcopy of the cervix, regardless of its type, are given immediately after the procedure. If areas stained with a solution are found, a biopsy is possible, because this can signal a precancerous condition.

The biopsy is done with surgical forceps, which can make the procedure slightly uncomfortable. The doctor splits off the fragment necessary for the study, placing it in a test tube for subsequent analysis for histology. A small wound remains at the biopsy site, which heals in just a couple of days.

If a woman should begin her period in a short time, the procedure is postponed so that the damaged tissues can heal without hindrance. The results of histological examination come in a week or two. The doctor himself appoints the patient the time of the next visit to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Types of colposcopy

There is also a color colposcopy. Special solutions are used for it, which are able to paint the affected areas in bright colors (usually blue or green). This is necessary in the study of the vascular network and small foci of diseases.

Fluorescent colposcopy is suitable for diagnosing and detecting cancer cells. Special fluorochromes are applied to the cervix and irradiated with ultraviolet light. In the presence of cancer cells, tissue areas will appear pink in the light of the radiation.

After the procedure

Within a few days after it, small bloody discharge, increased whiteness and discomfort in the pelvic area may be observed. With unprofessional colposcopy, inflammation and infection of the affected tissues may worsen. You should immediately consult a doctor if, after the procedure, you experience bleeding, unnatural thick discharge, fever and pain in the abdomen. Reviews of women who have been shown colposcopy indicate that if all recommendations are followed, no problems should arise.

After colposcopy of the uterus, you need to refrain from sexual activity for two weeks. It is also not recommended to use tampons during menstruation and douching. For this period, it is also better to postpone sports and other physical activities. Saunas and hot baths can lengthen the healing time of a biopsy wound, so showering is the best option.

Perhaps there is not a single woman who has never visited a gynecologist - whether for prevention or targeted examination.

Sometimes, along with the usual examination on the gynecological chair, the doctor may recommend a colposcopy. What is a method? What health problems does it help identify?

What is a colposcopy?

Gynecological examination, which is carried out using a colposcope - a medical optical or video device.

During the procedure, the doctor carefully examines the vaginal part of the uterus and cervix, vagina and vulva under magnification.

Used medical equipment

Optical colposcopes- devices with built-in lenses (optical unit) and a powerful light source with adjustable brightness. Modern devices make it possible to examine the examined tissues under magnification up to 30-40 times.

Video colposcopes equipped with digital video cameras with high resolution, providing high quality and color images. The “image” is transmitted to the monitor of the colposcope or computer. The image is stored in the memory of the device or computer, which makes it possible to subsequently compare the results of several studies.

"Look" from the inside: why do you need a colposcopy?

The examination helps to diagnose diseases in a timely manner with subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment.

Basic goals

1. Detection of pathologically altered tissue areas - neoplasms of the female reproductive system in the early stages.

The most serious is cancer of the female reproductive system. In the world, in terms of the frequency of malignant tumors among women, cervical cancer ranks 2nd, in the Russian Federation - 6th. Every year, 200-300 thousand women die from this pathology in the world, in the Russian Federation - about 6000 patients.

2. Choosing the optimal method of treatment: cauterization with drugs, removal with a laser, a surgical instrument, etc.

3. Evaluation of the results of treatment and control over the dynamics of previously detected pathological formations.

Identified diseases:

* cancer of the cervix, vagina and vulva;

* erosion / ectopia - mucous cells from the cervical canal move to the vaginal part of the cervix (looks like an ulceration on the mucous membrane);

* dysplasia - the most common form of precancer of the cervix, in which the normal structure of the mucous cells on the surface of the cervix is disturbed;

* cervicitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal;

* anogenital warts or warts - formations in the form of papillae or flesh-colored nodules, and many others.

Advantages and benefits of colposcopy

The procedure is painless, safe and highly informative - it makes it possible to widely use the technique.

Under the control of a colposcope, a targeted biopsy is performed: a piece of pathologically altered tissue is taken, followed by a histological examination of the sample. The approach provides a reliable result and early diagnosis of diseases.

When is a colposcopy scheduled?

There are many indications, but the main ones are listed below:

* detection of altered or cancerous cells in a smear for cytology - a Papanicolaou screening test;

* spotting outside of menstruation (intermenstrual bleeding) or after sexual intercourse (contact bleeding);

* detection during a gynecological examination of formations on the cervix or in the vagina (erosions, polyps, cysts, etc.);

* discomfort in the vagina;

* detection of oncogenic types of human papillomavirus in a smear from the cervix;

* pulling and unrelated pain in the lower abdomen;

* painful sexual intercourse;

* discharge with an unpleasant odor from the genital tract;

* difficult-to-treat long-term colpitis and others.

How to prepare?

When is the best time to do it?

The most optimal - 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation or in the first 2-3 "clean" days after the end of menstrual bleeding. If necessary, the examination is carried out on the day of contacting the doctor.

How long does the procedure take?

Usually on average - about 15-20 minutes, maximum - up to 30 minutes.

It hurts?

The examination is painless, but discomfort or discomfort may occur.

How is a colposcopy performed?

The procedure is performed by a gynecologist. The woman lies down on a gynecological chair, a gynecological mirror is inserted into the vagina, and the cervix is fixed between its flaps.

Then the doctor conducts an examination using a colposcope mounted on a tripod at a distance of 20-25 cm from the gynecological chair. The device itself is not inserted into the vagina.

What is a colposcopy?

There are two main types: simple and advanced.

Simple or survey study- without the use of additional funds.

During the examination, the condition of the cervix and cervical canal, the nature of the discharge, the presence of old scars or tears, formations (erosions, polyps, warts, cysts, etc.) are determined.

Extended research– conducting epithelial tests with an assessment of the reaction of the tissue in response to drug treatment

* Sample with 3% acetic acid: a swab soaked in a solution, the doctor leaves in the vagina for 40-50 seconds, then removes and continues the examination with a colposcope. Under the influence of acid, the altered “wrong” areas of the tissue become white in color - a white spot is visible. Healthy areas do not change their color. The test is mandatory and is of great diagnostic value.

* Schiller's test: the doctor lubricates the cervix with Lugol's aqueous solution. Healthy mucosa acquires a dark brown color, and the altered areas remain lighter or do not stain at all.

If necessary, a biopsy is performed: a tissue fragment is taken from suspicious areas, followed by a histological examination of the sample. After receiving the results, a diagnosis is made, and the doctor chooses the most optimal method of treatment.

What to expect after the study?

If a simple colposcopy has been performed, there are usually no consequences. A woman leads a normal life without any restrictions.

Possible discharge from the genital tract for several days:

* with an extended study, they may have a green, yellow or brown tint - the remains of the drugs that were used for test samples;

* bloody and spotting - after a biopsy.

Allocations are normal, do not pose a danger and do not require treatment.

Sexual intercourse is possible after the cessation of vaginal discharge, but it is usually recommended to refrain from them for 10-14 days from the time of the study.

Colposcopy and pregnancy

It is allowed to carry out according to indications. The decision is made by the doctor in each case individually, taking into account the duration and the presence of complications during pregnancy.

When is it better to refrain from the procedure?

There are no absolute contraindications, but there are some limitations.

The study is temporarily closed:

* during menstruation;

* in acute inflammatory processes until the moment of recovery - for example, with colpitis;

* the first 4 weeks after childbirth, abortion or cervical surgery.

Colposcopy in the middle of the cycle is not recommended, since the abundance of mucus makes it difficult to examine and diagnose.
If there is an allergy to acetic acid or preparations containing iodine, the study is carried out with the exclusion of the drug.

P.S. Colposcopy is a simple and safe method, the importance of which cannot be overestimated. A timely identified and treated ailment will help maintain not only health, but prolong the life of a woman for many years.

Dear women and girls, contact the doctors in a timely manner. Take good care of your health!

pediatrician, pediatric resident

The diagnostic procedure cervical colposcopy scares many women because of ignorance of what it is and why it is needed. First, you need to understand that the appointment of colposcopy does not mean at all that something is already wrong in the body - it is also used simply for examination. Secondly, its value as a diagnostic method is very high - the procedure allows you to identify serious diseases and pathologies in the initial stages, when treatment can bring very good results. At the same time, contrary to common fears and prejudices, the procedure is completely painless and does not involve deep intervention in the body. And now - about everything in order.

For starters, you should know the cervix. This is a diagnostic process, an instrumental examination of this organ, as well as the vulva, vagina. It is usually prescribed in order to confirm or refute the diagnosis, the suspicions of which arose from the gynecologist during a standard examination. And also colposcopic examination is carried out for preventive purposes. How often depends on age. So, it is recommended to pass it to all women who are sexually active once a year. And twice a year.
Do a colposcopy of the cervix in a conventional gynecological chair, without anesthesia. At the request of the patient, a local anesthetic can be used if a cervical biopsy is also planned. It is carried out in order to determine the nature of any tissue changes: malignant or benign. To do this, a tiny piece of tissue is plucked off for analysis with a special tool and studied in vitro - that is, in the laboratory. Even this procedure practically does not cause discomfort to the patient. And if we talk about whether it is painful to do a colposcopy in general, then we can definitely say that it is not.
There are two types of colposcopy: simple and extended. In the first case, the patient is placed in a chair, an ordinary gynecological speculum is inserted into her vagina. While the cavity is expanded, a colposcope is installed on the contrary - a device that allows you to examine the condition of the cervix both purely visually and at the cellular level (see photo). After all, the device is a powerful microscope that can magnify the image up to 300 times.
There is an optical and video colposcope. In the first case, the doctor examines the patient's tissues directly, through the eyepieces of the microscope. In the second, the image is broadcast in real time to the monitor. This allows several doctors to study the image at once and assess the condition of the woman's organs. This is especially important when there are doubts about the diagnosis.
The way a colposcopy of the cervix is performed in an expanded version is not much different from a simple view. Everything is the same, only for greater efficiency of examination, the tissues of the neck are treated with special reagents. Among them are 3% acetic acid, a solution of iodine or potassium, as well as Lugol. Processing with reagents makes it possible to notice changes that are not even visible to the naked eye. So, extended colposcopy using iodine is based on the fact that healthy tissues are stained, but diseased ones are not. Vinegar allows you to assess the condition of the vessels. The treatment of tissues with solutions is also done painlessly.
How long a colposcopy lasts depends on its type and the state of neglect of the disease. Colposcopy of the cervix is usually performed for 15 to 30 minutes. On average - 20. A simple examination of the cervix lasts faster, an extended one - a little longer. The video shows the procedure.

What makes it possible to detect the examination of the cervix with a colposcope

This examination can be carried out both for preventive purposes and with certain suspicions of pathological processes that have arisen in the body of a woman. Here are the indications for colposcopy:

the presence of atypical cells, which revealed a cytological examination of a smear taken from the cervix;
control and monitoring of the condition of a woman who has already had pathologies of the cervix;
suspicious areas of altered epithelium found during a standard examination;
suspicion of the presence of certain diseases of the cervix.

Thus, the main goal of colposcopy is the timely and early detection of a particular pathology. The method allows to detect many diseases early, in the initial stages, due to which the treatment started on time brings positive results. Even cancer of the uterine neck, noticed in a timely manner, can be eliminated without serious consequences for a woman's health.

This method is effective for identifying which diseases and pathologies: polyps, condylomas, cysts;

endometriosis;
cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix and cervical canal);
leukoplakia;
cervical erosion;
dysplasia (precancerous condition);
cervical cancer.

It is important that this method and biopsy analysis allow timely detection of all kinds of neoplasms and the beginning of their transformation into malignant ones.

So, for example, if the examination shows the presence of warts, this means that the patient is infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). And the consequences of this disease can be severe - HPV is one of the main causes of cervical cancer.

Preparation for colposcopy of the cervix

Since cervical colposcopy is performed in a regular gynecological office, the procedure is quick, simple and painless, and preparation for it does not imply any special measures.

In general, you can lead a normal life.
Preparation for colposcopy of the cervix includes several points:

It is important to make sure that there is no pregnancy, if in doubt, notify the doctor in advance.
You should refrain from sexual activity 2-3 days before the procedure.
Do not use tampons, intimate sprays, tablets, suppositories or douche.
On the day of the procedure, wash with plain clean water without the use of detergents.
You can take any neutral pain medication before the colposcopy if you are afraid of possible discomfort.

The doctor should talk about the order of the procedure, its importance, possible unpleasant moments.
The doctor should notify the woman when it is better to do a colposcopy and on what day of the cycle. In principle, if the procedure is necessary, the sooner the better, then it can be done on any day, except for the menstruation itself. The fact is that bleeding will significantly distort the results and worsen the review. It is best to pass the examination in the first half of the cycle - three to five days after the end of menstruation. It is possible later, however, after ovulation, a lot of mucus accumulates in the cervical canal, which worsens the examination.
How much a colposcopy costs depends on the pricing policy of the clinic, the equipment used (video or conventional colposcope), the region in which it is located. The price varies from 1000 to 2500 rubles. In addition, do not forget that in a private clinic, before the procedure, you need to consult a doctor, which will also be paid. In a municipal clinic, usually the question of the cost of colposcopy of the cervix does not arise. The procedure prescribed by the doctor is free of charge.

Research results

The results of the study can show both the normal state of the tissues of the cervix, and abnormal. A healthy cervix is even, smooth, pale pink in color. The presence of pathologies is evidenced by:

non-standard vascular pattern - the capillaries are convoluted, arranged in a mosaic pattern;
punctuation - small red spots interspersed with light areas;
areas not stained with iodine - an unusual shape, structure.

During the study itself, the specialist pays special attention to modified, non-standard areas. What colposcopy shows should be interpreted by the doctor and only he. The interpretation of the results may be incomprehensible to the average person. It is possible to detect in non-standard areas both widespread erosion of the cervix, and precancerous, and even cancerous neoplasms. Therefore, after the studies are carried out and the results are ready (and they will be ready from several days to two weeks, depending on the clinic), you must definitely come to the doctor for a second appointment.
The doctor will give a detailed description of the results, explain what to do next, and tell you what the cervical biopsy showed. If necessary, he will prescribe additional examinations and select the correct treatment.

Colposcopy and pregnancy

Many are interested in whether cervical colposcopy is possible during pregnancy. In general, bearing a child is a relative contraindication to the procedure. Relative, because if a colposcopy is absolutely necessary, the health, safety and future life of a woman depend on it, the procedure is carried out.
And colposcopy of pregnant women is also acceptable, if the gestation proceeds correctly, nothing threatens to interrupt it, the period is short, the fetus is attached correctly, the placenta is normal, and the benefits of the procedure exceed the possible risks. Or if the pregnancy is planned to be terminated. If the pregnancy is desired, and the possible complications for the unborn baby outweigh the importance of the procedure, it should be abandoned.
In the case when a colposcopy is still necessary in this situation, it is carried out as far as possible without reagents. A biopsy is also undesirable during this period.

In any case, before carrying out a colposcopy, a woman should make sure that she is not or is pregnant. This and your own doubts should be told to the doctor in advance.

He will postpone the procedure until there is some clarity regarding the condition of the woman. And in case of emergency, he will carry it out with observance of all precautionary measures.

After the procedure

Since with such a diagnosis there is no special intervention in the woman's body, injuring her tissues, she can immediately go home after the procedure and lead a normal life. The only thing that can bother her is psychological discomfort.

Discharge after colposcopy is possible - dark brown if the method was extended. The color of the discharge does not mean the presence of blood. This leaves the remains of iodine. Since it heavily stains linen, you can use a daily pad during this period.

There may also be discharge with a small admixture of blood - if the colposcopy was performed with the sampling of biopsy tissue. As a result, when it is injured, minor bleeding is possible, accompanied by slight discomfort and in the absence of pain.

The biopsy analysis performed during the examination imposes certain restrictions on the woman, in contrast to a simple procedure. So, for two weeks, she should refrain from sexual intercourse, hard physical work and sports, the use of tampons, vaginal suppositories and douching - until the damaged tissue heals.

Contraindications and complications

There are no absolute contraindications to this procedure. The following are relative:

Menstrual or any other uterine bleeding. Blood does not allow you to carefully examine the tissues of organs, assess the condition of the mucosa. The value of diagnostics in such a situation is practically zero. Therefore, it is possible to carry out a colposcopy only after the menstruation has passed.
Pregnancy. Any intervention in the female organs can be dangerous for the child. Read more above.
Recent childbirth or operations performed on female organs. During this period, even colposcopy can injure tissues and harm the health of the patient. You should wait one and a half to two months, and in case of any complications - until they are completely gone.
Exacerbation of candidiasis (thrush). In this situation, abundant discharge will interfere with the examination. You should wait for the candidiasis to pass, and only then carry out a colposcopy.
Virginity. Any manipulations of this kind, including a standard gynecological examination with a mirror, are carried out only for women who are sexually active.

Possible complications are also minimal and only occur if the procedure was performed by an unqualified specialist. As a rule, difficulties are associated with taking a biopsy for analysis. If this is done incorrectly or when using non-sterile instruments, an inflammatory process may begin. In which cases you should immediately consult a doctor:

heavy or long-lasting bleeding;
pain, heaviness in the lower abdomen;
temperature increase;
not bloody, but unusually heavy discharge for 5-7 days;
significant deterioration in general well-being.

The procedure and analysis, carried out according to all the rules, guarantee the safety for the patient and a quick recovery.

Anything that seems suspicious in its condition should be discussed with a doctor. In general, the success of the procedure largely depends on the specialist. He must tell all the information, starting with why a colposcopy is needed, how to prepare for it, and ending with what to do in case of certain violations. And most importantly, the doctor must take care of the psychological state of the woman and dispel all her fears - both before and after the colposcopy.

Colposcopy is a diagnostic method widely used in gynecology. What is a colposcopy in gynecology, every woman who is faced with the problem of changes in the cervix or with some more serious problems knows.

Why is a colposcopy necessary?

What is colposcopy in gynecology? This is the research method that is needed to predict the possible composition of the cells of the cervix, if there is a goal to identify this part of the most important organ of the female genital area.

Colposcopy is the main method for detecting cervical cancer. However, it is impossible to make a diagnosis solely on the basis of colposcopy, since it only allows you to determine the location for targeted biopsy. What colposcopy shows, namely, altered areas of the cervical mucosa, must be checked by other methods. Only in this way can a gynecologist make an accurate diagnosis.

How is a colposcopy done?

Colposcopy is a visual examination of the epithelium of the part of the cervix that extends into the vagina through a colposcope (a binocular microscope equipped with an optical system and focused lighting). This procedure can be performed during a routine gynecological examination, as no special preparation or anesthesia is required. The procedure itself takes no more than 15 minutes and is very well tolerated by women.

At the very beginning of the study, the doctor examines the mucous membrane of the cervix, as well as the vagina with the help of mirrors and under the magnification of a colposcope. If there is a need, then at this stage, biomaterial is taken for cytological examination. Then the doctor proceeds directly to the colposcopy. It runs two tests in sequence:

test with acetic acid (the most informative test that allows you to narrow the unchanged vessels);
text with iodine solution, which allows to identify glycogen in the analyzed epithelium).

These tests allow you to better visualize areas of the cervix that may be considered suspicious. With their use, the procedure is called, without them - simple and having almost no clinical significance.

If a colposcopy is prescribed - a procedure for examining the cervix, then a woman is usually advised to refrain from sexual activity a day or more before the procedure, and also not to douche, not to use vaginal creams, suppositories, tablets.

Colposcopy: indications

So why do a colposcopy? What does colposcopy mean? Colposcopy is of great importance for the detection of precancerous and cancerous diseases, and therefore is prescribed for the following indications:

Women often wonder how often to do a colposcopy. According to gynecologists, this study should be carried out at least once every three years. Between studies, however, it is necessary to take smears for cytology once a year. Colposcopy is not needed as long as smears are normal.

The decision whether to do a colposcopy is made by the doctor, but for her peace of mind, a woman can decide for herself to perform this examination.

The word colposcopy scares many patients. They do not know that this is a modern examination, which will reveal the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the genital organs, if any.

Cervical colposcopy is a medical manipulation of examining the vulva, vaginal walls and cervix in order to diagnose pathologies, the procedure is performed using a special device - a colposcope with standard magnification. Colposcopy is one of the most gentle diagnostic methods currently available in the field of gynecology.

What is colposcopy in gynecology

What does a colposcopy show:

analysis of the condition of the walls of the vagina and cervix;
reveals the lesion;
diagnoses neoplasms at the initial stage;
material is taken for analysis in order to further diagnose the pathology.

Usually, colposcopy is prescribed for suspected pathologies of the female genital organs.

It should not be forgotten that colcoscopy is not a cytological study. However, it will be possible to work with the data obtained during the manipulation to take material for cytological analysis.

The methods that are used in conducting this inspection make it possible to identify problems at the earliest stages of development. In particular, diseases that are asymptomatic at first, but lead to the most serious consequences.

Many people wonder how do colposcopy? How painful is a colposcopy? The specialist examines the patient on the gynecological chair traditionally, but uses a colposcope, with which the resulting image is enlarged by the required number of times. Access to the cervix occurs through a gynecological speculum. In total, this procedure takes no more than thirty minutes.

Digital colposcopy is also used. What is this? This is an innovative way to examine the cervix. For it, a special optical device is used. Its scientific name is digital colposcope. This is a binocular, which is equipped with a powerful light source and a device for recording images in digital format. The digital research method serves to obtain accurate information about the changes occurring in the vagina and cervix, and clarify their nature. Also, this method makes it possible to record images of mucous membranes, which can then be useful for a consultation for a more detailed analysis.

When is the best time to do a colposcopy?

Indications for a colposcopic examination are determined by the attending specialist. So the question of when and under what symptoms a colposcopy can be done should be answered by the gynecologist at the appointment. Colposcopic examination is a procedure necessary to examine the cervix, as well as the vagina and the surface of the vulva. Examination is carried out using a colposcope. The excellent magnification capability of this microscope allows the gynecologist to examine the uterus more closely.

How often can a colposcopy be done? According to certain medical indications. Recall that an examination with a colposcope is carried out by a doctor, only if there are indications for the procedure. These include:

diagnosis of cervical cancer, including during pregnancy;
diagnosis of cancer of the vulva, vagina;
precancerous condition of the vagina, vulva or cervix;
detection of formations on the uterus in pregnant women;
inflammatory processes in the cervix;
the presence of warts on the genitals;
fungal infections on the vaginal mucosa;
control of changes in the affected areas;
with cervical erosion, colcoscopy is also performed.

If a potential patient thinks about the question on which day of the cycle a colposcopy is performed, it should be noted here that the optimal time for an examination is the first three days after the end of menstruation. In some cases, colposcopy can be performed on other days of the cycle, which is usually warned by the attending physician.

It is worth noting that conducting a colposcopic examination in pregnant women is one of the mandatory procedures. The fact is that various kinds of pathological changes in the cervix are diagnosed in a large number of female representatives. Very often observed pathologies are a consequence of a decrease in immunity. With gestation, they can progress and develop. This, in turn, will adversely affect the health of the expectant mother and her child. A contraindication to performing extended colposcopy is only intolerance to acetic acid or iodine by the patient's body in some cases.

Colposcopy during pregnancy

Colposcopy during childbearing, as mentioned above, is one of the most important studies for expectant mothers. Qualified specialists recommend conducting such a study without fail, in order to identify pathological neoplasms and timely therapy. Such a procedure during pregnancy is completely harmless for both mother and child. Do not be afraid of this manipulation or assume that its implementation will harm the baby. Such a diagnostic method will not be able to provoke a spontaneous abortion. And this means that all fears about this are in vain. Rather, on the contrary, a colposcopic examination is designed to recognize potential harm in time and help eliminate it in a timely manner.

However, preparation for a colposcopy is very important. It includes the following points:

abstinence from sexual activity for 2-3 days before the examination;
refusal to use any intimate creams and suppositories;
refusal of the douching procedure.

Following these simple steps will help a pregnant woman prepare for this procedure. In this case, the examination will be absolutely painless. Colposcopy after childbirth is not done only in the first six to eight weeks, and during this period the procedure is not carried out after a course of cervical therapy, which was performed by a destructive or surgical method.

Discharge after colposcopy

Quite often, after performing a colposcopic examination, there may be slight vaginal bleeding, there may also be a delay in menstruation after colposcopy, and in some patients, abdominal pain after colposcopy. In these cases, sanitary napkins should be used for several days. The discharge is associated with the treatment of the cervical mucosa with special solutions that are used for extended colposcopy.