Colposcopy
Board-certified gynecologists Stephanie Carmichael, MD, and Andrea Johnson, MD, use colposcopy to visually examine changes to your cervix that aren’t visible to the eye alone. They perform colposcopies to diagnose or assist with treatment of a variety of gynecological conditions at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia. If you need a colposcopy, call or book an appointment online today.
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Colposcopy Q & A
What is a colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a way to closely look at the opening to your uterus, called the cervix. Using a lighted instrument with a magnifying lens, Dr. Carmichael and Dr. Johnson can see tissues on your cervix and the walls of your vagina more clearly.
If they find an area of suspicious tissue on your cervix, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson will remove a small sample (biopsy) for lab testing.
Why would I need a colposcopy?
The most common reason for a colposcopy is to provide more information after a Pap test or pelvic exam reveals abnormal changes in your cervix or vagina. Colposcopy is often the next step in diagnosing the cause of these abnormal results.
How do I prepare for a colposcopy?
It’s best to schedule this procedure during a time when you’re not having your menstrual period. This provides Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson with a clear view of your cervix.
They provide you with information on how to prepare for your colposcopy. This can include avoiding sex and not putting anything inside your vagina for at least 24 hours beforehand, including tampons and vaginal medications.
What happens during a colposcopy?
Dr. Carmichael and Dr. Johnson perform colposcopies right in the office at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center.
During the procedure, you lie on your back with your feet raised just as you would for a pelvic exam. Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson inserts a speculum into your vagina and positions the colposcope just outside the opening.
They apply a mild solution to your cervix with a cotton swab. This solution helps to highlight any areas of abnormal tissue, but it could sting briefly.
If they see abnormal areas on your cervix, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson will take a small biopsy for lab testing. A biopsy can cause mild pain and vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure.
For more information on colposcopies, call Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.