Colposcopy is a gynecological test that allows your OB/GYN to evaluate the cervix and vagina. At Nova Women’s Health in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified OB/GYN Anju Nayar, MD, FACOG, performs colposcopy following a positive Pap smear to determine why your results are abnormal. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.
Colposcopy is a gynecological diagnostic tool that your OB/GYN uses to closely evaluate your outer genital area, vagina, and cervix. For the procedure, they use a colposcope, a type of microscope that magnifies the tissue, making it easier to spot abnormalities.
Nova Women’s Health is a state-of-the-art facility providing all the services women need to manage their health, including colposcopy.
An abnormal Pap smear is one of the most common reasons women need colposcopy. Pap smears screen for cervical cancer.
A positive Pap smear means the pathology lab found abnormal cells that need additional testing. Colposcopy allows your OB/GYN at Nova Women’s Health to look at your cervix more closely and perform a cervical biopsy (taking a sample of cervical tissue) to determine why your results are abnormal.
Your provider at Nova Women’s Health may also request a colposcopy if you have concerning symptoms that need further evaluation, such as itching or burning of the vulva, pelvic pain, or abnormal bleeding.
The gynecological tool is also used to diagnose and treat genital warts and cervicitis (inflamed cervix).
Nova Women’s Health gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for your colposcopy. They may request scheduling the test during a time you’re not menstruating.
They also ask that you avoid vaginal intercourse before the test.
Your provider at Nova Women’s Health does the colposcopy at the office. For the procedure, you lie on your back on the exam table with your knees bent and spread, just like you would for your annual pelvic exam.
Your provider inserts a speculum into your vagina to open the walls so they can see the cervix more clearly. They may apply a solution to the cervix that highlights abnormal tissue.
Your OB/GYN uses the colposcope to examine the tissue and take samples as needed. After the test, your provider may talk to you about the preliminary findings. You rest at the office for a few minutes and then go home.Your provider will contact you when they have the results of your cervical biopsy.
Call Nova Women’s Health or schedule an appointment online today.