Colposcopy of the cervix is a diagnostic procedure, which is based on the study of tissue of the cervix under a high resolution microscope . As a diagnostic manipulation, this procedure is currently very widespread.
This diagnostic method is used to confirm and clarify the diagnosis.
Colposcopy is never performed without clinical indications, i.e. without visible pathological changes in the neck or entrance to the cervical canal.
During the diagnosis of tissues under a microscope, you can take part of the material for histological examination.
Colposcopy of the cervix is used as a differential diagnosis of cervical erosion, cancer or other tissue pathology.
Erosion is a borderline condition that can quickly become malignant, therefore it is necessary to carefully examine the tissues (it is possible to see single atypical cells).
In cases of erosion in a woman over 22 years of age, colposcopy of the cervix is a mandatory study. Whether the patient is hurt during this procedure depends solely on the woman and on her ability to relax. If the muscle tissue of the vagina is not in good shape and the woman is completely relaxed, then, in principle, there will be no pain. However, in a situation where there is some kind of inflammatory process in the genitals, then the pain syndrome is not excluded. Most often, patients experience some discomfort with the introduction of a colposcope, but these sensations can be easily overcome.
Colposcopy of the cervix during pregnancy is an absolutely safe procedure for the baby. Some expectant mothers are very worried and worried about this, and sometimes refuse this diagnostic method. However, all women should understand that it is better for the child to have an early diagnosis and timely treatment than an advanced form of the disease.
Therefore, if during pregnancy there are indications for colposcopy for a woman, then it is better to conduct this study.
It is best to carry out colposcopy during pregnancy planning so as not to injure the psyche of the pregnant woman. If the patient became pregnant and was previously observed by a doctor about erosion, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics under a microscope during the first appearance of the pregnant woman at the gynecologist and at the sixth month of pregnancy (in order to refute the malignancy of the process).
Colposcopy of the cervix can be performed in several ways and with various contrast agents. In this case, the doctor does everything at his discretion and depending on the disease. During contrasting atypical cells turn white or darken - this is a sign of cancer. Erosion is normal tissue, differing in structure and located in the wrong place, so they should not succumb to the effect of contrast.
Colposcopy can be simple and extended, and colposcopy can sometimes result in cauterization, conization or biopsy, if indicated.
Colposcopy of the cervix is not a screening diagnostic method, and it does not need to be prescribed to all women, but only to those patients who have evidence for this.
It must be remembered that it is very easy to injure the cervix, so if you have any pathology, you must strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene. Sexual contacts should be careful and not frequent, because in this case the cervix can be injured more often than under other circumstances.
Colposcopy is best done on the fifth or seventh day of the cycle, but if necessary, you can perform this procedure on any day other than menstrual.