Colposcopy is the process of examining the cervix with the help of a device specially designed for this purpose - a colposcope. This procedure is performed to study the condition of the cervix in more detail.
Who is recommended this procedure .
Of course, the main “applicants” for undergoing this procedure are women who, during examination of the cervix using a mirror, revealed any pathologies.
But recently, many gynecologists began to literally urge all women who plan to conceive a child to undergo a uterine colposcopy procedure (this especially applies to women at risk). After all, if all infections and diseases of the reproductive system are cured before pregnancy, then the threat of its termination or premature birth will be minimized.
Uterine colposcopy is also indicated for all women who are over 45 years old. After all, it is at this time that a hormonal malfunction occurs in the body, and menopause occurs, as a result of which there is a risk of oncological diseases. Therefore, timely examination will help to avoid life-threatening consequences for a woman.
In fact, if in a good way, then for every representative of the fair sex, it is necessary to undergo an annual gynecological examination for prevention , which should also include colposcopy of the uterus.
How is the procedure
Colposcopy of the uterus is performed in a gynecological room in a antenatal clinic or in a hospital. The first step in the procedure is to treat the cervix with a special staining solution that should contain iodine or acetic acid.
Then, using a colposcope and a mirror, the doctor looks at the entire cavity of the cervix. If a solution with iodine was used for the procedure, it will be seen how they stained healthy cells of the mucosa, and the tissues with the pathology remained unchanged (i.e. pink). In the case when using acetic acid, the opposite is true - diseased cells change color, but healthy cells do not.
The concentration of absolutely all solutions is designed only for staining of sick or healthy cells. If a woman feels a burning sensation when they enter the mucous membrane, then it can be assumed that she has diseases of the cervix, which are accompanied by an inflammatory process.
What time is better to carry out the procedure
For a more accurate diagnosis, colposcopy of the uterus should be performed on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle. The best time is right after the menstruation has ended, since by the middle of the cycle a large amount of mucus is formed.
Two days before the examination, you should refrain from sexual intercourse, as well as from the use of various spermicidal creams and vaginal suppositories. When treating with local drugs, they must be discarded a week before the examination. During this time, all drug residues must leave the woman's body.
How much does colposcopy cost ?
The cost of this procedure will depend on its type (overview or extended). On average, the price of the examination varies from 250 to 1000 rubles.