For many women, the word "colposcopy" is bewildering, since this procedure appeared not so long ago, and is not used so often. However, today it is a method that gives quite a lot of information to identify various gynecological ailments. Thus, the answer to the question "colposcopy, what is it?" pretty simple.
This procedure is a detailed examination of the surface of the walls of the vagina, including the cervix, performed using a colposcope - a special device used for these purposes. To gain access to the cervix, the walls of the vagina are diluted with a gynecological mirror. A colposcope resembles a binocular microscope and allows you to enlarge the image as much as necessary. The procedure itself lasts from 10 to 20 minutes.
Before the study, the inner surface of the vagina is treated with special substances that improve its optical properties. Usually take lugol, iodine or a solution of acetic acid. Speaking about such a procedure as colposcopy, what it is and how it is performed, one cannot but mention a biopsy. If the development of a malignant process in the studied area is suspected, a small piece, 2-3 mm, is cut off from the affected tissue. Colposcopy helps to determine exactly where the pathological focus is from which the sample is taken.
As in any other study, preparation is important here, since an incorrectly done procedure will either not give the correct results or distort them. Before you do colposcopy, you should not have sexual intercourse that is not protected by a condom, at least during the day. It is best to conduct a study after menstruation, since in the middle of the cycle on the surface of the cervix and vagina there is a sufficiently large amount of mucus, which makes it difficult to see. The day before, do not use any moisturizers or douching.
Some time after colposcopy, dark brown discharge, usually mild, from the vagina can be observed. This is due to the removal of the coloring solution used in the procedure from the genital tract and does not present any danger.
Usually, if a colposcopy is prescribed to a pregnant woman, what is this and for what purpose is done, the attending physician should explain in detail. It is best to go through it before pregnancy, but in some cases, you may need to study during it (for less than 20 weeks). This manipulation should not cause special complications, however, if there is a threat of miscarriage, it is better to observe a gynecologist for several days after this and observe bed rest.
If an advanced colposcopy is performed, then, in addition to examination with a colposcope, it is assumed that various tests and the use of medications will be used to more clearly determine the result. So, filters are sometimes used here (otherwise, chromoscopy). This contributes to a better determination of the abnormal state of capillaries in the epithelium of the cervix. After the mucous membrane is treated with a weak solution of acetic acid, blue or green filters are most often used. Usually the capillaries are spaced evenly, fairly orderly. In the presence of anomalies through light filters, they may look like red spots, randomly located on the surface. Chromoscopy can detect serious diseases such as cervical cancer, dysplasia and others.
Speaking about such a procedure as colposcopy, what are these and what may be the consequences, it is worth noting that in rare cases after the study, pain in the lower abdomen and severe bleeding can disturb. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, as treatment may be necessary. However, the risk of complications is quite small.