Colonoscopy
What is colonoscopy?
An examination of the cervix and/or the vagina with a magnifying device called a colposcope. A colposcope can enlarge the view by two to 60 times. The exam is not painful, although it may be uncomfortable. The procedure time takes between 5-10 minutes.
Reasons for colonoscopy
Colonoscopy should be done if a woman:
- Has an abnormal pap smear
- Genital warts on the cervix, vagina, or vulva
- Benign (not cancer) growths, such as polyps
- Pain or bleeding
The most common reason for colonoscopy is a pap smear showing dysplasia (abnormal cells). These abnormal cells may be precancerous.
Colonoscopy Procedure
After the patient is placed in the stirrups, the speculum is placed. The cervix is cleansed with a vinegar solution. The physician will then collect some cells from the inside of the cervix, similar to a pap smear. After the physician looks with the colonoscope, he or she may decide to take some biopsies. Numbing medication is applied to the cervix. The biopsy involves removing very small pieces of tissue with an instrument. The biopsies may cause some cramping and spotting. Monsel’s solution may be applied to the biopsy site to stop the bleeding.
After the colonoscopy
You may experience some cramping and spotting for a day or two. If Monsel’s solution is used on the biopsy sites, you may have a brownish vaginal discharge for 1-2 days. Do not use tampons for a couple of days to prevent infection. You may resume sexual intercourse after the bleeding stops. The biopsies are sent to the pathology department to be studied. When the biopsy results come back from the lab, they may take 7-10 days, your physician’s office will contact you with the results and recommendations.
