When Should You Get a Colposcopy?

If you’ve heard of a colposcopy but don’t know if you need one, you’re not alone. It’s an examination that’s typically conducted after screenings such as a Pap smear. However, it’s only necessary sometimes. Orange Blossom Women’s Group in Trinity, FL, offers all the services required to determine if you need a colposcopy.

What Is a Colposcopy?

A fairly simple exam, it’s the examination of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. It’s used to discover any abnormal growths in the designated areas, such as genital warts or other lumps, but is also sometimes used to find the cause of vaginal bleeding.

There’s no reason to be alarmed when getting a colposcopy. It’s a safe exam that has you walking in and out of the office on the same day.

How It Works

The doctor separates the walls of the vagina to get to the cervix and then looks for any abnormal growths using a dye to highlight. The doctor may take also samples. Usually our doctor will tell you the results right after your examination. However, in rare cases, our doctors will send samples to the lab for further examination before giving you your results.

If the test brings back abnormal cells, our doctors can treat them as necessary. If the test brings back no abnormal cells, you can continue your yearly screenings as usual.

When Do I Need a Colposcopy?

Typically, we’ll only recommend a colposcopy if we find something abnormal during a Pap smear or cervical screening. When abnormal cells are found in the results of a Pap smear, it’s important to get a closer look. There’s no need to panic, as these cells are often harmless; but if left untreated they can sometimes turn into more serious health problems.

Reasons for the Exam

• Your doctor found your cervix to be unhealthy
• Your Pap smear results show abnormal cells
• You’re experiencing vaginal bleeding
• You suspect you may have genital warts

Taking Preventative Measures

Women’s health is complex and important, and that’s why it’s always important to take advantage of the preventative measures offered by our OB/GYN services. These include routine yearly screenings and gynecologic cancer screenings. Regular screenings help keep your health in check and enable doctors to catch any problems before they become too serious.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, it may be time to check in with one of our doctors. Letting health issues go unchecked can lead to worse problems in the long run. Our doctors can give you a thorough examination and determine what the next step is for you. We’ll only suggest a colposcopy if our specialists determine it’s necessary.

Come to Orange Blossom Women’s Group for an Exam

Whether you think you need a colposcopy exam or you just want to find out more about it all, call us at Orange Blossom Women’s Group in Trinity, FL, today. Our specialists will be happy to provide you with any additional information about the exam process and talk you through any previous results to help you determine your need.