Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure performed by a gynaecologist. A specially designed microscope allows the doctor to examine the cervix and detect foci of erosion or neoplasia. This information will help to form a treatment strategy and prevent malignization of epithelial neoplasms.

Reasons for prescribing this diagnostics

Indications for colposcopy include:

• patient's complaints of pain;
• age over 30 years old;
• previously diagnosed changes in the cervical epithelium;
• belonging to a risk group of cancerous diseases.

This diagnostic manipulation will make it possible to assess the progress of the treatment of a previously detected pathology.

Diagnostic limitations

Gynaecologists include such absolute contraindications for performing colposcopy:

• a childbirth within the last 2 months;
• an abortion within the last 30 days;
• recent cervical surgical treatment;
• removal of cervical neoplasms by cryodestruction.

Relative contraindications are the phase of the menstrual cycle and inflammatory processes in the vagina and cervical canal. Before these diagnostic manipulations, the doctor clarifies the patient's tolerance to iodine and acetic acid, which are used during the dilated examination.

Our doctors

Colposcopy at JSC "Medicina" (Academician Roytberg Clinic)

The specialists of the diagnostic department of our clinic have extensive experience in performing colposcopy. Advantages of JSC "Medicina" (Academician Roytberg Clinic):

• high-precision diagnostic equipment;
• a full-fledged gynaecology department;
• availability of its own emergency service.

The price of colposcopy depends on the type of examination prescribed by the gynaecologist.

Types of diagnostics

The main indications for colposcopy determine the variety of techniques for gynaecological examination of the cervix. Doctors use several techniques. Thus, the simple colposcopy is performed without the use of special means. The procedure with coloured filters is aimed at assessing the condition of blood vessels. The advanced technique involves treating the cervix with solutions that act as reagents. Thanks to their action, the gynaecologist is able to detect a nidus of neoplasia.

Preparatory measures

Colposcopy preparation requires a few rules to be followed:

• the appointment at the clinic should be immediately after the end of menstruation or before its beginning;
• all patients should refrain from having sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 days before the examination;
• one day before the screening, the use of any topical medications should be stopped.

The attending physician or gynaecologist may impose other restrictions on the patient in accordance with the clinical picture of the diagnosed pathology.

Procedure process

After the preparation for colposcopy is completed, a patient will have to visit the clinic and undergo the examination. Diagnostic manipulations last for half an hour. The patient should be seated in a gynaecological chair. The doctor will carry out an initial examination using a vaginal speculum. Irrigation of the vaginal walls with saline solution remains an indispensable element. The next step is to treat the cervix with a solution of acetic acid or other marker. After that the colposcope is inserted into the vagina. If a biopsy is indicated, the gynaecologist takes biomaterials.

Side effects and complications

After completing colposcopy, patients may experience brief bleeding. It is caused by damage to cervical vessels during the biopsy procedure. A green secretion is possible when the doctor uses staining solutions.

Rare complications after the procedure are heavy bleeding and an increase in body temperature. If these symptoms persist for 2 days, it is necessary to seek medical attention.