Colposcopy | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we understand that being told you need a colposcopy can feel unsettling. Our goal is to make sure you never have to navigate that uncertainty alone. We take the time to explain exactly what to expect, answer your questions honestly, and support you through every step of the process.
A colposcopy is a common, important follow-up procedure to an abnormal or irregular Pap smear test, and needing one doesn’t mean something is seriously wrong. It simply allows us a better look at what’s going on so that we can provide some clarification and active treatment if we do find something that needs more immediate attention. To schedule a colposcopy in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
What Is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your provider to take a closer, magnified look at your cervix, vagina, and vulva. It’s typically recommended after an abnormal Pap test result, an abnormal HPV test, or if your provider notices something during a routine exam that warrants a closer look.
Using a colposcope, a lighted, magnifying instrument that stays outside your body, your provider can identify areas of abnormal tissue that may not be visible during a standard pelvic exam. If anything concerning is found, a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, may be taken for further testing. A colposcopy is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment, and it’s an important step in detecting and addressing changes early, when they’re most treatable.
What Happens After My Colposcopy?
If a biopsy was taken, the tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis, and results are typically available within one to two weeks. Your provider will reach out to discuss your results and, if needed, talk through next steps, which may include monitoring, further testing, or treatment options if tests came back with abnormalities that need treatment. It’s normal to feel some anxiety while waiting for results. Our team is always available to answer questions in the meantime, and we never want you to feel like you’re waiting alone or in the dark.
What Should I Expect During My Colposcopy in Wellesley, MA?
Before your procedure, your provider will walk you through why a colposcopy was recommended and what they’ll be looking for, so you feel informed and prepared going in.
During your colposcopy, your doctor will perform the following:
- Positioning: Similar to a Pap test, you’ll lie back on the exam table with your feet in footrests, and your doctor will insert a speculum to hold the vaginal walls open gently.
- Examining the Cervix: Your doctor will use the colposcope to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva, looking for any areas of abnormal tissue.
- Applying Solution: A vinegar-based solution, and sometimes an iodine solution, will be applied to your cervix. This may cause a brief tingling or burning sensation and help highlight any abnormal areas more clearly.
- Biopsy, If Needed: If your doctor identifies an area of concern, they may take a small tissue sample using a biopsy instrument. This can cause a quick pinch or cramping sensation, similar to a strong period cramp, but it’s brief. If you are anxious about this process, don’t hesitate to ask, and we’ll discuss local anesthesia options to help make you more comfortable.
The entire procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You may experience some light spotting or mild cramping afterwards, but most patients can return to their normal activities the same day.
Why Do Patients Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Their Colposcopy?
Our specialists at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates have been trusted leaders in women’s health care since 1963. Today, we carry this established excellence forward while reimagining what women’s wellness looks and feels like. We offer comprehensive, full-spectrum gynecological care in an environment designed for your comfort, safety, and complete well-being. We understand from a deeply empathetic level that a colposcopy referral can bring up worry and uncertainty, and we’re here to walk you through it with clear answers, compassion, and the time you need to feel truly cared for.
Schedule Your Colposcopy Today at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, our specialists are proud to offer the individualized, supportive care today’s women need from their doctors. To schedule your colposcopy in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online. We look forward to providing you with excellent gynecological care that supports your health for years to come.
Colposcopy FAQs
Does a colposcopy hurt?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort, similar to a Pap test, along with a brief tingling from the solution applied to the cervix. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a quick pinch or cramp, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Why was I referred for a colposcopy?
Colposcopies are most often recommended after an abnormal Pap test or HPV test result, or if your provider notices something during a routine exam that they’d like to examine more closely. This isn’t an automatic diagnosis of something nefarious, but rather a chance for us to get a better, more definitive look at something we suspect is occurring, so that we can treat an issue early on.
Does needing a colposcopy mean I have cancer?
Not at all. A colposcopy is a diagnostic step used to take a closer look at abnormal cells, most of which are not cancerous. It allows your provider to catch and address any changes early, often long before they become serious.
How long does it take to get my results?
If a biopsy is taken, results are typically available within one to two weeks. Your provider will contact you to discuss your results and any recommended next steps.
Can I do anything to prepare for my colposcopy?
We recommend avoiding intercourse, tampons, and vaginal medications for 24 hours before your appointment. It’s also best to schedule your colposcopy when you’re not on your period, if possible, though your provider can advise you based on your specific situation.