What is a coloscopy and why is it done?
A coloscopy is a fancy term for saying that your doctor is going to examine you with a microscope. Your doctor will use a microscope to examine your vulva, vagina and cervix. This is typically done if any of the results of your blood work or pap smear come back a little off. Many times, it is nothing. But this is a very valuable step in determining that it is nothing, or if other tests need to be performed.
Many times, a pap smear comes back abnormal because of a viral infection or a yeast infection. Sometimes, a pap smear may come back abnormal because of natural cell changes or unnatural cell changes.
Many things can be determined by a pap smear and coloscopy combined. Precancerous cells can be located, cancerous cells can be found early, the HPV virus can be found before it becomes precancerous..
If you are having a coloscopy and you are not pregnant, you can almost always count on your doctor wanting to do a biopsy. This is where they take a small piece of tissue from your cervix for examination at the lab. Many times, you will feel just a pinch and a little burning. It will not bother you for long and will fade after a few minutes.
What to expect
A coloscopy involves a pelvic exam. You will undress from the waist down and be placed in stirrups, just like you would for a pap smear. The doctor will then use the speculum so he can see inside.
The colposcope will be used to do a microscopic examination of your vagina. These look like a pair of binoculars with a light on them. Your doctor may use a vinegar solution on a cotton swab to wet the area he/she is looking at. Certain cells respond to vinegar and are easy to see.
If your doctor is doing a biopsy, you can expect to feel a pinch sensation and a burning sensation. They will then use a medication containing silver nitrate to stop any small amount of bleeding that may happen.
Other reasons for coloscopy
Besides following up on a pap smear, a coloscopy can be used for other things. It can help guide a doctor when doing a cervical biopsy, check a sore or other issues that you are having, to follow up on areas of concern, to determine if a treatment is working or to check for cell abnormalities.
How to prepare for a coloscopy
Let your doctor know if you are or could be pregnant. A biopsy can be done while you are pregnant, but they prefer to wait until after the baby is born.
Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including herbal and over-the-counter medications.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any medications. Sometimes, treatment may involve medication or a mix of medication.
Let your doctor know if you are prone to heavy bleeding. A biopsy involves removal of a piece of tissue and may cause a small amount of bleeding.
Let your doctor know if you have been or are being treated for a vaginal infection, cervical infection, yeast infection or pelvic infection.
Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before you are scheduled for your coloscopy.
Do not use douche, tampons or vaginal medications.
Schedule this exam when you are not on your period.
Risk factors of a coloscopy and biopsy
Having a biopsy has risks. Sometimes, you can have a small amount of bleeding from the exam. You may also have some discomfort. Increased discharge is normal after having this exam and can last for up to one week. You cannot have sexual intercourse, douche or use tampons for at least one week after a biopsy so the site can heal.
Reasons you should call your doctor
If you had a cervical biopsy and show any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor right away.
If you have heavy vaginal bleeding that is heavier than your period.
A fever
Severe cramps, worse than you get with your period
A bad smelling discharge
A discolored discharge, other than blood-tinged.
