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Colposcopy

Colposcopy is the process of studying the vagina and cervix by looking at a magnified image of the location using a colposcope. A colposcope is basically a specialised microscope. It has a light to illuminate the vagina, and relatively high-powered magnification to view small areas inside the vagina or cervix. Specialists whose job it is to study a woman’s reproductive area to determine whether there is a problem use this instrument to give a clearer view of what is going on.

Many women complain of pain or discomfort in their vulva or vagina, and this can be a result of small cuts in this area. These cuts would be difficult to see without the aid of a colposcope. These abrasions leave the woman vulnerable to infection, therefore it is important to locate them and deal with them before they become a more serious problem. Colposcopy is also useful for examining the vagina, vulva and cervix for any abnormal tissue that would be otherwise difficult to see. Small biopsies can then be taken to allow specialists to study them and decide what the problem is.

Using a colposcope is a very straightforward procedure. The patient lies back with her legs held up, as if she was having a smear test or standard gynaecological examination performed. A speculum holds the vagina open, and the colposcope can get a detailed view of the vagina and cervix. Different light filters and magnification intensities can be used to view different areas, and to search for different problems.

Colposcopy is an expensive and time-consuming procedure; therefore it is only performed when it is absolutely necessary. Normally a woman will have colposcopy performed after a few abnormal smear tests, or if they complain of pain or discomfort and a specialist can’t see a clear cause of this. Many women will also complain of post-coital bleeding, something that can also be caused by small cuts inside the vagina. The GP or gynaecologist will examine the area himself or herself, but if he or she cannot find the cause of the problem, a colposcope may be required to give a more detailed view of the vagina, vulva and cervix.

Most women will not encounter a colposcope as it is not often used, but in the event of a problem that is not immediately evident to the specialist examining the patient, one might be required. They are known to produce consistently good results.