What Is Colposcopy?
An Imaging Method Used for Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Colposcopy is a medical imaging method that enables detailed examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva tissues.
With a special device called a colposcope, which has light and magnification features, the cervical tissue is observed by being magnified up to 40 times.
In this way, cellular changes that cannot be noticed with the naked eye can be detected and cervical cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage.
The colposcopy procedure is painless, safe, and completed in a short time. When necessary, a biopsy under local anesthesia can also be performed.
In Istanbul, FertiJin IVF Center performs the colposcopy procedure with its specialist gynecologist team and modern device infrastructure.
In Which Situations Is Colposcopy Performed?
Colposcopy is generally applied in women in whom abnormality is detected in Pap Smear or Thin Prep Smear test results.
It is also one of the advanced diagnostic methods used in the investigation of HPV infections and cervical cellular changes.
Colposcopy is recommended in the following situations:
- Detection of abnormal cellular change in smear test results
- HPV Type 16 or 18 positivity
- Suspicion of cervical cancer
- Suspicious lesion on the vulva or long-term itching
- Observation of suspicious tissue during pregnancy follow-up
- Investigation of infertility causes
This procedure reduces the risk of cancer that may develop in the future by enabling early detection of cellular changes in the cervix.
Points to Consider Before Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a painless procedure and does not require any special preparation.
However, for the accuracy of the test and a comfortable application process, the following points should be considered:
- Sexual intercourse should not be performed 2 days before the procedure.
- Vaginal douche, cream, ovule, or tampon should not be used.
- Vaginal medications being used should be discontinued 2 days before the procedure.
- If necessary, your doctor may recommend a mild pain reliever before the procedure.
- Colposcopy should be performed outside the menstrual period.
How Is Colposcopy Performed?
Colposcopy is a procedure quite similar to a classical gynecological examination.
- Patient position: The person lies on their back on the gynecological examination table and opens their legs.
- Speculum is inserted: A speculum is inserted to open the vaginal wall and clearly see the cervix.
- Cervix is cleaned: The cervix is cleaned with a special solution to clarify the image.
- Colposcope device is positioned: The colposcope is placed outside the vagina (it does not enter the vagina).
- Detailed examination is performed: Tissues are examined with 6 to 40 times magnification, and suspicious areas are identified.
- Biopsy can be taken: If necessary, small tissue samples are taken with local anesthesia.
The entire procedure takes an average of 10–15 minutes and is generally painless.
Points to Consider After Colposcopy
After colposcopy, the person can generally return to daily life immediately.
Since the device does not contact the vagina, pain or bleeding does not occur.
However, if a biopsy has been performed, mild bleeding or discharge may be observed for a few days.
Points to pay attention to:
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided for the first 2 days.
- Vaginal douche or tampon should not be used.
- Mild discharge or spotting is normal; in case of heavy discharge or bad odor, a doctor should be consulted.
- Personal hygiene should be especially observed.
When Are Colposcopy Results Available?
After the colposcopy procedure, the doctor usually shares the initial observations on the same day.
However, if a biopsy has been taken during the procedure, pathology results are available within an average of 7–10 days.
According to the results, the treatment plan and the necessary follow-up and control process are initiated.
Colposcopy Prices
Colposcopy fees;
- Whether a biopsy is performed,
- The number of samples taken, and
- May vary depending on the center where the procedure is performed.
FertiJin IVF Center performs the colposcopy procedure in sterile conditions at accessible prices in its modern infrastructure clinic located in Sisli.