Do you also want to know about the Colposcopy test? Let's talk!

When your doctor or gynecologist tells you to have a colposcopy, you may feel a little scared and even curious, right? "What is this test? Why am I being asked to do this? What will happen?" You may have a lot of questions running through your head. So today, we will talk about all this in Sinhala, in a very simple way that you can understand. There is nothing to be afraid of, this is often simpler than you think.

What is a Colposcopy?

Simply put, a colposcopy is a special test to check your cervix (the lower part of the uterus) and the walls of your vagina for any abnormal tissue. Your doctor will use a special light and magnifying lens called a colposcope. It's like a small microscope. It can magnify the tissue in your cervix and vagina.

Now imagine, if you look at something unusual, if you see a different-looking tissue , the doctor can take a small piece of tissue from there and send it to the lab. This is what we call a biopsy . That piece of tissue is examined to see if there are any cancer cells or pre-cancerous cells that could become cancer.

What else will this test find?

Colposcopy is a test that is mainly done to check the cervix, vagina, and vulva for cancerous cells or cells that could become cancerous if left untreated, such as cervical dysplasia .

In addition,

• Check for genital warts.
• This test also helps to check for non-cancerous growths such as polyps.

Sometimes, if you have unusual vaginal bleeding or symptoms such as itching in the external genital area, your doctor may recommend this test to find the cause.

Why do you need to have a colposcopy?

A woman is usually referred for a colposcopy if the results of another test suggest that she has an abnormality. For example:

• If the results of your Pap test (Pap smear) are abnormal.
• If the doctor sees anything unusual during your pelvic exam.
• If you are confirmed to have been infected with the HPV `(Human Papillomavirus)` virus .

It's in situations like this that the doctor says, "Should we do a colposcopy and take a closer look?"

Should I be afraid of this test?

Absolutely not! Just because you were asked to have a colposcopy does not mean you have cancer. In fact,In most cases, the chances of cancer disappearing are high.

Imagine, even if you have pre-cancerous cells, the chance that they will turn into cancer in the short time it takes for you to get tested is very small.

This test allows you to identify and treat any cancerous cells very early . Then you won't have to worry unnecessarily about cancer. That's why this is a very important test.

Who performs this colposcopy test?

Your primary care provider or gynecologist can perform this test. Sometimes there are doctors who have been specially trained for this purpose (colposcopists). Research has shown that when an experienced specialist performs this test, the chances of detecting precancerous cells are higher .

Is colposcopy a surgery?

Colposcopy is not a surgical procedure. However, if a biopsy, that is, a tissue sample, is taken during the procedure, it is considered a minor surgical procedure .

Imagine, if the doctor sees something suspicious during the examination, they will take a small piece of tissue from there. This is usually painless and takes less than 30 minutes . There is no need to stay in the hospital.

How do you prepare before the test?

There are several ways you can prepare for a colposcopy. If you follow these steps carefully, it will be easier to get accurate results.

• If you are pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor. Colposcopy can be done during pregnancy. However, if a biopsy is taken, there is a possibility of a little more bleeding than usual. So talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
• Try to take the test on a day when you are not having your period. You can't take the test during your period, but it will be easier for the doctor to see your cervix clearly if you are not bleeding.
• Do not insert anything into the vagina for 48 hours before the test. This means avoiding sexual intercourse, inserting fingers or sex toys into the vagina.
• Also , do not use tampons or vaginal medications (such as creams or pills). All of these can affect the test results.
• If you feel a little uncomfortable on the day of the test, take a pain reliever like paracetamol (e.g. Tylenol©) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil©, Motrin©) beforehand. This will help you stay comfortable during the test.

What happens during the test? What kind of experience is it?

Colposcopy is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes . You can go home immediately after the exam.

How to do the test

A colposcopy is usually no more uncomfortable than a Pap smear. You won't need anesthesia or a lot of pain medication. Here's what happens:

• You will be asked to lie down on an examination table and place your legs in two supports that are comfortable for you to hold.
• The doctor will then slowly insert a speculum (you may have seen this during a Pap smear, which is used to slightly dilate the vagina and view the cervix) into the vagina and adjust it so that the cervix is ​​visible.
• Now, a colposcope is used. This is a telescope-like instrument with a light and magnifying lenses. The doctor holds it outside the vagina and looks at your cervix and vagina.
• Next, the doctor will apply a solution of acetic acid (which is like vinegar) to your cervix with a cotton swab. You may feel a slight burning sensation during this time. This solution will help to highlight any suspicious abnormal cells.

If, upon examination, it appears that there is abnormal tissue in one or more places, the doctor can perform a biopsy and send that tissue for testing.

How does it feel to have a biopsy?

Instead of scraping the entire cervix and taking cells like a Pap test, a colposcopy allows the doctor to take small pieces of tissue from just the areas that look abnormal . These small pieces of tissue are sent to a lab to be tested for cancer or pre-cancerous cells.

When a biopsy is taken, you may feel a slight tightening or a slight tingling sensation . For some, it may feel like menstrual cramps.

How painful is this?

Colposcopy is relatively painless . You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the speculum is inserted into the vagina. You may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation when the acetic acid solution is applied. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a slight tingling or menstrual-like pain. Taking a painkiller before the test can greatly reduce this discomfort.

What happens after the test?

As soon as the test is over, you can continue with your work as usual.

• If you don't have a biopsy , you may have some spotting for the next day or two.
• If you have a biopsy, here are some things you can expect:
• There may be some vaginal bleeding for a few days.
• There may be some vaginal pain for a few days.
• Vaginal discharge may be black or brown (this is due to the acetic acid solution).

You can use pads during this time. Also, avoid inserting anything into your vagina . Avoid having sex, using tampons, or douching for a few days. Give your cervix time to heal. Ask your doctor how long you should avoid these things.

What do the results of my colposcopy mean?

The results of your colposcopy and (if performed) biopsy will determine whether you need further treatment.

• Approximately 40% of people report no abnormal cells in their results. That means everything is fine!
• Also, approximately 60% of people require some form of treatment for an abnormality. These abnormalities can be things like lumps on the cervix, vagina, or external genitalia.

What to do if the results are abnormal?

Now you might be thinking, "Oh, what if my results are abnormal?" Don't worry, there are solutions for that too.

If the results of a colposcopy or biopsy show a minor abnormality, such as mild cervical dysplasia , your doctor will tell you to have a Pap test again at regular intervals . This is because sometimes these mild dysplasias go away on their own (meaning the tissue returns to normal) without any treatment .

However, if there are more advanced pre-cancerous cells , they need to be treated. Here are some of the treatments available:

• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): This procedure uses an electrically powered wire loop to remove the area of ​​abnormal cells.
• Cone Biopsy: In this, a cone-shaped piece of tissue containing the abnormal cells is cut from the cervix and removed.
• Cryotherapy: Uses extremely cold chemicals (such as liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal cells.
• Laser Surgery: A heated laser beam is used to destroy abnormal cells.

In very serious cases (which is very rare), surgery to remove the entire uterus may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about any further tests you may need after surgery.

How long does it take to know the results of the test?

Biopsy results usually take two to ten days to come back. Ask your doctor when you can expect your results and how you will be informed of important information.

What are the special occasions when you should see a doctor? (After an examination)

Colposcopy is generally a very safe procedure with few side effects. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure, you should see your doctor immediately :

• If you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen or pelvic area .
• If you are bleeding more heavily than usual during your period.
• If you are showing signs of an infection : That is, if you have a thicker, foul-smelling vaginal discharge than usual, if you have a fever and feel like you have chills.

Finally, the most important thing (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel scared when you find out that one of your test results is abnormal and you're told you need to do more tests. But remember, a colposcopy is a simple, painless test . This can help ease your fears and give you peace of mind.

Colposcopy allows your doctor to detect cancerous or precancerous cells early and provide you with the necessary treatment . Even cervical cancer can be completely cured if detected and treated early.

Also, this test can confirm that you do not have cancer. So, as you prepare for the test, talk openly with your doctor about any fears, doubts, cancer risks, and results that you have. It will give you a lot of relief.

` Colposcopy, Cervical Screening, Pap Test, HPV, Biopsy, Women's Health, Cervical Cancer