Colposcopy

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure that gynecologists use to closely examine the cells in your cervix, the walls of your vagina, and your vulva. 

Much like your regular pelvic exams and Pap smears, colposcopy requires you to lay on an examination table as your provider uses a speculum to widen your vaginal canal. Using a lighted instrument called a colposcope, which is similar to a microscope, they can examine the tissues up close and decide if a biopsy is necessary. 

If the team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills takes any cell samples during your colposcopy, they send the biopsies to a lab for further testing and examination. They identify whether or not there are any cancerous or precancerous cells. 

When do I need a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is necessary after an abnormal Pap smear. A Pap smear is a screening test that takes place during your annual wellness exams at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills. 

During a Pap smear, the team collects a small sample of cells from your cervix and examines them for abnormalities. If they suspect the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells, a colposcopy is the next step. 

The team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills might also suggest a colposcopy if they see something unusual during a pelvic examination or if you test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). 

What do my colposcopy results mean?

The team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills explains your results to you in detail and can tell you if any additional testing or treatment is necessary. The results of a colposcopy can be:

Positive

Positive results from a colposcopy indicate some type of abnormality on your cervix, vagina, or vulva that needs treatment or more frequent pap testing and observation. Some abnormalities are cancerous, while others are noncancerous. 

Negative

Negative results from a colposcopy indicate that no further testing or treatment is needed. The team confirms that there are no abnormalities of concern. About 40% of people who get a colposcopy receive negative results. 

Find out whether or not you need a colposcopy by calling Women’s Care of Beverly Hills or booking an appointment online today.