Colposcopy

Indications for colposcopy

Colposcopy is prescribed if there is evidence for such a study. Violations in the work of gynecological organs require colposcopy to exclude serious diagnoses. Diagnosis is carried out in the following cases:

• the presence of erosion of the cervix, genital warts;
• spotting from the vulva during the intermenstrual period;
• pain and discomfort during coition and without it;
• detected abnormalities in cytological smears;
• suspicions of oncological pathologies of the female genital organs;
• control of the treatment of gynecological diseases, etc.

Colposcopy: contraindications

The main contraindications for the colposcopy procedure:

• the first two months after delivery;
• recent gynecological operations in the uterine cavity, including surgical procedures to terminate pregnancy;
• idiosyncrasy of iodine and vinegar (for advanced colposcopy);
• inflammatory process in the uterine cavity;
• menstruation period.

The procedure is quite safe and does not harm the body, so you can use it even for pregnant women in case of a pathological process when bearing a child.

Study preparation

The procedure is not performed during menstruation. It is not recommended to conduct research in the ovulatory period in order to avoid interference in the form of a significant amount of mucus. The best time to carry out such a procedure is before the onset of menstruation, or 3-4 days after their completion.

For some time before colposcopy is not recommended:

• have sex without using a condom;
• apply vaginal suppositories, creams and tampons;
• douching.

Get diagnosed

Colposcopy technique

The procedure is performed on a gynecological chair. Initially, simple colposcopy is used, and then advanced options. The colposcope is installed at a certain distance from the vulva. With the help of gynecological mirrors installed in the vaginal cavity, its visibility is increased. During the study through a colposcope, the following are carefully studied:

• mucosal structure;
• the shape and size of the cervix;
• the appearance of epithelial tissues;
• vascular pattern;
• vaginal discharge.

Next, the doctor treats the vaginal part of the cervix with acetic acid. The clinical importance of such a test lies in the fact that under the influence of acid, healthy vessels narrow and become invisible. Pathological ones do not change their appearance, being recently educated, because do not have a muscle layer to contract. The epithelium in these areas acquires a whitish color (acetone epithelium).

Processing the neck with a solution of lugol is the next step in the study. Flat epithelium in normal condition under the influence of an iodine-containing preparation is uniformly stained with a dark brown color. The affected areas of the epithelial layer with a modified amount of glycogen become gray or mustard in color with sharply defined outlines (iodine-negative epithelium).

Colpomicroscopy can also be performed - a method based on a study under a 150x magnification using special dyes. Colpomicroscopy is one of the most informative procedures for detecting cervical pathology, but has limitations for:

• vaginal stenosis;
• necrotic tissue changes;
• abdominal bleeding.

At the slightest suspicion of malignancy in the test cavity, a gynecologist performs a cervical biopsy: excision of a small area of tissue for analysis.

Duration of the procedure

The process of colposcopy takes about half an hour. If abnormalities are found that require the collection of biomaterial for analysis, the duration of the study may increase. A planned biopsy of the cervix is done up to 10 days.

Cervical Biopsy: Possible Complications

A biopsy of the cervix can provoke:

• bloody issues;
• pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling character;
• fever

If symptoms occur 3-4 days after the study, then an unscheduled consultation with a gynecologist is necessary to avoid the formation of an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity.

Mode after colposcopy

If the study did not require a cervical biopsy, then subsequent changes in the regimen are not needed. However, if tissue sampling was carried out for bioassay, then within 5-7 days it is impossible:

• practice sexuality;
• play sports and lift weights;
• douching
• use intravaginal swabs, suppositories and creams;
• take thermal procedures.

Deciphering the results of a cervical biopsy

Deciphering the results of a histological examination is carried out by a specialized specialist (histologist or pathomorphologist). The results are classified as follows:

1. Background processes
   1. hyperplastic (hormonal)
   2. inflammatory
   3. post-traumatic
2. Precancerous changes
   1. dysplasia of varying severity
   2. atypical leukoplakia
   3. adenomatosis
3. Cervical cancer.

The histological method of studying biomaterial is of great importance for making a final diagnosis with a probability of up to 98-99%.

Colposcopy in the medical center "Clinic K + 31"

At the K + 31 Clinic Medical Center, one of the leading private clinics in Russia, all procedures are performed on the latest equipment by highly qualified doctors. Our specialists practice an individual approach to each patient. The highest service of the procedure is indicated by the positive feedback from the grateful customers. The medical center "Clinic K + 31" is your right choice.