Colposcopy; the Treatment and the Results

Getting straight into the details the average appointment for colposcopy lasts 30 minutes or less. Because it begins like a Pap smear, the test will feel familiar to you. The table has your feet up on the back. A speculum is inserted into the vaginal walls to hold them open. A bright light is then turned on in the colposcope once the cervix is seen. As per the experts at skin care clinics in Perth, your doctor can see your cells of the cervix, vagina, and vulva up close when looking through the colposcope. In order to learn more about the cells, it may be necessary to run a series of special tests.

The Acetic Acid Test 

A diluted solution of acetic acid may be used to clean the cervix and reveal the cells better through the colposcope. Any abnormalities are stained white by this solution. Experts at the skin care clinics in Perth further say that the doctors can gain a better understanding of any changes that occur in cells using an acetic acid wash.

Color Filtering Test 

Additionally, colposcopy can also be used to examine other body parts, such as blood vessels, using color filters. Color filters help to distinguish abnormalities and unique growth patterns in the acetic acid wash.

Biopsy of Your Tissues

In this regard the experts at the skin care clinics in Perth say that the doctors can determine whether the abnormal area should be tested further in the lab. A biopsy is performed when a small sample of tissue is removed from an area or areas shown to have atypical cells using specialized tools. A cervix biopsy or a vaginal biopsy might be necessary. The test often does not require a biopsy for many women. Your doctor will only recommend a biopsy if they discover abnormal cells that need to be investigated further. Following your appointment, if a biopsy is not needed, you will need to come back in six to twelve months for a follow-up appointment, as per the experts at the skin care clinics in Perth. The doctor will perform a biopsy immediately if she deems it necessary for you to receive the most effective treatment. If your needs require it, she may collect samples from one or more locations. To get the most accurate information about the changes, doctors send your tissue samples to a laboratory after collection.

The Biopsy Results

Your biopsy results should arrive between four and eight weeks after undergoing the procedure. As soon as your results become available to us, doctors notify you accordingly. Your treatment options can be discussed with us if your results show that additional treatment is required. You may feel stressed during the waiting period following your biopsy. However, you need to be assured that everything is going to turn out fine.

The Procedure 

Depending on whether a biopsy was done during your appointment, what happens afterwards differs. You are likely to feel normal and have no restrictions after your appointment even if your doctor did not perform a biopsy. The rest of your daily life activities can resume soon after as normal. It is possible to experience some light bleeding or discharge after undergoing a biopsy. In the week following the biopsy, please refrain from inserting anything into your vagina. Avoid using tampons, douches, or having vaginal contact. Your doctor will provide you with instructions.

Results From the Treatment

The primary advantage of this test is that it usually provides results immediately. Using a microscope, your doctor can see your cells and tissues clearly to determine their condition. It is usually possible to find out if there were abnormal cells found by your doctor. In addition, the doctor will tell you if there are any other infections or warts in your genital region. Following a biopsy, you can expect your results to be ready in a few weeks. When the test results arrive from the lab, Your doctors will contact you.

Results From a Pap Smear Test

A Pap smear test is a preliminary test that gives you an idea of how well your cells are doing, but it cannot identify what caused the changes. A colposcopy is a far more effective way to identify any abnormalities in your cells. There are times when different results are obtained by different women. It is the more accurate test of the two, regardless of whether a biopsy was taken.

Reasons for Complications

Possible Infections

Cells can sometimes change when infected. A shifting of cells is frequently caused by infections caused by bacteria and yeast. When infections are diagnosed, they can be easily treated.

Menopause

Cell changes can also be caused by aging and menopause. The results of a Pap test that is abnormal don't necessarily indicate an infection or HPV.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes many of the cell abnormalities found in cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus. HPV virus is generally transmitted from persons who come into close contact with one another. Sexual contact is not required for HPV to become contagious. Health problems are caused by a small number of HPV strains, and not all of them are harmful. The number of strains associated with women's health concerns is only 14. In the cervix, precancerous changes can occur due to HPV types that cause genital warts. Your first sign that anything is wrong with your body could be an abnormal Pap smear result. You should therefore have regular checkups with your doctor.