Colposcopy in Slavuta

Why a colposcopy is done

Through a colposcope the cervix is magnified and well lit. This lets the gynecologist see things that are easy to miss during a routine exam: the edges of an ectropion, areas of changed cells, unusual blood vessel patterns, polyps. A colposcopy is most often recommended when cytology has shown changed cells, a test has found HPV type 16 or 18, or another high-risk type has not cleared within a year. A positive HPV test on its own does not mean you need a colposcopy: the doctor decides based on the virus type and your cytology result.

Early changes on the cervix usually cause no pain and no discharge. That is why many women referred for colposcopy feel completely well. A referral does not mean cancer: most changes checked under the colposcope are not cancer, and some go away on their own.

What people often call cervical erosion is usually an ectropion, an area of delicate cells from the cervical canal on the surface of the cervix. The doctor decides whether it needs treatment after a colposcopy and cytology. How the clinic treats ectropion and dysplasia is described on the page about cervical ectropion treatment.

How to prepare for a colposcopy

The exam is usually planned for a few days after your period ends, in the first half of your menstrual cycle. For 1–2 days before the colposcopy, avoid sex, do not use tampons, vaginal suppositories, creams or lubricants, and do not douche. You can eat and drink as usual.

Tell the doctor in advance if you are or might be pregnant, are allergic to iodine or take medicines that affect blood clotting. A colposcopy can be done during pregnancy too: a biopsy is taken if the doctor sees a suspicious area, and treatment of any changes is usually put off until after the birth. Bring the results of previous smears and HPV tests, and records of any earlier cervical treatment. We describe the preparation and what the exam feels like in more detail in the article what a colposcopy is and how it is done.

What happens during a colposcopy at Viva Clinic

You sit in the gynecological exam chair, the doctor inserts a speculum as in a routine exam and positions the colposcope to look at your cervix. The instrument itself stays in front of the chair and is not inserted. The gynecologist first looks at the cervix, then applies an acetic acid solution and, if needed, Lugol’s iodine. This is called extended colposcopy: changed areas react to the solutions differently from healthy tissue, so their edges are easier to see.

If the doctor sees an area that needs checking, they take a targeted biopsy, a tiny piece of tissue for histology. The whole colposcopy usually takes 15–20 minutes.

After a biopsy you may have spotting or light bleeding for a few days. During this time, do not use tampons and avoid sex, baths and swimming pools; the doctor will tell you how many days these limits apply. See a doctor the same day if you develop a fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe lower abdominal pain or bleeding heavier than a period. If the bleeding is very heavy and you feel dizzy, call an ambulance on 103.

What happens after a colposcopy

The gynecologist explains what they saw right after the exam. If a biopsy was taken, the doctor will tell you with the histology result whether you need treatment. If dysplasia is found, they will explain whether monitoring is enough or treatment is better, and how often to come back for checks. Viva Clinic gynecologists treat ectropion and cervical dysplasia at the clinic, including with laser.

You can have a colposcopy, a cervical biopsy and histology with a Viva Clinic gynecologist in Slavuta, so there is no need to travel to Khmelnytskyi or Kyiv for them. Smears are processed at the clinic’s own Diagnost-Lab laboratory at 32 Sobornosti St. A colposcopy is paid, like the gynecology consultation.