Gynecological Services Detailed Descriptions
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is very similar to a microscope. It allows for the examination of the
external genital area (vulva), vagina and cervix with magnification in order to check for
cellular changes, dysplasia and condyloma (genital warts). Colposcopy can help in the
early detection of conditions before they become serious. For example, the colposcope
can help with the condyloma (genital wart) virus. If left untreated, cells infected with the
condyloma (genital wart) virus can progress to pre-cancerous dysplasia. The colposcope
is a useful diagnostic tool.
In order to perform a colposcopy, you will be placed in a similar position as for a routine
gynecological office exam. A speculum will be inserted. White vinegar will be applied
to the cervix (this may sting slightly). This allows for better visualization of abnormal
areas on the cervix. The colposcope will be brought to the level of the vagina. The
colposcope itself does not touch you. The entire cervical area will be visible to the
person performing the colposcopy. An area of particular interest is where the squamous
tissue (covers the vagina and the outside of the cervix) and the columnar tissue (covers
the inside of the cervix) joins. It is this area where disease most often occurs.
Often, a biopsy may be needed to obtain a more exact diagnosis. Tiny bits of the cervix
will be snipped (slight pinching and some cramping may be left) and sent to a laboratory
to be examined.
Intercourse, spermicidal jelly, and vagina medications can all interfere with the accuracy of
the colposcopy exam. Thus, they should be avoided 24 hours prior to the colposcopy. In
addition, colposcopy cannot be performed if you are having your menstrual cycle.
| Post-Colposcopy Instructions |
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For 5 days following the procedure, do not have vaginal intercourse. |
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Do not bathe for 72 hours post-procedure. You may shower. |
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There may be a gritty brown discharge (sometimes bloody) for several days.
This is due to the healing process at the biopsy sites. Tampons may be used for
the discharge, or for your period. |
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Keep your scheduled appointment for a consultation to discuss the results of the
biopsy and outline any needed treatment plan.
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LEEP
LEEP is a procedure developed to treat diseases of the cervix. Experience has shown that
localized removal of early lesions of the cervix prevents their becoming cancerous.
LEEP works through the wonders of modern technology. A very thin wire is formed into a
loop. Precise amounts of low voltage, high frequency electrical current are then passed
through this wire, allowing it to gently slice through the cervical tissue while at the same time closing off small blood vessels.
This allows precise specimens to be obtained with minimal bleeding.
Before the LEEP procedure is started, the physician will examine your cervix with a
colposcope to determine the areas that need to be removed. A small pad will be placed on
you to act as an electrical ground. The doctor will hold your cervix with a small instrument
and than excise the tissue. As the cervix does not have pain fibers, this process is relatively
painless.
As the physician removes the tissue, the LEEP instrument will coagulate (stop) bleeding from
most small vessels. Occasionally, the physician will need to place a suture (stitch) on certain
bleeding areas, or place some tampons or gauze into the vagina. In rare circumstances the
bleeding will be difficult to control which may result in blood transfusions and/or overnight
stay in the hospital.
Local anesthesia is usually sufficient for the procedure. Although not required, some patients
prefer general anesthesia due to the time needed to set-up and perform the procedure (15
minutes) and their general discomfort. If you desire to have anesthesia, you cannot eat of
drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure.
After the procedure, you must return to the office for a follow-up examination in three weeks.
| Post-LEEP Instructions: |
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Nothing in the vagina for three weeks. |
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No tub baths. |
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You may experience a brown discharge for two weeks.
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Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, another method of treatment, uses compressed nitrous oxide to freeze the abnormal tissue.
In order to perform cryotherapy, you will be placed in the position as for a normal gynecological exam. A speculum will be placed inside
the vagina, the physician will visualize the cervix with the colposcope and then the physician will freeze the
abnormal tissue via compressed nitrous oxide.
The procedure itself takes a few minutes and side effects are minimal. The abnormal tissue will slough off and a follow up visit will be scheduled in four weeks.
| Post-Cryotherapy Instructions: |
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Abstain from vaginal intercourse until your follow-up visit. |
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Do not bathe for 72 hours post-procedure. You may shower. |
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There may be a mucousy discharge for several days. |
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Keep your scheduled appointment for your follow-up exam and to outline any needed treatment plan. |
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