Colposcopy

A colposcopy protects your health by investigating abnormal screening results, and at Southwest Florida Women's Group in Naples, Florida, the all-woman team of skilled providers prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. This procedure can provide vital information to ensure prompt action or inform preventive monitoring that better meets your needs. If you’ve had unusual results from a Pap smear or a positive HPV test, book a colposcopy consultation by calling or booking online today.

What is colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple in-office procedure at Southwest Florida Women’s Group. Your provider examines your cervix, vagina, and vulva with a specialized magnifying instrument to check for abnormal cells or other changes. 

It’s a routine gynecologic procedure that often confirms there are no significant abnormalities present, and if there are, you get the benefit of swift care.

When is a colposcopy a good idea?

Southwest Florida Women’s Group may recommend a colposcopy for several reasons, including:

• An abnormal Pap smear
• A positive HPV test
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Abnormal changes seen during a pelvic exam
• Persistent cervical inflammation or irritation

A colposcopy can also help diagnose:

• Cervical dysplasia
• Genital warts
• Inflammation
• Noncancerous growths

If you have ongoing symptoms despite normal screening results, you may also benefit from a colposcopy.

What can I expect during a colposcopy?

Colposcopies are quite quick, usually taking only 10-20 minutes, and they’re similar to a routine pelvic exam.

You’ll rest on an exam table with your feet in stirrups while your provider carefully inserts a speculum into your vagina to make the cervix more visible. The colposcope acts like a microscope with a bright light and doesn’t touch your body.

If your provider notices any suspicious areas, they take a small tissue sample for further testing. You may experience mild cramping, but the team keeps you as comfortable as possible.

Afterward, you may notice light spotting or discomfort for a day or two, but most patients can return to their routine the same day.

What will my colposcopy results tell me?

Colposcopy results help Southwest Florida Women’s Group determine whether you have abnormal cervical cells and whether you need additional treatment. In many cases, results are normal or show only minor cell changes that may resolve on their own.

If your colposcopy detects abnormal cells, the biopsy can determine the severity of the changes. Results may show:

• Mild cervical dysplasia
• Moderate or severe precancerous changes
• HPV-related cell changes
• Inflammation or infection
• Rarely, cervical cancer

Your provider will explain the findings and discuss how to go forward. You may only need routine monitoring and repeat Pap testing, or you may benefit from treatment to remove abnormal cells before they progress.

A colposcopy is part of prioritizing your intimate health, so don’t hesitate to book your appointment online or call the Southwest Florida Women’s Group office today.