Colposcopy

[xkatex]

I searched this forum for some imput on what exactly occurs during a Colposcopy and found most information was pertaining to what happens after. I am going for a colposcopy because I have had 2 abnormal pap tests that have caused some concern. I have done some search on the web, asked a few close friends, and chatted with my doctor. From what I gather it is a someone painful procedure where a live tissue sample is taken from the uterus?

Some have said its painless, the doctor said it was like a very bad period cramp, and others said they dose you before the procedure to help with the pain. I was told a few hours after I will have cramps in my lower back as well as spotting (which seems kinda obvious).

Im just rather confused. Has anyone had a personal experience they could share? What exactly happens (iye) during a colposcopy? Does it hurt?

[Browser]

Originally Posted by MedicineNet.com

Prior to the procedure an IV is started and the patient is given a monitor for continuous monitoring of the heart, blood pressure, and oxygenation of the blood. Medication is often given through the vein to make the patient sleepy and relaxed. If needed, the patient may receive additional doses during the procedure. Colonoscopy often gives a feeling of pressure, cramping, and bloating, however, with the aid of the medication it is generally well tolerated and rarely causes any significant pain.

Patients will be lying on their left side or back as the instrument is slowly advanced. Once the tip of the colon, or the last portion of the small bowel, is reached the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn and the lining is again carefully examined. The procedure usually takes 15 to 60 minutes. If the entire colon, for some reason, can not be visualized, the physician may decide to try it at a later date with a better bowel preparation or may decide to order an x-ray of the colon.

Taken from Colonoscopy Procedure Screening Exam Information on MedicineNet.com . The quote is from page two.

[xkatex]

Colposcopy, not Colonoscopy.

[nuttychick]

Colposcopy - National Screening Unit

I have had a few of these.. most of the time they don't hurt.. sometimes they do.
Your Gyno will explain everything as it happens and you can ask before. The key is to try to relax.. lol easier said then done.. but it does make it a little easier..

Good luck

[dancingdoc2]

You can learn more by going to Wikipedia
and also clicking, here.

[Browser]

LOL!

Failure to read - I wondered why you were getting a colonoscopy based on pap results... now I know why :P

[xkatex]

Haha my first thought to that post was "Wow look at all that info!" Than I began reading a saw "IV" and was like uhh? It became clear when the word Colonoscopy appeared =P

Thanks for the information Doc (btw like the saying "Right church wrong pew")

[ThickMami]

Originally Posted by xkatex

I searched this forum for some imput on what exactly occurs during a Colposcopy and found most information was pertaining to what happens after. I am going for a colposcopy because I have had 2 abnormal pap tests that have caused some concern. I have done some search on the web, asked a few close friends, and chatted with my doctor. From what I gather it is a someone painful procedure where a live tissue sample is taken from the uterus?

Some have said its painless, the doctor said it was like a very bad period cramp, and others said they dose you before the procedure to help with the pain. I was told a few hours after I will have cramps in my lower back as well as spotting (which seems kinda obvious).

Im just rather confused. Has anyone had a personal experience they could share? What exactly happens (iye) during a colposcopy? Does it hurt?

I had one done because they though they found cancer. (Thank God it wasn't and everything came back good.)

For me my experience wasn't bad. My doctor told me I would feel a little pressure and a pinch. When he was going to cut he told me to cough and I did. I felt a little pressure it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Then after that he had gauze to clean up the little bit of blood and he smeared this brown substance on the inside to stop the bleeding and keep it clean. He also told me that when I was to go to the restroom no be alarmed if I saw brown when I peed it was just the stuff that he put to keep the cut clean.

During my Colpo he informed me of everything he was doing before he did it and if I was going to feel any discomfort and what not.

[ThickMami]

BTW I hope everything comes out good with your Colpo.

[xkatex]

Everything went ok. But lets just say, Holy cow!. The most awkward moment of my life. They used a microscope that was attached to a tv. Lets just say it was the most strangest thing to actually see whats inside. Wow.

They said everything looked alot better than they expected and didnt take a biopsy. I was able to see my previous tests. The first being the worst and the second getting a tad better so I am hoping this one comes back normal. Either way I have one more appointment. Thanks for the help everyone