A colposcopy can take anywhere between about 5 – 15 minutes, depending on whether a tissue sample has to be taken or not. Allow approximately 30 minutes in total for your colposcopy appointment.

Although a colposcopy can feel awkward and uncomfortable, it is relatively painless. You might feel slight pressure when the speculum enters your vagina, a slight burning or stinging when the solution comes into contact with your cervix or a slight pinching or cramping sensation if a tissue sample has to be taken.

A colposcopy procedure is usually done when you are not menstruating, however you should discuss this with Dr Siva.

For 24 to 48 hours beforehand, you should not:.

• douche
• have sexual intercourse
• use vaginal medicines
• wear tampons

If you didn’t need a tissue sample and a biopsy, you should be able to resume normal activities right away.

After a biopsy, you might experience cramps, some spotting, vaginal discharge or bleeding for up to 5 or 6 days. Avoid heavy exercise, swimming, bathing (showering is fine) for 2 days. It is normal to have a little spotting for 2-5 days after a colposcopy, especially if you have also had a biopsy.

Avoid penetrative sex or using tampons for at least a week after a biopsy to minimise the risk of infection.

You will not need a general anaesthetic or a hospital stay for a colposcopy, however a local anaesthetic may be required if Dr Siva needs to biopsy a particularly sensitive area.

Dr Siva performs all of his colposcopies in his rooms, located at St. Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital.

Yes it does. It takes approximately four- to six weeks for new healthy tissue to grow on your cervix to replace the removed abnormal tissue.

Dr Siva’s rooms will contact you with the results of your biopsy and arrange a follow up appointment for further treatment, if required.

While some spotting is to be expected, please contact Dr Siva if:

• you experience heavy bleeding
• your bleeding that lasts longer than 5-7 days
• you develop a temperature
• your vaginal discharge is smelly
• you experience severe and ongoing abdominal pain and cramping