Colposcopy Procedure Specialist in Austell, GA

A colposcopy is a medical procedure used to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease or abnormalities. It’s typically recommended if a Pap smear has shown abnormal results or if a patient has symptoms like unusual bleeding or pelvic pain. During the procedure, the doctor uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope to inspect the tissues more clearly. The purpose is to identify precancerous cells or early signs of cervical cancer, so treatment can begin if necessary.

Aside from detecting cancer, a colposcopy can also reveal other conditions like genital warts, polyps, or infections that may require medical attention. If the doctor finds any suspicious areas during the colposcopy, they may take a small tissue sample, known as a biopsy, for further testing. This procedure is typically quick and minimally painful, and while it can cause some discomfort, it’s essential for early detection and treatment of potential health issues.

A woman may need a colposcopy test if her healthcare provider identifies abnormalities during routine screenings, such as a Pap smear, or if she experiences symptoms that could indicate potential health concerns in her reproductive system. The primary purpose of a colposcopy is to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva to detect any abnormal or potentially harmful changes in the cells or tissues.

One of the most common reasons for a colposcopy is abnormal Pap smear results. A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. If the Pap smear shows atypical or suspicious cells, the doctor may recommend a colposcopy to further evaluate the area and determine whether any changes are precancerous or cancerous. Early detection of abnormal cells is crucial for preventing cervical cancer, as many cases of cervical cancer are linked to persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause abnormal cell growth on the cervix.

In addition to abnormal Pap smear results, a colposcopy may be needed if a woman experiences symptoms like unexplained vaginal bleeding, especially between periods or after sex, or if she has pelvic pain. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue such as an infection, polyp, or other conditions that might require medical attention. Colposcopy is also used to check for the presence of genital warts, which are caused by certain strains of HPV, as well as for polyps or other non-cancerous growths.

During the procedure, the doctor may take a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) from any areas that appear abnormal to further analyze in the lab. Though the idea of having a colposcopy can be concerning, it is a safe and effective way to detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment if necessary.

Just like your annual screenings, a colposcopy can be performed at either your primary care doctor’s office or your gynecologist’s office, and performed in a similar manner. You will be lying down on the exam table, placing your heels in the stirrups at the end of the table. Your doctor will use an instrument called a speculum, which is inserted into the vagina to give the doctor a clearer view of your cervix, and apply a solution that allows them to see the abnormal areas. The colposcopy device is positioned as close to the vagina as possible but is not put inside the body. If your doctor identifies anything that looks unhealthy, they will perform a biopsy by removing a small sample of tissue to then be tested by a pathologist. A pathologist will examine the tissue sample under a microscope to identify any abnormal cells. A colposcopy can identify if cancer or precancerous tissue is present, but only after an examination of the cells of tissue by a pathologist can a diagnosis be made. It is also possible that if the abnormal area is very small, your doctor may be able to remove the entire area during the biopsy.

There are some important suggestions your doctor will provide you with prior to your colposcopy procedure, such as:

• Stop the use of vaginal medicines, creams, powders or foams
• Avoid vaginal intercourse.
• Avoid tampon use or any vaginal product.
• Do not request the week of your period.
• Inform your doctor if you are, or might be pregnant.
• Ask your doctor about over the counter pain medication in case of biopsy.

The colposcopy procedure has no side effects, however, if a biopsy is performed during the colposcopy, for a few days following you may experience vaginal discharge from the solution used by your doctor to reduce bleeding during the biopsy. It is possible you might experience cramping, soreness, or bleeding, and if any of these symptoms persist or get worse or are accompanied by a fever, call your doctor immediately.

If you’ve received an abnormal Pap smear result and need a colposcopy, Cobb Women’s Health in Austell, Georgia, is a trusted facility where you can receive this important procedure. Our team of experienced gynecologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. At Cobb Women’s Health, we use state-of-the-art equipment to conduct thorough colposcopy exams, helping to identify any abnormal or potentially cancerous cells early, allowing for timely intervention.

Our skilled professionals will guide you through the colposcopy procedure, explaining each step and addressing any concerns you may have. If needed, a biopsy will be taken to further analyze any suspicious tissue, ensuring that your health is closely monitored and managed. We understand that this can be a sensitive procedure, and we are committed to creating a supportive, comfortable environment for all of our patients. At Cobb Women’s Health, we prioritize your well-being and work with you to develop a personalized plan for your care.

If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear or are experiencing symptoms like unexplained bleeding, a colposcopy at Cobb Women’s Health can help detect any issues early. Our board-certified gynecologists, Dr. Nandita Mainthia, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., and Dr. Hitendra Hansalia, M.D., offer this procedure to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormalities.

Why Choose Cobb Women’s Health?

Experienced Care: Board-certified gynecologists with a patient-focused approach.
Convenient Location: Serving Austell, GA, with comprehensive women’s health services.

Schedule Your Appointment:

For more information, contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW Suite 102, Austell, GA 30106. We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and surrounding areas.