Colposcopy – DYSIS Medical

Colposcopy

Why do I need a colposcopy exam?

Find out what a colposcopy exam is and what you should do to prepare.

If your gynecologist has asked you to schedule a colposcopy exam, you may be wondering why and what to expect from the exam.

First, certain abnormal results from your Pap test or HPV test may result in your provider asking you to schedule a colposcopy exam.

A colposcopy exam may also be ordered if you have certain symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.

The purpose of a colposcopy is to look for cervical precancers and rule out cervical cancer, so having a colposcopy exam can give you peace of mind that everything is okay. Schedule your exam as soon as you can.

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What is a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is an examination of your cervix using a colposcope, which is a special microscope with a light. Your provider will apply a vinegar solution and possibly iodine to your cervix to help visually identify any areas of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells appear white. The provider will also look for blood vessels and other changes that may appear abnormal. If necessary, your provider may take a biopsy to send to a lab for further analysis.

How do I prepare for my colposcopy exam?

First of all, relax. Three million women have abnormal Pap tests every year, so you are not alone. Next, it’s best to avoid scheduling a colposcopy exam during your period. In addition, for a day or two before your colposcopy exam, it’s best to refrain from having vaginal intercourse, not use tampons and do not apply anything to your vaginal areas, including lubricants, medications, douches and spermicides.

Some women may experience anxiety before a colposcopy exam. It’s best to write down any questions you may have ahead of time for your doctor. In addition, find out if your provider is using DYSIS colposcopy as four out of five women prefer DYSIS over standard colposcopy.* You can also hear from women who have had a DYSIS colposcopy exam. What’s most important is that you do not skip your colposcopy exam as cervical cancer is treatable when caught early.

4 out of 5 women prefer DYSIS for colposcopy*

Felicia shares her personal experience with DYSIS colposcopy.

*Clinical data and the Global Patient Experience Survey results can be viewed at dysismedical.com/clinical-data/clinical-research-data

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Why choose DYSIS Colposcopy?

Colposcopy hasn’t changed in decades, but in the past few years the introduction of the DYSIS colposcopy technology has helped change the exam for women for the better.

Advancements in technology like the DYSIS colposcopes are helping clinicians increase detection of precancerous lesions on your cervix and monitor and track cervical changes over time.

The DYSISmap™ is a color-coded map of a woman’s cervix, which helps clinicians identify potential areas of concern.

Standard colposcopy is used with a special microscope and light, but DYSIS offers computer-aided colposcopy to help give clinicians additional information during a colposcopy exam.

How does DYSIS help improve colposcopy?

DYSIS is an advanced cervical imaging system that is a clinically proven advancement in colposcopy that standardizes and objectively measures the whitening process (called acetowhitening) during the standard visual colposcopy exam.

It then displays the results of this scan in the form of the color-coded DYSISmap, which is like a weather map.

Clinical studies have shown that when DYSISmap is used in addition to a visual colposcopy exam, detection of pre-cancerous areas can increase by 31-60%.*

How does the DYSISmap help?

The DYSISmap highlights the areas of the cervix having the strongest whitening. This helps your provider select the most appropriate area(s) to biopsy, which can help detect pre-cancers early when they are the most treatable.

The DYSISmap helps you be better informed about your health. Be sure to ask your provider for a copy of your patient report for your records. This can also be stored in your clinic’s electronic health records.

What happens during a colposcopy exam?

Certain abnormal results from your Pap or HPV test may result in your provider asking you to schedule a colposcopy exam, but what is it?

Colposcopy is an examination of your cervix using a colposcope, which is a special microscope with a light.

Ask your provider if she/he uses DYSIS colposcopy. DYSIS colposcopy provides the color-coded DYSISmap that highlights the areas of the cervix with strong acetowhitening.

The purpose of a colposcopy exam is to look for cervical precancers.

 

What to expect during the exam

A colposcopy exam is typically conducted in your provider’s exam room and is similar to getting a Pap smear done. You lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your provider will place a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds open the walls of the vagina so your provider can see your cervix.

The provider will then use a colposcope (a special microscope with a light) to view your cervix. The provider will use a swab to clean your cervix and will then apply a vinegar (or other) solution to your cervix to help visually identify any areas of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells will appear white. In addition, your provider will also look for blood vessels and other changes on your cervix that may appear abnormal.

Biopsy during the exam

If your provider finds an area(s) that looks suspicious, she/he make take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue (in this case from the cervix) that is collected. To collect the sample, your provider will use a sharp biopsy tool. You may feel some mild discomfort during a biopsy like pressure and/or cramping.

Download the DYSIS patient guide to learn more about biopsy results.

 

After the colposcopy exam

Overall, a colposcopy exam usually lasts only 10 to 20 minutes. If you did not have a biopsy, you can usually resume normal activities. If you did have a biopsy, discuss with your provider any potential limitations or restrictions.

After the exam, you may experience some spotting or light bleeding from your vagina. If you had a biopsy, you may also experience some mild pain and a darker discharge. Use a pad to collect any blood and/or discharge.

 

Biopsy results

Before you leave your colposcopy exam, be sure to ask your provider when you should expect to receive the results of your biopsy. The results of the biopsy will determine if you need any further testing or treatment.

If your biopsy does find something abnormal, your provider may offer you the option of tracking and monitoring the abnormal cells to see if your body’s immune system is able to resolve the condition.

DYSIS colposcopy has SMARTtrack, which allows providers to compare images and maps from your DYSIS colposcopy exams. Ask if your provider offers DYSIS.

However, if treatment is needed, it may be as simple as an outpatient procedure. Your provider will explain your options so you can make the right decision for you.

 

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