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After a colposcopy, women may experience bleeding or discharge and should avoid tampons and sex for a period of time. Complications are rare, but severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding should be reported to a doctor. Follow-up appointments may be necessary depending on the results.
A colposcopy is a medical procedure that is typically performed on women in order to look for potential health problems after an abnormal Pap smear. It is important for the woman to know what to expect after a colposcopy so that any complications can be reported to the doctor. In most cases, there is little or no pain after the procedure, although some bleeding or vaginal discharge is normal. Depending on other procedures that may be performed at the same time, the use of tampons may be discouraged for some time and there may be restrictions on resuming sexual intercourse. Any questions or concerns about proper self-care after a colposcopy should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
If the colposcopy procedure is performed without further procedures, there is usually little or no discomfort for the patient. If a biopsy or other procedure is done at the same time, mild to moderate pain may occur afterwards. If over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen don’t provide enough pain relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.
After a colposcopy, vaginal bleeding or dark-colored discharge can be expected. The patient should wear a pad or panty liner instead of a tampon, especially for the first few days after the procedure. Each case is different, so the doctor will give personalized instructions on how long the patient should wait before using a tampon or having intercourse. Both showers and bathtubs are usually allowed right after surgery.
Complications after a colposcopy are rare, and recovery is almost immediate in most cases. In case of complications, you should inform a doctor immediately. Symptoms to look for include severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy, foul-smelling, or yellow, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.
All medications, including birth control pills, should continue to be taken as prescribed after the procedure unless your doctor directs otherwise. Depending on the results of your colposcopy, further medical tests or procedures may be indicated, so it’s important to keep all follow-up appointments. Colposcopy itself does not affect the patient’s fertility, although the doctor should be advised if the patient plans to become pregnant after the procedure. Additional tests or procedures may need to be approached with caution if the patient intends to become pregnant.
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