Colposcopy is a gynecological test to examine the cervix and vagina of women with abnormal Pap test results. Common side effects include light vaginal bleeding and discharge, while fever and infection are rare but potentially dangerous. Women should avoid tampons, sex, and exercise for at least a week after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
A colposcopy is a test performed by a gynecologist to examine the cervix and vagina of a woman who has had a Pap test with abnormal results. Whenever a medical procedure is performed, there is a chance of some side effects. Common side effects of colposcopy include discharge and light vaginal bleeding. Rare but potentially dangerous side effects of colposcopy include fever and infection. Both cervical cancer and genital warts can be diagnosed using the results of a colposcopy.
One of the more normal side effects of colposcopy is minor vaginal bleeding. This bleeding should be lighter than a typical menstrual period. If a biopsy is taken during the colposcopy, this bleeding will come from the biopsy site. Women should wear a panty liner for a few days to avoid staining, and the bleeding should stop on its own within a few days.
Another standard side effect of colposcopy is vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge is usually white or clear, but vaginal discharge can be brown after a colposcopy. The brown color does not indicate an infection, but rather is the result of a woman’s normal vaginal discharge and blood mixing with a paste that is sometimes used during the procedure. As long as the discharge doesn’t smell abnormal and clears up within a week, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
A woman who has a fever in the days following the colposcopy may be suffering from an infection. Extremely painful pelvic and abdominal cramps can also be a sign of an infection. A patient experiencing these symptoms should contact their physician immediately. Foul-smelling discharge can also be an indicator of an infection.
The possibility of colposcopy side effects and post-procedure infections can be reduced by a woman’s behavior after the test. Tampons shouldn’t be worn for at least a week. If a woman has her period during this period, it is best to wear a sanitary pad. Women also shouldn’t have sex for at least a week after the procedure. It’s also recommended that you avoid exercise for a day or two while your cervix heals.
Women should also exercise caution before a colposcopy. Using a swab or having sex the day before the test can cause inconclusive results. Women should refrain from these activities to avoid having a second colposcopy. Over-the-counter pain medications can be taken before the procedure to help reduce the chances of pain or inflammation afterward.
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