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Colposcopy

Colposcopy Specialist in Columbia, MD and Greenbelt, MD

A colposcopy is a procedure that uses a magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva, typically after an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV result. It helps detect abnormal cells or precancerous changes. The procedure is usually painless, but a biopsy may be performed for further testing. At Women’s Wellness MD, Dr. Chetanna Okasi, MD, a Board-Certified OB-GYN, and her team offer compassionate care for this procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout. The team is dedicated to providing thorough and personalized care tailored to your needs. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD.

A colposcopy is a procedure that uses a magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva, typically after an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV result. It helps detect abnormal cells or precancerous changes. The procedure is usually painless, but a biopsy may be performed for further testing. At Women’s Wellness MD, Dr. Chetanna Okasi, MD, a Board-Certified OB-GYN, and her team offer compassionate care for this procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout. The team is dedicated to providing thorough and personalized care tailored to your needs. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD.
A colposcopy is a procedure that uses a magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva, typically after an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV result. It helps detect abnormal cells or precancerous changes. The procedure is usually painless, but a biopsy may be performed for further testing. At Women’s Wellness MD, Dr. Chetanna Okasi, MD, a Board-Certified OB-GYN, and her team offer compassionate care for this procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout. The team is dedicated to providing thorough and personalized care tailored to your needs. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD.

Table of Contents:

What is colposcopy?
Why would a woman need a colposcopy?
What happens during a colposcopy?
How long does it take to recover from a colposcopy?

What is colposcopy?


At Women’s Wellness MD, your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. One of the specialized gynecological services we offer is colposcopy, a valuable procedure that allows us to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease, especially after an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test.

During a colposcopy at our practice, one of our experienced women’s health providers will use a colposcope—a magnifying device with a light—to gain a detailed view of the tissues. This helps us identify any abnormal areas that may require further attention, often before symptoms develop or problems become more serious.

You may be referred for a colposcopy if you’ve had:

• Abnormal Pap smear results
• Positive or concerning HPV test results
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or visible lesions

This procedure is performed right in our comfortable, welcoming office. You’ll lie on an exam table as you would for a standard pelvic exam. We gently insert a speculum to visualize the cervix, and the colposcope stays outside your body, providing a magnified view. To better highlight any abnormal cells, we may apply a mild solution to the cervix. If we see anything unusual, a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) can be safely collected for further analysis.

Colposcopy is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure. Some women experience mild discomfort, particularly if a biopsy is needed, but most are able to return to their daily routine immediately afterward.

Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step, from explaining the procedure and answering your questions to helping you understand your results and next steps. Your comfort, dignity, and well-being are always at the center of our care.

Why would a woman need a colposcopy?


We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for every stage of a woman’s health. One important diagnostic procedure we offer is colposcopy. You may be recommended for a colposcopy at our practice if your provider detects any abnormalities during your routine pelvic exam or if your Pap smear (Pap test) returns unusual or unclear results.

The primary goal of a colposcopy is to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva to identify any changes in the cells that may indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions. This procedure is especially important if your Pap smear shows abnormal cervical cells, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), or any results that need further clarification.

Other reasons you might need a colposcopy at our office include unexplained genital lesions, ongoing vaginal bleeding, or any visible abnormalities of the cervix that require a closer look.

Colposcopy allows our experienced providers to precisely locate and assess any areas of concern and, if necessary, obtain small tissue samples (biopsies) for further laboratory analysis.

By offering colposcopy onsite, Women’s Wellness MD helps ensure early diagnosis of infections, inflammation, precancerous changes, or cancers, giving you access to timely and effective treatment and follow-up care. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities, and our compassionate team is here to support you through every step of your wellness journey.

What happens during a colposcopy?


If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear or symptoms that need closer evaluation, your provider may recommend a colposcopy. This important procedure allows us to carefully examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva to ensure your continued well-being.

During your visit, you’ll be cared for by our compassionate team, dedicated to women’s health. The procedure is much like a routine pelvic exam: you’ll relax on the exam table while we use a gentle speculum to provide a clear view of your cervix. We then use a specialized magnifying instrument called a colposcope—which stays outside your body—to closely inspect your cervical and vaginal tissues.

To help us identify any abnormal areas, we may apply a mild solution to the cervix. This causes any suspicious cells to temporarily stand out, making them easier to see. If we notice anything that looks unusual, we may take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) for further analysis. While you may feel mild cramping or discomfort, most patients find the procedure very manageable.

It’s normal to have light spotting or discharge for a day or two after a colposcopy, especially if a biopsy was done. Our team at Women’s Wellness MD will provide you with clear instructions for aftercare and answer any questions you may have.

We strive to make every experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Your results will be reviewed by our women’s health experts, who will guide you step-by-step through any next steps or treatments, should they be needed.

How long does it take to recover from a colposcopy?


At Women’s Wellness MD, your care and comfort are our top priorities. After a colposcopy, most of our patients are able to return to their normal routines right away. It’s common to experience mild cramping or light spotting for a few hours to a couple of days following the procedure. If a biopsy was performed during your colposcopy, you may notice some light vaginal spotting or a brown discharge for up to three to five days. Some women may also experience light bleeding, which typically resolves within a week.

To support your healing after a biopsy, we recommend you avoid using tampons, douching, or having vaginal intercourse for about a week, or as specifically advised by your Women’s Wellness MD provider. This helps ensure your cervix heals properly. Most patients feel fully recovered with no lingering symptoms within one to two weeks.

While complications are rare, please contact our office right away if you experience any of the following: heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour), severe abdominal pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge. These may be signs of an infection or other complications, and we are here to help.

Overall, recovery from a colposcopy at Women’s Wellness MD is typically quick and uncomplicated, and our team is always available to answer your questions and support you through every step of your care. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Greenbelt MD, Ellicott City MD, Jessup MD, Savage MD, New Carrollton MD, College Park MD, Beltsville MD, Bowie MD, and surrounding areas.

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