What do normal colposcopy results mean

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. Obstet Gynecol. PMID: www. Beard JM, Osborn J. Common office procedures. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract cervix, vagina, vulva : etiology, screening, diagnosis, management. Comprehensive Gynecology. Smith RP. Carcinoma in situ cervix. In: Smith RP, ed. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

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Medical Tests. Definition A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. How to Prepare for the Test There is no special preparation. DO NOT place any products into the vagina. DO NOT have sex for 24 hours before the exam. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.

Keep your appointment if you are: At the very end or beginning of your regular period Having abnormal bleeding You may be able to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen Tylenol before the colposcopy. How the Test will Feel You may have some discomfort when the speculum is placed inside the vagina. Some women feel a slight sting from the cleansing solution. You may feel a pinch or cramp each time a tissue sample is taken. Normal result This means no abnormal cells were found.

You do not need any immediate treatment. You will be told to either: come back for a follow-up colposcopy review - this is in case abnormal cells develop later on continue with cervical screening as usual - you'll have your next test in 3 years, regardless of your age Abnormal result It is not unusual to find abnormal cells in the cervix during a colposcopy. If a colposcopy confirms that you have abnormal cells, a biopsy will also be done.

CGIN stands for cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia. CIN 1 It's unlikely the cells will become cancerous. They may go away on their own. CIN 2 There's a moderate chance the cells will become cancerous. CIN 3 There's a high chance the cells will become cancerous. CGIN There's a high chance the cells will become cancerous. Read more about treatments for abnormal cells of the cervix In rare cases, a colposcopy and biopsy will find cervical cancer.

You'll be advised to continue with cervical screening as usual, in case abnormal cells develop later on. About 6 in every 10 people have abnormal cells in their cervix — known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia CIN or cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia CGIN.

Abnormal cells may be detected while a colposcopy is carried out, but a biopsy will be needed to determine what the risk of these becoming cancerous is and whether treatment is needed. Read more about treatments for abnormal cells from the cervix. In rare cases, a colposcopy and biopsy will find cervical cancer.