Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy

Cervical Biopsy and Colposcopy, Cervical Exam

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the colposcopy or why the results may not be helpful include:

• The use of douches, tampons, or vaginal creams or medications 24 hours before the colposcopy.
• If you are having a menstrual period at the time of the colposcopy.
• If a vaginal or cervical infection is present.
• If you have gone through menopause. Hormonal changes may make it difficult to see the cervical canal clearly.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 15, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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