What happens when you get an abnormal pap smear?
So, your pap smear comes back as abnormal… what now?
An abnormal pap smear result can indicate you might have precancerous cells on your cervix. If you have an abnormal pap smear result, you may need a colposcopy, which is a procedure that looks at your cervix with a microscope and allows us to take biopsies if necessary. If the colposcopy results confirm precancerous cells, we may recommend a LEEP procedure to remove those cells and keep you from getting cervical cancer.
Colposcopies and LEEP procedures may sound intense and scary, but they’re both quick and safe procedures that are really effective at keeping you (and your cervix) healthy! Plus – these procedures are more affordable at Bridgercare than at other Bozeman providers! And your visit can help pay for someone else who couldn't otherwise afford care... so wins all around for choosing Bridgercare :)
So, what are they?
What’s a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a quick and easy way for your provider to get a detailed, close-up look at your cervix with a microscope to determine if there’s abnormal cells in your cervix.
Why do you get a colposcopy?
If your Pap smear indicates the presence of abnormal cells in your cervix, your provider may recommend a colposcopy. Looking through the colposcope, which is like a big magnifying glass with a light attached, the provider can identify changes in the cervical tissue. Colposcopies can be used to diagnose genital warts, polyps (noncancerous growths), cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), and precancerous changes in the cervix, vagina, or vulva.
What happens during a colposcopy?
During a colposcopy, you’ll lie on the exam table like you would for a pelvic exam and the doctor will use a speculum to open your vagina and expose the cervix. They’ll look at your cervix using a colposcope (which won’t go inside or touch you). If they see something abnormal, they might perform a biopsy. This means they’ll remove a small sample of tissue to send to the lab for further testing. All-in-all, a colposcopy usually doesn’t take much longer than 10 minutes and is nearly pain-free! You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but colposcopies are safe and carry very few risks.
What’s a LEEP?
LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It’s a safe and effective way to remove precancerous cells from your cervix using a small wire loop. With LEEP, an electrical current passes through the loop which is used to cut away the precancerous cells on the cervix.
When would I need to get a LEEP?
If a colposcopy and biopsy shows precancerous cells in your cervix, your doctor may recommend LEEP treatment to remove those cells so that they don’t develop into cancer. Getting LEEP surgery does not mean you have cancer!
What happens during a LEEP?
You’ll lie on the table and the doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina, just like they would in a colposcopy. They will use a small tool to remove the abnormal cells – numbing medicine will be applied to your cervix so you won’t actually feel the loop removing the tissue. Then they’ll seal your surrounding blood vessels to prevent bleeding and the removed cells will be sent to a lab for testing. And that’s it! LEEP usually only takes around 10 minutes. You may feel some mild discomfort or cramping during the procedure. It is normal to have some spotting, bleeding, or discharge for several days after the procedure.
Colposcopies and LEEP procedures are both quick and safe procedures that are really effective at keeping you (and your cervix) healthy! And remember – these procedures are more affordable at Bridgercare than at other Bozeman providers! If you ever have any questions about colps or LEEPs, talk to your provider :)