Understanding Colposcopy: A Complete Guide

Being told you need a colposcopy can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s completely normal to have questions or feel uneasy about what comes next. Whether it’s your first time hearing the term or you’ve undergone cervical cancer screening tests with abnormal results, having clear and reassuring information can help ease your concerns. At our clinic, we believe that when patients are well-informed, they feel more confident, comfortable, and in control of their healthcare decisions. In this guide, walk you through what colposcopy procedure in Dubai is, why it’s done, how to prepare, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

What Is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple diagnostic procedure that allows your gynecologist to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special magnifying tool called a

. This tool works like a microscope and helps us detect abnormal areas that may not be visible during a regular pelvic exam. Unlike a Pap smear, which collects cervical cells for testing, colposcopy procedure in Dubai provides a real-time, magnified view of your cervix to better assess any concerning changes.

Colposcopy is often recommended after abnormal results from a Pap smear or HPV (human papillomavirus) test. It helps us determine whether there are precancerous or cancerous changes that require further evaluation or treatment.

Why Might You Need a Colposcopy?

Colposcopy is typically advised if your recent cervical screening test showed any of the following:

• Abnormal Pap smear results (e.g., ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL)
• Positive high-risk HPV types
• Unexplained bleeding, especially after intercourse
• Suspicious appearance of the cervix during a pelvic exam

It’s important to remember that being referred for a colposcopy does not mean you have cancer. In many cases, abnormal results are due to minor changes in cervical cells that often clear up on their own without treatment. The goal of the colposcopy procedure in Dubai is to gather more information and decide if a biopsy or treatment is necessary.

Preparing for Your Colposcopy

No major preparation is required before a colposcopy, but there are a few things you can do to ensure a smoother experience:

• Avoid vaginal products: For at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, do not use tampons, vaginal creams, or douches, as they can interfere with the accuracy of the exam.
• Schedule timing: The procedure can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle. However, if you have heavy bleeding on the day of your appointment, it’s best to call our clinic to discuss whether rescheduling is needed.
• Medication: If you’re taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin, please inform us in advance. These medications can make you more likely to bleed if a biopsy is needed during the procedure.
• Pregnancy: If you are or might be pregnant, let us know. Colposcopy is generally safe during pregnancy, but biopsies are usually avoided unless absolutely necessary.
• Pain relief: Some patients prefer to take ibuprofen (400–600 mg) about an hour before the procedure to minimize cramping. While this isn’t mandatory, it may help you feel more comfortable.

What Happens During the Colposcopy Procedure in Dubai?

Colposcopy is a quick, outpatient procedure performed right in the clinic and usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Positioning: You will lie on an exam table, just like during a routine pelvic exam, with your feet supported in stirrups.
2. Speculum insertion: We’ll gently insert a speculum into your vagina to help us see the cervix clearly during the procedure.
3. Examination: Using the colposcope placed just outside the vaginal opening, I will examine your cervix. The instrument doesn’t touch your body, so the process remains non-invasive.
4. Application of solutions: A mild acetic acid (vinegar-like) solution will be applied to the cervix. This helps highlight abnormal areas by turning them white. You may feel a slight stinging or cooling sensation. In some cases, we also use Lugol’s iodine solution to enhance visibility of any irregular tissues.
5. Biopsy (if needed): If we notice areas that look suspicious or abnormal, we may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from the cervix or vaginal wall. A biopsy lasts just a second and may feel like a sharp pinch or brief cramp. No anesthesia is required, and most patients tolerate it well.
6. Endocervical curettage (ECC): In some cases, especially when the transformation zone cannot be fully seen, a sample from inside the cervix may be taken. This may cause slightly more discomfort but only lasts a few seconds.

After the biopsy, a special solution may be applied to the cervix to stop any minor bleeding. This solution can cause a temporary brown or black vaginal discharge, which is completely normal.

What to Expect After the Colposcopy Procedure in Dubai

Most patients recover quickly and are able to return to their usual activities, including work or school, the same day. However, it’s normal to experience:

• Mild cramping or discomfort for a few hours
• Light vaginal spotting or discharge, especially if a biopsy was done
• Brown or dark discharge due to the medicated solution applied to the cervix

To aid in healing and lower the risk of infection:

• Avoid tampons and vaginal intercourse for 48 hours if a biopsy was taken.
• Use only pads for any post-procedure bleeding.
• Do not douche or use any vaginal medications unless instructed.

If you feel lightheaded or dizzy immediately after the Colposcopy procedure in Dubai, let our team know. Resting for a few minutes and drinking water can help.

When Will You Receive Results?

Biopsy results typically take between 7 to 14 days to come back. We will call you or schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the findings and next steps.

Depending on the results, we may recommend:

• A follow-up Pap smear or HPV test in 6 to 12 months
• Another colposcopy
• Treatment for precancerous changes, such as cryotherapy or a LEEP procedure

If you haven’t heard back from us within two weeks, don’t assume your results are normal. Please call our clinic to confirm.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

While most people recover uneventfully from a colposcopy, please contact us if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad within an hour or for two consecutive hours)
• Bleeding that continues for more than a week
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Severe or persistent pelvic pain
• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

These symptoms may indicate infection or complications and should be addressed promptly.

Supporting Your Cervical Health

Colposcopy is an important part of cervical cancer prevention and early detection. It allows us to closely examine and assess the cervix to catch any potential issues before they progress. Although hearing that you need a colposcopy can be stressful, it’s a proactive and valuable step in protecting your long-term health.

At our clinic, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process with care, clarity, and compassion. If you have questions or concerns before or after the  Colposcopy procedure in Dubai, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort, safety, and peace of mind are our priority.