Getting an abnormal Pap smear result can be unsettling — but it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. In most cases, it simply means you need additional testing, and a colposcopy is a straightforward in-office procedure to take a closer look.
At VNC RealHealth in Pearsall, Texas, Valentine Ugwu, MD, FACOG, MBA, and our team offer convenient colposcopy services. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and take the next step in protecting your health with care that’s compassionate, thorough, and close to home.
The primary goal of Pap smears is to detect cervical cancer or precancerous changes as early as possible. Early detection gives you and your healthcare team the opportunity to address any concerning changes before they become more serious, and follow-up testing after an abnormal Pap smear is an important step in reaching a diagnosis.
A colposcopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Ugwu to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special magnifying tool called a colposcope. Colposcopy is one of the most common follow-up tests that we recommend after an abnormal Pap smear to identify any areas of abnormal or precancerous cells.
During the procedure, we may also take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, for further evaluation. The entire visit typically takes less than 30 minutes, and there’s nothing special you need to do to prepare.
About 3 million Pap smears come back with abnormal results each year. While cervical cancer is one possible cause of abnormal results, it’s not the only cause. Abnormal Pap smear results can be caused by a number of things, including:
A colposcopy helps us determine the reason behind your abnormal result and whether further treatment or monitoring is needed. Keep in mind that the vast majority of abnormal results do not lead to a cervical cancer diagnosis — and early action is the best way to ensure they don’t.
We know that medical procedures can feel intimidating, and our OB/GYN team at VNC RealHealth is here to walk you through every step of the process with kindness and clarity.
When you arrive for your colposcopy appointment, we give you time to change into an exam gown. Then, you lie back on an exam table, just as you do during a Pap smear. We insert a speculum into your vagina to view your cervix, and Dr. Ugwu applies a mild solution to highlight any abnormal cells.
We position the colposcope outside your body, and it provides a magnified view of your cervix and other nearby tissues. Dr. Ugwu performs an exam, and he may take a biopsy if necessary. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but most women tolerate it well, and the feeling passes quickly.
If Dr. Ugwu didn’t take a biopsy, he discusses his findings with you following your colposcopy. If you had a biopsy, those results are usually ready within 1–2 weeks. Depending on what the lab finds, we discuss whether you need additional monitoring, treatment, or simply a repeat Pap smear in a few months.
At VNC RealHealth, we believe preventive care should be accessible and empowering. If you’ve received abnormal Pap smear results or you have questions about your cervical health, we offer convenient, compassionate care right around the corner. Schedule your appointment online or call our office at 830-505-7509 today to get started.
