Course of the colposcopic examination of the cervix

The patient is placed in a chair in the gynaecological position during the office visit. After inserting the speculum, the doctor looks at the cervix, assessing its colour, surface, contours and the border of the transformation zone. He or she then inserts a special speculum fitted with an optical system into the vagina and, after washing the cervix with physiological fluid to remove secretions and cervical mucus, views the cervix. Depending on the technique used, she applies a tampon with acetic acid or Lugol's fluid to the cervix and views the cervix again.

The colposcopy examination does not require anaesthesia, so there is no need for hospitalisation. It is completely painless and the result is obtained in just a few minutes. It can be carried out repeatedly and is completely harmless to the body, so it can also be performed on pregnant women.

The most reliable results are obtained in women during the period of sexual activity. After the menopause, the epithelial junction zone moves deep into the cervical canal, making it difficult to visualise on colposcopic examination. Due to this process, in order to reduce the risk of false results, it is necessary for menopausal women to have an appropriate local oestrogen treatment a few days before the examination.

In order to obtain a correct colposcopy image , it must not be performed during menstrual bleeding. Several days before the procedure, patients are required to refrain from sexual intercourse, gynaecological examination and vaginal irrigation.

According to surveys, approximately one third of Polish women have never had a cytological examination. The possibilities offered by current methods of early detection of cancerous changes and the availability and promotion of numerous prophylactic programmes should encourage women to take advantage of these opportunities and to comply with control visits to gynaecological surgeries.