- Preprocedure:
- Avoid intercourse for 24-48hr prior to your office visit
- Eat regularly; do not come to the procedure with an empty stomach
- Take over the counter medication for cramping 30-60 minutes before your procedure. For example, if you do not have an allergy to ibuprofen, take 3 tablets of 200mg ibuprofen 30 minutes before your procedure. If you cannot tolerate ibuprofen, then take Tylenol 650mg, 60 minutes prior to the procedure.
- If you are particularly anxious about your procedure ask your provider for alternative pre-procedure medication such as Valium and/or Norco
- Post procedure:
- A biopsy or pap smear may be performed at the time of colposcopy. Light menstrual like bleeding may occur- have sanitary napkins available as tampon use is prohibited for 72 hours after this procedure.
- Vaginal discharge may resemble mustard and coffee grounds and may be chunky.
Precautions
Call the office at any time of the day if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding that soaks one sanitary pad every 1-2 hours
- Malodorous discharge
- Cramping or pain that doesn’t lessen with ibuprofen or Tylenol medications usage
- If you have a temperature over 100.0 F
- If you have difficulty urinating