Colposcopy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
You may have light bleeding or spotting after the procedure. If a biopsy was taken, you may have cramping and bleeding for several days. If medicine was used to control bleeding, you may have brown or black discharge.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain in your lower abdomen.
- You soak through 1 sanitary pad in 1 hour or less.
- You feel weak, dizzy, or faint.
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- You have a fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.
- You have bleeding with clots.
- Your pain gets worse or does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
If tissue samples were not taken, you can go back to your usual activities. Your healthcare provider will give you specific directions if samples were taken. The following are general guidelines:
- Rest for 24 hours, or as directed. Do not exercise, play sports, or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. Ask your provider when you can return to your usual activities.
- Do not put anything in your vagina for 2 weeks, or as directed. Do not douche, use medicines in your vagina, or have sex. Do not use tampons. Wear sanitary pads for bleeding. Your provider will tell you when it is okay to do these again.
- Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk for cervical cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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