Detailed Gynecological (Pelvic) Exam Information
Purpose of Examination
When cervical dysplasia or cancer is suspected after cancer screening (cervical cytology, etc.), a small amount of cervical tissue is collected for histopathological diagnosis.
Examination Details
- After confirming the suspected site of the lesion with a colposcopy, we’ll do a biopsy and take a tiny sample of tissue.A colposcopy is a type of cervical cancer examination.We’ll wash your cervix with a vinegar-like solution.This makes it easier to see abnormal cells.Next we’ll look at your cervix through a colposcope.
- Depending on the colposcopy results, an endocervical curettage (examination in which a spoon-shaped instrument is used to sample cervical tissue) may also be performed.
- The process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes due to the colposcopic examination performed before the tissue sampling, but the sampling time is 1 to 2 minutes.
- It can be performed without anesthesia, and the pain is generally minimal, although it varies from person to person.
Examination Complications
- Complications associated with the examination include bleeding and, in rare cases, infection.
- For bleeding, hemostatic powder is applied to the hemorrhage site, and gauze is inserted to apply pressure. Electric cauterization may also be used to stop bleeding.
- Antibiotics and hemostatic agents may be prescribed to prevent infection and stop bleeding.
*Caution
- In principle, patients prescribed anticoagulants (Warfarin, Bufferin, Bayaspirin, Opalmon, etc.) for heart, blood vessel, brain disease, or pain relief may have difficulty stopping bleeding during the examination and therefore cannot be examined at this center. (Examination may be possible if the patient can discontinue the medication after consulting with the prescribing physician).
- If you have a pacemaker or other metal parts in your body, please be sure to inform us as we may not be able to perform electrical cauterization to stop bleeding.
Examination Precautions
- Please avoid appointments during and within 1 week prior to your menstrual period.
- For accurate diagnosis, please avoid vaginal cleansing or suppositories within 3 days prior to the visit. Meals and other activities may be continued as usual.
- During the examination, you will be required to remove metal items such as watches and jewelry.
- Generally, you can leave after the examination just as you would after a routine medical inspection.
If you are nervous or otherwise prone to feeling sick, We recommend that you avoid driving by yourself at the time of your visit.
Instead, please use public transportation or have someone else drive you.
Post-Examination Notes
| Gauze： | After the examination and procedure, gauze is inserted into the vagina for pressure hemostasis. You will be asked to remove it yourself at a specified time. If it naturally falls out, you may continue without it if bleeding is minimal. |
| Hemorrhage： | There is usually a small amount of bleeding and colored discharge for several days to a week after the examination. You may also experience mild lower abdominal pain. Avoid using tampons and keep a sanitary napkin over the area. |
| Bathing： | Take a shower and avoid bathing on the day of the examination. You may bathe the following day if bleeding is minimal. For those who are concerned, it is safer to wait until the bleeding has stopped before bathing in hot springs, public baths, etc. |
| Swimming Pools： | Strenuous Exercise: Avoid while bleeding. |
| Sexual Intercourse： | Sexual intercourse should be avoided for approximately one week, as irritation may cause bleeding to resume. |
| Daily Activities： | Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the examination day, and plan to stay relatively more sedentary than usual. |