Uterine health requires regular monitoring and, therefore, tests to check for the presence of any pathogens or other diseases.
Among the tests that may be requested is colposcopy. This involves an analysis of the vaginal cavity and the uterine cervix using a colposcope, a magnifying lens instrument that allows such visualization, explains gynecologist Maria dos Anjos Neves Sampaio, from Alta Diagnósticos.
For better investigation, acetic acid and iodine are also used. Through the reaction of such substances, it is possible to observe the cervix, as well as its color, its mucosa and whether there is any type of change — benign or not.
“The main objective of the exam is to notice whether there are lesions caused by HPV [papilomavírus humano], and it becomes complementary to the Pap smear”, says Maria dos Anjos. Its recommendation is based on medical criteria or the identification of any suspicious cytology.
The exam takes around 20 minutes, and, for it to be carried out, it is important that the patient is not menstruating; have not used vaginal creams; be sexually abstinent for three days; and that pre-climacteric and post-menopausal women have hydrated the mucosa.
Gynecologist Natalia Castro, member of Febrasgo (Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations), states that the colposcopy report, without performing a biopsy, usually takes around a day to be released. In cases where a biopsy is necessary, results take 10 to 15 days.
She claims that the biopsy is performed when the doctor responsible for the examination finds changes in the vulva, vagina and cervix regions, such as an increase in local vascularization, the presence of warty lesions and color changes identified after the application of iodine. and acetic acid.
Problems identifiable in colposcopy
From the colposcopic exam, gynecologists say it is possible to identify:
• cervicitis: this is a benign process of the cervix, with the presence of local information markers. “Inflammations” can occur in the cervix, which are only for local repair (when the body reacts to correct it) and are not necessarily a pathology. Purulent secretions suggest an active infection, which must be treated;
• colpitis: these are changes that suggest an infection in the vaginal wall and must be treated depending on the cause of the injury. Often, the condition is related to abundant secretions, which must have their origin investigated;
• uterine ectopia: is the inversion of the tissue that covers the endocervical canal gland. Its occurrence is related to the use of contraceptive pills, pregnancy, natural development of female sexual organs or the estrogen secreted by the body. During the examination, it is necessary to observe whether there are any lesions in the ectopic tissue and assess the need for cauterization;
• Endometriosis: is the presence of endometrial tissue, a layer that internally lines the uterus, found in other locations. When there is the presence of endometrial tissue infiltrated into the vaginal wall, the condition can be identified by colposcopy;
• HPV lesions and pre-cancerous lesions: they can be warty lesions, visible to the naked eye, or subclinical, identified with the aid of the lens.
Answer your questions about the main female preventive exams and when to carry them out
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