How Long Does It Take to Get Results From a Colposcopy?

A lot of women are acquainted with the normal goings-on of reproductive check-ups. At a certain point, they may even become routine. Sometimes, though, one test leads to another, more information is needed, and Dr. Lively at Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, Texas may propose a treatment called a colposcopy.

How Long Will Results Take?

The Quick Answer

The quick answer is that this takes anywhere from just a few seconds to a few weeks. It all depends on what is found and tested during the colposcopy. There are a few different kinds of results to expect, and they all come with different time frames.

The Longer Answer

If No Abnormality Is Found

This is the instance in which you will probably receive immediate results. “Immediate” is a nice word, especially when it comes to medicine. It’s not always a common one, though, and it’s important to get things right.

The point of a colposcopy is to visually examine the structures of your reproductive anatomy that can’t necessarily be seen easily with the naked eye. One benefit of a visual examination is quick knowledge of the situation, at least in this case.

If an Abnormality Is Found

Dr. Lively will let you know what he finds right away, of course, but he might also need to send a sample for further testing. This makes sure both you and he know exactly what is going on.

As mentioned before, one of the benefits of the visual nature of this treatment is that it can provide quick knowledge and understanding. Though further testing may be necessary, you and Dr. Lively will be aware that something has been found and be able to talk about it right away.

Test results may take a few weeks to arrive, but remember, Dr. Lively is your first line of communication. It’s important to keep in contact with our office to stay updated about test results and when they can be expected.

A Sample Timeline

The Days and Weeks Approaching Your Appointment

In the weeks before your appointment with Dr. Lively, you will most likely have received the result of a pap smear that indicates further testing is necessary. Dr. Lively will communicate this to you, and you can schedule the appointment for your colposcopy through the office at Lively Wellness & Aesthetics.

In the approaching days, make sure to remember that this is a visual exam of your reproductive health. Because of this, you’ve scheduled your appointment at a time good for you and for Dr. Lively so he can get a clear view. Other than that, no extra preparation is necessary.

The Day of Your Appointment

Dr. Lively will go over the treatment once more with you before you start and make sure you’re both on the same page. Other than that, it’s pretty straightforward.  

The setup is a lot like a normal reproductive exam except for a tool called a colposcope that Dr. Lively will use. A colposcope is basically a magnifying tool that helps give a clearer, more detailed look at parts of your reproductive system.

No Abnormality Is Found

If nothing is found, you and Dr. Lively will know immediately. It’s likely that there will be a quick discussion about the treatment and what was (or, in this case, was not) found and where it goes from there.  

An Abnormality Is Found

Depending on what Dr. Lively finds, a sample will likely be taken, and the results from this sample can take up to a few weeks to come back. Just like if nothing is found, though, Dr. Lively will talk with you about the treatment, what happened, and what comes next.

After the Colposcopy

After your appointment, in all likelihood, you will be able to jump right back into the normal pace of life. Again, remember, this is a visual examination and not a procedure or surgery. There isn’t any downtime afterward, meaning you can return to your normal routine.

In the Coming Weeks

If a sample was taken, now is the time you can expect to hear about it. As always, we’re here if you have any questions or concerns following the treatment, so feel free to reach out. Other than that, Dr. Lively will contact you with the results.

If any further testing or treatments are indicated by what the colposcopy finds, Dr. Lively will discuss this with you in detail. As always, this is a communicative process and not a simple testing-to-results pipeline. It’s important you and Dr. Lively understand what they mean together, and Dr. Lively puts an emphasis on making sure you are in-step with each other at every point in the process.

Drawing It All to a Close

In short, results can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few weeks, and Dr. Lively will make sure you know what timeframe you can expect. If a colposcopy is something you or someone close to you is thinking about, come visit us or contact us at Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, Texas. We know there can be a lot of questions, and we’re right here to answer them.