Abnormal Pap Smear Follow-Up | Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center

Your physician may recommend a colposcopy for several reasons. The most common is an abnormal Pap smear result, which may indicate changes in the cervical cells that need to be examined more closely. Other reasons include:

• An abnormal Pap smear showing atypical or precancerous cells (such as ASC-US, LSIL, or HSIL)
• A positive HPV test, particularly for high-risk strains
• Visible changes to the cervix during a routine pelvic exam
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
• Follow-up after a previous abnormal Pap or colposcopy
• Monitoring after treatment for cervical dysplasia (such as after a LEEP procedure or cryotherapy)

A colposcopy is a diagnostic step — not a treatment. It helps your physician see what is happening on the cervix so the right plan can be made for you.

What Is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your physician to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva under magnification using a special instrument called a colposcope. The colposcope is not inserted into the body — it is positioned outside, like a pair of magnifying binoculars on a stand, and provides a well-lit, magnified view of the cervical tissue.

During the exam, your physician may apply a mild solution (usually diluted acetic acid, similar to vinegar) to the cervix. This solution temporarily highlights areas of abnormal cells, making them easier to identify. If your physician sees an area of concern, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken during the same visit. The biopsy sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The colposcopy itself is not painful. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a brief pinch or cramping sensation that usually passes in seconds.

What to Expect During Your Colposcopy

The procedure is similar to a Pap smear, so the setup will feel familiar. Here is what happens step by step:

Before the procedure: No special preparation is needed in most cases. For the most accurate results, try to schedule your colposcopy when you are not on your period. Avoid vaginal creams, douching, or intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the appointment.

During the procedure: You will lie on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups, just as you would for a pelvic exam. Your physician will insert a speculum to gently open the vagina, then position the colposcope outside the body to view the cervix. The vinegar solution is applied, and your physician carefully examines the tissue. If a biopsy is needed, it is taken at this time. The entire procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

After the procedure: If no biopsy was taken, you can return to all normal activities immediately with no restrictions. If a biopsy was taken, you may experience mild cramping and light spotting for a day or two. Your physician will advise you to avoid tampons, vaginal intercourse, and douching for a short period while the biopsy site heals.

Colposcopy Results

If only a visual exam was performed (no biopsy), your physician may be able to share initial observations with you right away. If a biopsy was taken, the tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab, and results are typically available within one to two weeks.

Your physician will contact you to discuss your results and explain what they mean. Possible outcomes include:

Normal results: No abnormal cells were found. Your physician may recommend returning to routine Pap smear screening on a regular schedule.

Minor cell changes (low-grade): Mild cervical changes were found that may resolve on their own. Your physician may recommend a follow-up Pap smear or colposcopy in 6 to 12 months to monitor the area.

Significant cell changes (high-grade): More advanced changes were found that may require treatment to prevent them from developing into cervical cancer. Treatment options include LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) or cryotherapy, both of which can be performed at our office.

Regardless of the results, your physician will walk you through the findings and make a clear recommendation for next steps. You will never be left without answers.

Treatment Options Available at Our Clinic

If your colposcopy and biopsy results show that treatment is needed, we offer the following procedures in our office:

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): A thin heated wire loop is used to remove the area of abnormal cervical tissue. LEEP is one of the most common and effective treatments for cervical dysplasia. The removed tissue is also sent to the lab for further analysis. The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and recovery is typically straightforward.

Cryotherapy: A probe is used to freeze and destroy abnormal cervical tissue. Cryotherapy is another effective option for treating low- to moderate-grade cervical cell changes. It is performed in the office and does not require anesthesia.

Having diagnostic and treatment services available at the same clinic means fewer appointments, fewer delays, and continuity of care from the same physicians who know your history.

Colposcopy Fees

Insurance & Medicaid:

We accept most major health insurance plans and Medicaid from all five NYC boroughs (Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island). Colposcopy following an abnormal Pap smear is typically covered as a diagnostic procedure. We do not accept Westchester County Medicaid.

Self-Pay Pricing:

• Colposcopy: $400
• LEEP procedure: $800
• Cryotherapy: $400
• Optional anesthesia: $100 additional

Contact billing@dremily.net or call 718-585-1010 to verify your coverage before your appointment.

Why Choose Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center for Your Colposcopy

• Board-certified OB/GYN physicians — Dr. Brian E. Park and Dr. Vivian Roston each bring over 30 years of experience
• Diagnosis and treatment under one roof — colposcopy, biopsy, LEEP, and cryotherapy all available at our office
• AAAASF-accredited facility — meeting nationally recognized safety and quality standards
• Results explained clearly — your physician takes the time to walk you through your findings so you understand your options
• Continuity of care — the same physician who performs your Pap smear can also perform your colposcopy and any follow-up treatment
• Medicaid and most insurance accepted — from all five NYC boroughs
• The Bronx’s only private women’s health clinic — providing personalized care since 2004

Schedule Your Colposcopy

If you have received an abnormal Pap smear result, don’t delay your follow-up. The sooner abnormal cells are evaluated, the simpler the next steps tend to be. Our office can often schedule your colposcopy within days of an abnormal result.

Call 718-585-1010 or book online to schedule your colposcopy at Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center.

We’re located at 642 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10455, in the Longwood section of the South Bronx. The 6 train to East 149th Street puts you just one block from our clinic. Bus lines BX17 and BX19 serve our corner, and drivers can reach us in minutes from the Bruckner Expressway via the GW Bridge, RFK Bridge, or Throgs Neck Bridge.