Colposcopy Specialist
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Joan K. Berman, M.D.
Gynecologist located in Upper East Side, New York City, NY
Joan Berman, M.D. has 25 years of experience as a consultant doing colposcopies for Columbia Student Health center. As a caring and compassionate gynecologist she understands the anxiety many women feel about getting a colposcopy. She strives to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible at her upper east side office. If you’re seeking an experienced and trusted physician to perform a colposcopy, call or book an appointment online today.
Colposcopy Q & A
What is a colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a common gynecological procedure that allows Dr. Berman to look at your cervix through a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. With a colposcope, Dr. Berman can closely examine your cervix to look for signs of disease she may not be able to detect with her eye alone.
Why would I need a colposcopy?
If your Pap test results show abnormal changes in your cervical cells, Dr. Berman may suggest a colposcopy to provide more information. She may also use colposcopy to diagnose other gynecological conditions, such as:
- Genital warts
- HPV
- Inflammation in your cervix
- Precancerous changes in your cervix or vagina
How do I prepare for a colposcopy?
It’s best not to schedule your colposcopy during your period so Dr. Berman can get a clearer view of your cervix. She may also recommend you prepare by avoiding the following for at least 24 hours before the procedure:
- Douche
- Sex
- Tampons
- Vaginal medications
What should I expect from a colposcopy procedure?
It’s common to feel anxiety about a colposcopy, but Dr. Berman is an experienced, gentle physician who strives to make you feel at ease. Women who are nervous about colposcopy are more likely to experience pain during the procedure, but listening to music may help you relax.
Dr. Berman gently inserts a speculum into your vagina and positions the colposcope to examine your cervix. She will swab your cervix with a vinegar solution to highlight abnormal areas. This can burn slightly, but isn’t painful.
If Dr. Berman finds a suspicious patterns, she may take a biopsy for lab testing. During a biopsy, she removes a small piece of tissue from the abnormal area. This may cause mild pain, bleeding, and discharge that goes away within a day or two.
After your biopsy, you may need to limit your activity and refrain from sex while your cervix heals. Dr. Berman lets you know exactly how long you should rest depending on the extent of your procedure.
If you need a colposcopy from a caring and knowledgeable gynecologist, call Dr. Berman or book an appointment online today.
