First off, I'd like to correct the record and say that the procedure is a colposcopy and a colposcope is what is used to perform this procedure. A colposcopy can be done to examine not only the cervix, but the vagina and external genitalia as well. If after applying the acetic acid (equivalent of white vinegar) the doctor will look for acetowhitening. Because the abnormal cells contain high amounts of protein and lower amounts of glycogen, they absorb the acetic acid which coagulates the protein turning it white and visible for the doctor. Typically, the only way to determine the extent of the dysplasia is to do a biopsy at that point (so you'll typically have to wait for those results before deciding on treatment).
Also, HPV not only affects the cervix but can also affect the vagina, vulva, labia, peroneal area and anus as well so the Pap test is not the only thing you need to be concerned about.
You did not mention a Pap in relation to your HPV diagnosis so I won't presume. It's also almost impossible to determine at what point you became infected because more often than not symptoms are minor and go unnoticed. While studies have shown that HPV typically is absent 12-18 months after initial diagnosis this does not mean you are cured of the virus. Your docs nurse needs to do a bit more reading! It may become asymptomatic however there is no cure and you may experience symptoms months, years or even decades later so be vigilent.
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First off, I'd like to correct the record and say that the procedure is a colposcopy and a colposcope is what is used to perform this procedure. A colposcopy can be done to examine not only the cervix, but the vagina and external genitalia as well. If after applying the acetic acid (equivalent of white vinegar) the doctor will look for acetowhitening. Because the abnormal cells contain high amounts of protein and lower amounts of glycogen, they absorb the acetic acid which coagulates the protein turning it white and visible for the doctor. Typically, the only way to determine the extent of the dysplasia is to do a biopsy at that point (so you'll typically have to wait for those results before deciding on treatment).
Also, HPV not only affects the cervix but can also affect the vagina, vulva, labia, peroneal area and anus as well so the Pap test is not the only thing you need to be concerned about.
You did not mention a Pap in relation to your HPV diagnosis so I won't presume. It's also almost impossible to determine at what point you became infected because more often than not symptoms are minor and go unnoticed. While studies have shown that HPV typically is absent 12-18 months after initial diagnosis this does not mean you are cured of the virus. Your docs nurse needs to do a bit more reading! It may become asymptomatic however there is no cure and you may experience symptoms months, years or even decades later so be vigilent.
April 14, 2009 - 11:06amThis Comment
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