Some gynecological conditions require treatments, such as minor surgery. These procedures are common and simple to perform, making them safe for the majority of patients. If you are diagnosed with a specific gynecological condition, we will consider all treatment options before resorting to surgery.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure to check for precancerous cells on your cervix. Your provider will use a specialized magnifying tool (called a colposcope) to get an enlarged view of your cervix. There is also a light that provides more visual acuity than the naked eye. This allows your doctor to view your cervix in full detail and look for health concerns.
Before you go in for a colposcopy, you likely have had a cervical pap smear that showed abnormal cell growth on your cervix. This is cause for concern because cervical cancer progresses rapidly by the time it is noticeable. Your doctor will schedule a colposcopy to get a more in-depth view of your cervix and see if there are any visual abnormalities.
Colposcopy procedures are also used for other diagnostic purposes. If you have abnormal pain, bleeding, and tenderness in your vagina near your cervix, your doctor may schedule a colposcopy to get to the root of the problem. Other problems that require a colposcopy include warts on your cervix and polyps (non-cancerous growths).
Before your colposcopy, it is important not to insert anything inside your vagina. This includes tampons, douche solutions, and sexual penetration. These activities could make it harder for your doctor to view your cervix in detail.
The colposcopy procedure can be done directly in our office. We will use a speculum to open your vagina and gain a full view of your cervix. We then apply a special solution inside your vagina to make abnormal spots more visible. This is how your doctor will diagnose any cervical problems. If needed, the provider may take a tissue sample and send it out for testing.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is a procedure used to further investigate abnormal cells found in your vagina and cervix. If your doctor notices abnormalities after a pap smear or exam, then they may schedule a LEEP. A LEEP is an effective way to collect cervical cells to determine whether they are precancerous.
The basis of the procedure involves heating a wire loop to remove cells from your cervix and vagina. The wire loop is heated by an electrical current, making it easy to gather cell samples. The electric current will remove a very thin layer of tissue that contains abnormal cells. Your doctor can then send these samples to the lab for testing.
Your doctor will use a speculum to open your vagina. They may also use a colposcope to get a complete view of your cervix.
Then your doctor will coat your vagina and cervix in a special solution that brings abnormal spots into full visibility. Once your doctor can see the areas of abnormality, they will begin the LEEP.
You will receive a numbing injection to minimize pain and discomfort. You may feel pressure and cramping during the procedure, but the pain should be minimal. The electrical wire loop works quickly to gather the necessary tissues. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with post-procedure pain.
There can be a very small amount of bleeding afterward. The current blocks blood vessels from bursting, so there should not be much bleeding during or after the procedure. Your doctor will send the tissue samples to a lab to check for precancerous cells and other abnormalities.
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I have been going to Dr. Norton since I was 19. He delivered 2 of my children.I can say for many years he has been the best OBGYN for me. I also have Met so many wonderful great staff who are very helpful and genuinely kind. Thank you, to the best OBGYN Dr. Alexander Norton!
5 years ago I gave birth to a healthy baby girl thanks to Dr Norton. I have not thing but the utmost respect for Dr Norton and staff. So thank you and keep up with the good work.
Dr. Norton and his nurse were absolutely fantastic! Their attentive, respectful, caring, and personable attitudes made my wife look forward to her appointments. She truly is sad that she doesn't get to see them as often now that our little boy has arrived. Thank you SO much for your help in making her pregnancy and delivery a wonderful, happy, and loving experience.
First experience with this clinic and could not be more impressed. It met the expectations I was told by others. It's a busy clinic but every staff was so nice, smiling, and welcoming. Really felt like you were their only patient. Will definitely recommend! Thank you Doctor Norton and Amazing Staff.
I can only speak as someone who goes in for annual exams and depo shots, but I've never had an issue. Waiting room is pleasant, never waiting more than 15 minutes past my appointment time and everyone is professional.
Love my doctor, Doctor Norton is amazing! I’m ready to have my first baby in a couple weeks and I trust him entirely!
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