When will my appointment be?
The Colposcopy Clinic is usually held 1 day per month at Canmore Obstetrics and Gynecology.
If our clinic dates do not work for you, please contact us to cancel your referral, and ask your Family Doctor to be referred to Calgary for your colposcopy needs as they have a larger clinic with more availability.
What do I have to do before my appointment?
Watch the following video and fill out the attached questionnaire. You may wish to take two acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) an hour prior to your exam, to help with cramping or discomfort you may experience.
Where do I go on the day of my appointment?
Canmore Obstetrics and Gynecology
207A-1205 Bow Valley Trail
Please see Contact Us tab at the top of the page for a map and contact information
What can I expect at my appointment?
At a colposcopy appointment, you will first see our nurse who will do your intake history and teaching. You will then have a colposcopy exam; please watch this video (link above) for details regarding a colposcopy exam. During your exam, you may have a support person accompany you if you wish. A nurse will also be present. You may listen to music with headphones or do anything else that might help make the procedure easier to handle.
What can I expect after my appointment?
Spotting and cramping is normal if samples are taken. Cramping usually resolves in a few hours, while spotting may last for a day or two, and may require a tampon or pantyliner.
For concerns regarding heavy bleeding post procedure, please proceed to an emergency department immediately for assessment.
If you do experience any complications after an appointment, please contact us after you have been assessed in the Emergency Room, as the doctor who did your colposcopy may wish to see you also for follow up.
When will I get my results?
Biopsy results can take 3-4 weeks. We will book a phone appointment about 1 month after your colposcopy to review results. At this appointment, you will speak with the doctor, discuss results, and make a follow-up plan. Your family doctor will also receive results of every colposcopy exam you have with us.
I am finding this all quite stressful. Where can I find more information on HPV and abnormal pap tests?
We know that there is a lot of information out there on the internet. We have an HPV info sheet on our website which can help answer some questions. Some sites we would recommend are as follows:
How do I reschedule an appointment?
Please contact us as soon as you know you need to reschedule. That way we can try to accommodate another patient in your appointment space. Our clinic phone number is 403-609-0243.
What if I am having my menstrual period on the day of my appointment?
This is not a problem, unless it is a very heavy day with lots of clots. If this is the case, please call us to reschedule.
What if I am pregnant, or think I might be pregnant?
Please phone to let us know as soon as possible if there is a chance you might be pregnant so that we can determine the best care plan depending on your specific situation.
I am moving away. What do I do about my next colposcopy?
Please let us know as soon as possible so that we can refer you to a colposcopy clinic near your new home.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Created: Nov 30 2019
Edited: Mar 22 2023