A lot of exercise advice is geared at people who work out at the gym. Many men, though, either can’t belong to a gym or choose not to. If you don’t have a gym membership, you shouldn’t feel limited or helpless. There still are plenty of ways to get and stay fit outside of the gym. Follow these tips and ideas below.
Path to improved health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should get at least 150 minutes of cardio per week. This breaks down to 30 minutes of fitness 5 times a week. The CDC also says adults should do strength training at least two days a week. Routine exercise can prevent certain health conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. People who exercise are less likely to be overweight, get injured, or fall in old age.
So if you don’t work out at a gym, where do you exercise? The answer is anywhere. You can be active at home or at work, inside or outside. You can exercise by yourself, on a team, or with your family.
A range of activities is available. You can do traditional exercise, such as walking, running, or bicycling. You can play a sport, like basketball or softball. You also can get fitness equipment to use at home or follow video or online exercise programs, such as P90X. You can buy your own hand weights to use or do moves that use your body weight.
It may not always be simple, but these tips will help:
Get motivated. Set small goals that you know you can achieve. Small successes lead to big changes. They’re also what help to change bad habits into good habits. Be specific with your goals. Men are more likely to commit when they sign up for an event. One example is training for a race, such as a 5K or marathon. Once you’ve met a goal, reward yourself!
Switch it up. Varying your fitness routine is crucial. Your body begins to adjust to exercise after a certain amount of time. Change up your speed, weight, or moves. Try new activities, like yoga, or other forms of exercise. Cardio helps with endurance by keeping your heart rate up. Strength training builds muscle. Both cardio and strength training burn calories and are needed to round out your fitness.
Step it up. Aim to get a set number of steps per day. Use an activity tracker to keep track of your steps. Try to take the stairs or park farther away. Go for an evening walk by yourself or take your kids and/or dogs.
The more, the merrier. Find a friend or group of people to exercise with. This is common for men who run or cycle. It helps you stay on track and push yourself.
Make a fitness date with yourself. Some people benefit from marking their calendar or setting a phone alarm.
Be well rounded. You already know you need cardio and strength training. Rotate activities and moves that target your whole body. This means your upper body, lower body, and core.
Things to consider
When you exercise at home, it’s easy to get distracted. Work out in an environment where you can succeed. Your mental outlook also plays a big part. It’s important to stay focused and not take too many rest breaks.
If you’re new to a certain exercise, it’s important to start slow. Build up your speed, reps, or weight as you go to prevent injury or burnout. Talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. They may want to perform an exam, discuss health risks, or monitor your progress.
What you put in your body is just as important as what you do with your body. Eat nutritious foods that provide fuel to exercise and stay healthy. Learn how to read nutrition labels to see what you’re eating. If you are active, you’ll need to eat more to keep up your metabolism. You still should maintain proper portion control. Staying fit also means staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and as you exercise.
Don’t forget to rest and recover from your workouts. You can do this by stretching before and after you exercise. Build in a day of rest from fitness. Make sure you get enough sleep at night to recharge your body and your brain.
Questions to ask your doctor
How can I prevent injuries working out at home?
Are there certain types of exercise I should avoid?
Should I take any vitamins or supplements?
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity Basics
Men’s Fitness: 25 Fitness Tips and Strategies From the Experts
United States Department of Agriculture: MyPlate.gov
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When you have diabetes, you have special concerns you need to manage to stay healthy. When you are pregnant and have diabetes, you also are faced with unique challenges. But it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy, even with diabetes. You just need to take extra care before and during your pregnancy.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body doesn’t make or use the hormone insulin properly. It causes too much blood glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. This can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney failure, or blindness. The 3 most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1. This occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin. You must take insulin to control it.
Type 2. This occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to insulin as it should. It can sometimes be controlled through diet and exercise. Some people need to take insulin or medicine to manage it.
Gestational diabetes. This is a special kind of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. It usually goes away soon after the baby is born. It is different than having diabetes before you are pregnant. However, it can put you at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in later years.
How does diabetes affect a pregnant woman?
When diabetes is managed properly and blood sugar levels are controlled, you shouldn’t see many problems. However, if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, diabetes can lead to problems for a pregnant woman, including:
Making some long-term diabetes problems worse. These include eye problems and kidney disease.
Increasing the risk of developing preeclampsia. This is when you develop high blood pressure and too much protein in your urine. It can cause serious or life-threatening problems for you and your baby.
Increasing the risk of having a miscarriage or stillbirth. A miscarriage is the loss of a baby before 20 weeks. A stillbirth means the baby dies in the womb sometime after 20 weeks.
Increasing the likelihood you will need a Caesarean section. Also called a C-section, this is when surgery is done to deliver the baby through the mother’s belly. It takes longer for the mother to recover and comes with risks of complications, as in any surgery.
How does diabetes affect a developing baby?
Having high blood sugar can harm your baby as soon as it starts developing. These problems can include:
Birth defects.The baby’s organs form during the first 2 months of pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar can affect those organs and cause birth defects. These include defects in the brain, spine, and heart.
A large baby.When your blood sugar is high, the baby’s is too. This causes the baby to grow to a larger-than-normal size. It can lead to problems during delivery for both the mother and the baby. Large babies are also more likely to be obese or have diabetes when they are older.
Preterm birth.This is when the baby is born too early. Babies born early have a higher chance of having problems with their breathing, heart, intestines, and vision. Women with diabetes are more likely to have their babies early.
Low blood sugar.When a mother doesn’t control her diabetes during pregnancy, the baby’s blood sugar can dip very low after birth. This can be serious and must be treated quickly.
Path to improved health
When diabetes is well-controlled and blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range, you increase your chance of having a healthy baby. Follow these steps to have a healthy pregnancy when you have diabetes.
Plan ahead
Make an appointment with your doctor before you become pregnant. They will probably run tests to see how diabetes has affected your body. They will help you get your blood sugar levels under control and make sure it is safe for you to become pregnant.
See your doctor
When you have diabetes, you need to see your doctor more often than if you didn’t have diabetes. Go to all your prenatal appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. Ask your doctor if you should see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or nephrologist (kidney specialist) during your pregnancy.
Eat healthy
See a dietitian if you don’t have one already. They can help you create a healthy meal plan that will help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Follow the plan and eat a healthy diet to help your baby be healthy.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of diabetes management, especially when you’re pregnant. It helps balance food intake and keeps your blood sugar under control. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week.
Take your medicine
Whether its vitamins, diabetes pills, or insulin, take your medicine as your doctor prescribes. They may adjust what you take once you become pregnant. Some women with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may need to take insulin during pregnancy. For others, diabetes can be controlled with oral medicines. Even if you were taking insulin before becoming pregnant, the amount you need will change when you are pregnant. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Medicine amounts may change as your pregnancy progresses.
Monitor your blood sugar often
Your blood sugar levels can change very quickly when you are pregnant. Follow your doctor’s instructions and check your sugar levels often. This will allow you to see how exercise, diet choices, insulin, or other medicines affect your blood sugar. That way you can adjust as they are needed. It will also allow you to see when your levels are getting too low before you have a severe reaction. Stress and illness also can affect your blood sugar levels.
Follow other healthy pregnancy guidelines
As with any pregnancy, there are certain things you should do for the best health for you and your baby.
Don’t smoke.It can increase your chance of having a preterm or stillborn baby. It can also increase diabetes-related health problems, such as eye, heart, or kidney disease.
Avoid alcohol.Alcohol can lead to serious problems in your baby that could affect it for the rest of its life.
Take your vitamins.Folic acid is an important vitamin to take during pregnancy. You should start taking it before you become pregnant and continue throughout the pregnancy. Ask your doctor how much folic acid you should be taking, or if there are any other vitamins you should take.
Things to consider
Your body goes through many changes when you are pregnant. Any of these changes can affect your blood sugar at any time. They also can affect how you manage your diabetes. Even if your diabetes has been well-controlled in the past, you may need to change your habits. This includes your meal plan, your exercise routine, and the medicines you take. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to change your management plan again. Be flexible and listen to your doctor. Follow their instructions. Take care of yourself and monitor your blood sugar levels to strive for a healthy pregnancy.
Postpartum
After you give birth (usually in the hospital) a pediatrician will check your baby for low blood glucose. Your baby was getting blood glucose from you (and making extra insulin to compensate) and will need time to readjust.
Your insulin needs will also decline—drastically—which puts you at risk for hypoglycemia too. Within just a few hours, your blood glucose levels might be back to the levels they were at before you were pregnant.
See your doctor within two weeks for a checkup. If you have type 2 diabetes and weren’t previously using insulin, you might be able to switch back to an oral medication, though some women prefer to stay on insulin longer because it doesn’t get into breast milk.
Whatever treatment you opt for, breastfeeding is strongly recommended by most health care providers. It helps lower your blood glucose and children who are exclusively breastfed have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. Not only that, but studies have found that mothers with gestational diabetes have a lower risk of developing type 2 in the future if they breastfeed.
Note that nursing requires a lot of energy. To prevent dangerous low blood sugar, remember to check your blood glucose before you breastfeed and, unless it’s already high, eat a snack.
Also know that postpartum depression is common in women with diabetes. Combine managing your diabetes, caring for a newborn, lack of sleep and major hormonal shifts, and you have a recipe for a potentially serious mood disorder. If your “baby blues” don’t improve after two weeks, or if you’re overcome by feelings of sadness or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. When you do checkups with your doctor, tell them so you can get treated and start feeling better.
Questions to ask your doctor
How can I control my blood sugar?
How often should I check my blood sugar?
Do I need to take diabetes pills or insulin?
Is it safe for the baby to take diabetes medicine?
Do I need to take any vitamins or supplements?
Should I see a dietitian?
Should I see an ophthalmologist?
What exercises can I do to stay active while I’m pregnant?
Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?
Resources
American Diabetes Association: Diabetes and Pregnancy
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes and Pregnancy
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes
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Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada. It is also called coneflower. It is a member of the daisy family of plants. Echinacea has been a popular herbal remedy for centuries. Today, it is often used to prevent or treat viruses that cause colds, sore throats, or the flu.
You can find echinacea products in most drug stores or health food stores. It comes in teas, capsules, pills, liquid extracts, or dried herbs. It is one of the most popular herbs in the United States.
Path to improved health
Many people use echinacea as a dietary supplement for infections such as the common cold. They believe it stimulates the immune system. This helps the body do a better job fighting the infection. This can result in the sickness not lasting as long. Some people take it when they are well to prevent getting an infection.
If you want to treat your cold or flu with echinacea, talk to your family doctor first. Also, make sure you do your research. The FDA does not have to approve dietary supplements before they are sold. In some supplements, the ingredients do not match what the label says. Find a company that quality tests its products. Then you will know you are taking the right thing.
Read the package label carefully. Echinacea can come in many different strengths and dosages. It can also come mixed with other supplements. Follow the directions on the package. Only take the recommended dosage. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
Most brands say you should avoid taking echinacea on an empty stomach. They recommend taking it with food or a large glass of water. Don’t take echinacea for more than a few weeks. The long-term safety has not been studied thoroughly.
Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea or other supplements. They can tell you if it will interfere with any other medicines you take. They can also recommend what dosage you should take.
Store all herbal products out of reach and out of sight of young children. Keep them in a cool, dry place so they do not lose effectiveness. Do not store them in bathrooms, which get hot and humid.
Things to consider
Does it work?
Many studies have been done on echinacea’s effect on the common cold. So far, researchers have not found conclusive evidence on its effectiveness. They don’t believe that taking it after you come down with a cold will shorten the time you are sick. Taking it when you are well may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold.
What are the side effects?
Echinacea can cause minor side effects. These can include an upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also worsen asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor right away about any side effects you are having.
Some people are allergic to plants in the daisy family. These could include daisies, ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. This may put you at more risk of having an allergic reaction to echinacea.
Who should not take echinacea?
Echinacea is generally safe, but not for everyone. Do not take echinacea if you have any of the following conditions:
In addition, you should not take echinacea if you take immunosuppressants. It may interact with these medicines.
Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea if any of the following apply to you.
You take other medicines regularly or are being treated for a chronic condition (echinacea may interact with other medicines and reduce their effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects)
You drink alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs (these substances may affect the way echinacea works)
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Questions to ask your doctor
Will echinacea help my cold?
Is it safe for me to take it?
What is the best dosage for me?
How long should I take it?
What else can I do to ease my symptoms or shorten the duration of my cold?
Resources
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Echinacea
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
Exercise can make a real difference for people who have diabetes. Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It also lowers your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is a condition that is common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and improve your overall health.
Path to improved health
Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. The type of exercise you can do will mainly depend on whether you have any other health problems. Most doctors recommend aerobic exercise. This type of exercise makes you breathe deeply and makes your heart work harder. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, aerobic dance, or bicycling. If you have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, you may need to choose other exercises. Your doctor may want you to do a type of exercise that won’t put too much stress on your feet. These exercises include swimming, bicycling, rowing, or chair exercises.
No matter what kind of exercise you do, you should warm up before you start and cool down when you’re done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.
When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of your workout as you get more fit. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
Should I drink more fluids during exercise?
Yes. When you’re exercising, your body uses more fluid to keep you cool. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration (not enough fluid in your body) can affect your blood sugar level. Drink plenty of fluid before, during, and after exercise. Make sure you are drinking water or sugar-free drinks so you aren’t raising your sugar levels.
Exercise checklist for people who have diabetes
Talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you.
Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising.
Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising.
Wear the proper shoes and socks.
Drink plenty of fluid before, during, and after exercising.
Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
Have a snack handy in case your blood sugar level drops too low.
Things to consider
There are risks to exercising for people who have diabetes, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Exercise changes the way your body reacts to insulin. Regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This could cause your blood sugar level to get too low (called hypoglycemia) after exercising.
Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar level before and after exercising. There are two ways you can monitor your blood sugar level each day. It can be done through a blood glucose monitor or a continuous glucose monitoring system. Talk with your doctor about which method is best for you.
If your blood sugar level is too low or too high just before you plan to exercise, wait. It’s better to wait until the level improves. Also, be sure to watch your blood sugar level if you exercise in really hot or cold conditions. Temperature changes how your body absorbs insulin.
When to see a doctor
Your blood sugar may be normal when you begin exercising but quickly drop during your workout. Be sensitive to this. Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually, so you need to pay attention to how you’re feeling during exercise. If you have any of these symptoms, stop exercising:
A significant change in your heartbeat that doesn’t feel right
If it feels like your heart is skipping a beat or beating irregularly
If you feel shaky or anxious
If you suddenly begin to sweat more than normal
Follow your doctor’s advice about how to treat hypoglycemia. If you begin to feel worse, call your doctor immediately.
Questions for your doctor
Am I healthy enough to begin an exercise program?
What kinds of exercises should I do?
Are there any exercises I should avoid?
Do I have any other health conditions that would affect my ability to exercise?
Am I taking any medication that would interfere with exercise?
How does exercise affect my blood glucose?
How does exercise affect my diabetes?
Resources
American Diabetes Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Get Active!
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Diabetes and Exercise
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
The three most common types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment is aimed at removing the cancer cells or destroying them with medicines or by other means.
Some cancers cannot be cured. Some people choose to focus on quality of life and opt not to have treatment. In these cases, they may rely on palliative and hospice care. Palliative care can help provide comfort and treat symptoms. It can begin as early as diagnosis. Hospice care begins nearer the end of life. That is typically when the person is not expected to survive for more than 6 months.
Surgery
Surgery is a way to physically remove the cancer. Surgery can be very successful in treating some kinds of cancer. But it isn’t an option in all cases. It may be possible to safely remove a tumor and any affected surrounding tissue if:
The cancer is in the form of a malignant tumor (a tumor that spreads).
The tumor is still in one place (localized).
Surgery may not be possible if:
The cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The tumor cannot be removed without damaging vital organs, such as the liver or brain.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells so that they can’t multiply. The radiation is in the form of special X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons. There is usually no pain during this kind of therapy. Depending on the area that is treated, side effects from radiation damage to normal tissues may occur. Your doctor can tell you what to expect. Radiotherapy is sometimes the only treatment needed. It can also be used with other therapies. A combination of surgery and radiotherapy may be used for tumors that grow in one place.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to attack the cancer cells. This treatment sometimes causes a lot of fear because the side effects can be severe. However, not all people experience severe side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy can often be treated with other medicines.
Chemotherapy is usually used when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body. It can also be used in combination with surgery and radiation. Sometimes the tumor is surgically removed. Then chemotherapy is used to make sure any remaining cancer cells are killed.
Other specialized treatments may be available. Your doctor may talk to you about these treatments if they are an option for you.
Digoxin is a medicine used to treat certain heart problems such as heart failure. Heart failure results when the heart can’t pump blood well enough to supply the body’s needs. If you have heart failure, digoxin can improve your heart’s ability to pump blood. This will often improve symptoms such as shortness of breath.
Digoxin can also help people who have a rapid or irregular heartbeat. This can be caused by a heart problem called atrial fibrillation. Digoxin helps by slowing down and controlling the heart rate.
Digoxin comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. It works with minerals in the cells of the heart to reduce strain and keep the heart beating normally.
Path to improved health
How should I take my digoxin?
It’s very important to take your digoxin exactly as your doctor tells you. Digoxin is usually taken once a day. You should try to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, you can take it if less than 12 hours have passed since your normal dosage time. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose altogether. You don’t want to double up on digoxin doses.
It may take several weeks to several months for digoxin to start working. Don’t be surprised if you don’t feel better right away. Keep taking your digoxin, even after you are feeling better. Don’t suddenly stop taking your digoxin. This could make your heart problems worse. Call your doctor if you have any problems taking the medicine.
Do any foods or other medicines affect how digoxin works?
Some medicines and foods can decrease the amount of digoxin your body absorbs. These include:
Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
Some cholesterol-lowering medicines (cholestyramine and colestipol)
Certain medicines that treat gastrointestinal issues, such metoclopramide or sulfasalazine
Some antidiarrheal medicines that contain kaolin and pectin
Bulk laxatives (such as psyllium, Metamucil, or Citrucel)
High-fiber foods (such as bran muffins) or nutritional supplements (such as Ensure)
Don’t take these medicines or eat high-fiber foods too close to the time you take your digoxin. It could mean that you’ll have too little digoxin in your bloodstream to help your heart. It is better to take digoxin on an empty stomach. Check with your doctor before taking any of the medicines listed above. If your doctor says it’s okay to take these medicines, wait 2 hours between a dose of digoxin and a dose of these medicines.
Digoxin interacts with many other medicines, too. You should always tell your doctor and your pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. This includes any over-the-counter medicines, natural remedies, and herbal medicines. Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines.
How will my doctor know if I am getting the right amount of digoxin?
The digoxin dose needed to treat heart conditions is different for different people. Your doctor may do a blood test to make sure you have the right amount of digoxin in your body. This blood test has to be done at least 6 hours after your last dose of digoxin. Tell your doctor when you normally take your digoxin. Your doctor may want you to wait to take your dose. Or they may want to schedule your appointment so that you will have your blood drawn at the right time.
Things to consider
Most people can take digoxin without experiencing many side effects. However, you could have side effects, especially if you get too much digoxin. These side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Tiredness or weakness
Slow heartbeat
Palpitations
Irregular heartbeat
Drowsiness
Confusion
Fainting
Vision changes (blurred or yellow)
It is important to pay attention to these side effects. Too much digoxin is dangerous. You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
There are also symptoms when you are not getting enough digoxin. You should discuss your condition and symptoms with your doctor. If you have heart failure, the following symptoms may mean that you are not getting enough digoxin:
More shortness of breath than usual
A decrease in your ability to climb stairs or walk
Waking up short of breath at night
Shortness of breath when you lie flat or sleep on more pillows than usual
More frequent trips to the bathroom during the night
Increased ankle swelling or feeling that your shoes are suddenly too tight
If you have atrial fibrillation, the following symptoms may mean that you are not getting enough digoxin:
Rapid pulse (more than 100 beats per minute)
Palpitations, or a feeling that your heart is racing
Change in your heart rate
Dizziness
Fainting or blackouts
If you develop any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Your doctor will decide how to adjust medication and/or manage symptoms as needed.
Questions to ask your doctor
Is digoxin the right medicine for me?
How should I take this medicine?
What are possible side effects?
What are symptoms I need to watch out for?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
How long will I need to take digoxin?
Is there a newer medicine that might help my condition with fewer side effects?
Resources
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Digoxin
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
A colposcopy is a type of women’s health exam. It’s often performed by your family doctor or a gynecologist. They use a tool called a colposcope. It shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the view.
A colposcopy often is done if you have an abnormal Pap smear. The purpose of the exam is to get a close look at the cervix. The doctor can see and diagnose problems not seen with the naked eye. For example, the doctor can detect cervical cancer at an early stage.
Path to improved health
Before the exam
A colposcopy is a short outpatient exam. It’s typically done in a doctor’s office. Prior to the exam, you should empty your bladder and bowels. Don’t douche, have sex, or use vaginal medicines or tampons 24 hours before your appointment. Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or are allergic to latex, iodine, or medicines.
During the exam
The complete exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The doctor has you lie face up on an exam table. You bend your legs and place your feet in stirrups, as you would for a pelvic exam or Pap smear. The doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina. This small tool opens your vagina so they can see inside your vagina and the outside of your cervix. Then, the doctor applies a solution of vinegar or iodine to your cervix with a cotton swab. The solution may cause a mild burning or stinging sensation. The solution makes potentially abnormal tissue turn white.
Next, the doctor looks at your cervix through the colposcope. They may take photographs with a tiny camera. If your doctor sees spots of abnormal tissue, they will perform a biopsy. This involves removing small samples of tissue from the abnormal area in or around your cervix. The samples are sent to a lab to examine.
You may experience some discomfort during the exam. You could have mild cramps caused by the speculum opening your vagina. You may feel a slight pinch and cramping if your doctor removes tissue to biopsy. Try to relax your muscles and take slow, deep breaths.
After the exam
Following the exam, you may have mild cramps. You can take an over-the-counter medicine to help relieve the pain. Ask your doctor what kind to take. You also could have some vaginal discharge for 1 or 2 days. During the biopsy, your doctor may put a thick paste on your cervix to stop any bleeding. When this paste mixes with blood, it can form a thick, dark discharge. Light spotting is normal as well. Your doctor will probably recommend wearing a sanitary pad.
You should not use a tampon, have sex, or put anything in your vagina for at least 1 week after the exam.
Things to consider
It takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the lab to process the biopsy. Your doctor’s office will contact you with the results and let you know if treatment is needed.
Normal results indicate no abnormal changes were found. Abnormal results can indicate several things:
Cervical polyps (non-cancerous growths on the cervix)
Cervical warts
HPV (human papilloma virus)
Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
Cervical dysplasia (precancerous changes in the cervical tissue)
Cervical cancer
A colposcopy doesn’t have many risks. You can have mild pain, bleeding, or discharge. A colposcopy shouldn’t prevent you from getting pregnant in the future.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms after your exam:
Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one sanitary pad per hour)
A bad-smelling vaginal odor
Severe lower stomach pain
Fever or chills
Questions to ask your doctor
Is it possible to do a colposcopy if I am pregnant?
What are the benefits and risks of a colposcopy?
How soon after a colposcopy can I return to my normal activities?
What types of treatment may be needed if my biopsy results come back abnormal?
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
