Key points
- Light bleeding or spotting for up to a week is normal.
- A brown, black or gritty discharge for a few days is common if a solution was used to stop bleeding.
- For 7 days, or until bleeding settles, avoid sex, tampons, menstrual cups, swimming and baths.
- Most people return to work or study the same day or the next day.
- Results usually take 1–2 weeks. I will contact you to explain them.
What is normal, and what is not
Expected
- Mild cramping, like period pain, for a day or two
- Light bleeding or spotting for up to a week
- Brown, black or coffee-ground discharge for a few days
- A slightly heavier next period
Please contact me
- Heavy bleeding: soaking a pad in an hour, or large clots
- A temperature above 38°C, or feeling unwell
- Discharge with an unpleasant smell
- Pain not eased by simple pain relief
- Bleeding that continues beyond two weeks
Caring for yourself
- Pain relief
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the packet, is usually enough.
- Pads, not tampons
- Use pads or panty liners for 7 days, or until bleeding settles. Avoid tampons and menstrual cups.
- Sex
- Wait until bleeding has settled, usually around 7 days.
- Bathing
- Showers are fine. Avoid baths, swimming pools and spas for 7 days. Do not douche.
- Activity
- Gentle walking is fine. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 24 to 48 hours.
- Work and driving
- Most people drive and return to work or study the same day or the next day.
Results and follow-up
- Day 0Colposcopy and biopsy
- Days 1 to 7Spotting and discharge settle
- 1–2 weeksResults discussed with you and sent to your GP
- Next stepRepeat test, monitoring or treatment
The biopsy shows which cells are present at the area sampled. I will combine it with what was seen at colposcopy and your screening history to recommend the next step. The Understanding your biopsy results, explains the terms you may see, such as LSIL, HSIL and CIN.
Common questions
What is the dark discharge?
It is usually the solution used to stop bleeding, mixed with a little blood. It is harmless and passes within a few days.
My period is due. Is that a problem?
No. It may be a little heavier than usual. Use pads rather than tampons for this period if it falls within 7 days.
I am pregnant. Is the biopsy safe?
Yes. The cervix may bleed a little more in pregnancy, but a biopsy does not harm the pregnancy. Use the pregnancy contacts below if you are worried.
Do I need to tell my partner?
That is your choice. HPV is very common, and partners do not need testing or treatment.
The bleeding stopped, then started again. Is that normal?
Yes. Spotting can come and go for up to a week as the area heals. Contact me if it becomes heavy.
Can I use vaginal creams or lubricant?
Wait until any bleeding or discharge has settled, usually a few days, unless I have prescribed a cream.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How many biopsies were taken, and from where?
- When and how will I receive my results?
- What would each possible result mean for me?
When to seek help
Contact me if you have heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour), a temperature above 38°C, discharge with an unpleasant smell, or pain not eased by simple pain relief. If bleeding is very heavy or you feel faint, call 000.
Who to call
- Rooms
- 03 8400 6193 — appointments and non-urgent questions, business hours
- Urgent, after hours
- Dr James Aridas, 0459 706 061 — urgent gynaecology concerns, and pregnancy concerns before 20 weeks
- From 20 weeks pregnant
- The birth suite at your booked hospital: Epworth Freemasons 03 9483 3833 · Cabrini Malvern 03 9508 6000 · Jessie McPherson 03 9594 2776
- Emergency
- Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department