Adverse outcomes after colposcopy

Little is known about the long term adverse outcomes following colposcopy. This thesis employs a mixed method approach to investigate the long term adverse impacts of undergoing this procedure. Following a systematic review undertaken to explore the evidence base in terms of the potential impacts of colposcopy upon psycho-sexual functioning a two stage cohort study using questionnaires was undertaken employing quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. Of particular interest was whether the level of colposcopic intervention (colposcopy, biopsy or loop excision)was associated with more pronounced levels of sexual dysfunction, higher levels ofanxiety and depression and impaired quality of life. There were no significant differences observed between women undergoing colposcopy, biopsy or loop excision for any ofthe outcome measures across both stages ofthe study. Age was the only predictor found to be associated with some of the outcomes measured. The study concludes that the level of colposcopic intervention has no impact upon outcomes measured. Factors other than undergoing colposcopy are likely to explain any problems observed in this cohort