PHMC PRIVACY NOTICE

The Perpetual Help Medical Center (PHMC) respects the privacy rights of all individuals and is committed to handling personal data responsibly and in accordance with the Republic Act 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and its pertinent rules and regulations, because your privacy is important to us.

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PHMC collects the following data: 1) Personal details- name, birth, gender, civil status and affiliations; 2) Contact information- address, email, mobile and telephone numbers; 3) Medical information- physical, psychiatric and psychological information; 4)Employment information- government-issued numbers, position and functions; 5)Applicant information- academic background and previous employments; 6) Academic information- grades, course and academic standing; 7) Supplier and 3rd Party Provider information- company profile, DTI/ SEC registration, business permits and licenses, BIR registration and other business related information. PHMC may likewise collect other information that it believes are relevant to meet the requirements of government authorities and for any other legitimate purposes.

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PHMC collects Personal Data through submission by the Data Subject and by affiliates through electronic systems and platforms, e-forms, email, or through printed forms, attachments, and other documents required by its medical and administrative offices at the onset of service, transaction or processing. With regard to personal data from affiliates, PHMC maintains a Data Sharing Agreement particularizing the obligations of the parties thereto foremost of which is its protection and privacy.

PHMC collects Personal Data from Patient at entry points or upon registration at Inpatient, Outpatient and ER departments.

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PHMC collects and uses Personal Data proportionately as necessary for its legitimate purposes in providing best service to patients in accordance with the PHMC policies and in compliance with the DPA of 2012 and requirement of the Department of Health and other government bodies.

PHMC retains data in accordance with its policies on retention compliant to government rules and regulations, such as but not limited to, those from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), the Local Government Units (LGUs), among others.

Contact:Contact: Inquiries and concerns on data privacy may only be directed to PHMC Data Protection Office: PHMC

Address: Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Pinas 1704

Telephone: 8874-8515

What Is a Colposcopy?

A woman gynecologist handling a colposcope

What is a colposcopy?

Takes a close-up look at your cervix
Looks for abnormal cells
Colposcope examines your cervix
The after-effects of colposcopy

It’s always a good idea to visit your doctor for a check-up once in a while. Going to a women’s health center or a hospital can help you check for certain illnesses. A colposcopy is essential for any woman since everyone has the potential to develop cervical cancer. It can scope out any potential cancer cells or abnormal cells.

Interested in learning more? Here’s what you need to know about colposcopy.

Takes a Close-Up Look at Your Cervix

A colposcopy is a quick and easy way to look at the condition of the cells in your cervix. This is a type of cervical cancer test that can be beneficial specifically for adult women. Take note that this is different from your regular pap smear. A pap smear is an initial test that takes a cell sample from your cervix. This sample is then tested for any changes. If it shows abnormal cells or HPV positive results, a colposcopy can be done to confirm your condition.

The results of your colposcopy can take 1-2 weeks for the lab to process. Your doctor will contact once the results are out. The abnormal results you should watch out for are as follows:

Cervical Polyps
Cervical Warts
HPV (a biopsy can determine which strain of HPV it is)
Cervicitis
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical Cancer

Looks For Abnormal Cells

An asian woman lying in pain on a couch clutching her stomach

Having a colposcopy can detect any developing abnormal cells in your cervix, vagina, or vulva. These abnormal cells are also called precancerous tissues. Your doctor may find other health conditions such as genital warts and noncancerous polyps. Through an instrument called a colposcope, your doctor will have a well illuminated, magnified view of the tissues in your cervix.

Colposcope Examines Your Cervix

Medical instruments laid out on a table vaginal speculum, gloves

A colposcopy is a short outpatient exam that is typically done in the doctor’s office. Prior to the exam, you will be asked to empty your bladder and bowels. Remember to avoid sexual contact, douching, vaginal medicines, and tampons for 24 hours before your appointment. Inform your doctor of any allergies to latex, iodine, and other medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you’re pregnant as well.

The entire colposcopy exam takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. The doctor will ask you to lie face up on the examination table. You will need to bend your legs and place your feet on the stirrups. This is the same as you would for any pelvic exam or pap smear.

The procedure begins with the insertion of a speculum into your vagina. This is a small tool used to extend your vagina’s opening so that the doctor has a clear view of the inside and the outside of your cervix. Your doctor will then apply iodine or vinegar to your cervix with a cotton swab. These solutions allow any abnormal cells to turn white.

After swabbing the solution, the doctor will proceed to use the colposcope. A small camera may be used to take photos. If your doctor spots any abnormal cells, you will need to have a biopsy. The biopsy will remove tissue samples from the abnormal areas or your cervix. The samples are then sent to the lab for further analysis.

Be aware that discomfort may be experienced during the exam. You might feel a slight cramping sensation or pinching when the doctor removes tissue from the biopsy. This is normal, but if you experience any severe pain, inform your doctor immediately.

The After-Effects of Colposcopy

A sanitary napkin laid out on a pink background with red glitter on top to symbolize vaginal blood discharge

After the exam, you may experience mild cramps. Over-the-counter medicine can be used to reduce cramping. You can also ask your doctor to give you a specific recommendation or prescription after the procedure. Be prepared to experience vaginal discharge 1-2 days after the colposcopy.

If you had a biopsy after your colposcopy, your doctor will add a liquid bandage solution to the affected areas. It mixes with blood once healing begins. It can be discharged out of your vagina in the form of a thick, dark discharge. Prepare to experience spotting for the next few days. This is normal and your doctor will recommend that you use a sanitary pad. Contact your doctor if you experience the following:

Heavy vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding for more than 7 days
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain and cramps that don’t improve even after oral medicine
Fevers greater than 38 degrees Celsius

Key Takeaway

Have a colposcopy if you suspect that you have abnormalities in your cervix, vagina, or vulva. This can determine if you have any dangerous infections or cancerous cells. Prevention is key and early detection of these abnormalities can save and improve the quality of your life.