Colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device called a colposcope. It shines a light onto the vagina and cervix. A colposcope can enlarge the normal view by 2–60 times. This exam allows the doctor to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.
This sheet explains
Colposcopy is done when a Pap test result shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
Colposcopy is done when a Pap test result shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Colposcopy provides more information about the abnormal cells. Colposcopy also may be used to further assess other problems:
Sometimes colposcopy may need to be done more than once. It also can be used to check the result of a treatment.
Colposcopy is done like a Pap test in a doctor’s office. You may be referred to another doctor or to a special clinic to have it done.
Colposcopy may involve taking pictures of your vagina and cervix. Your doctor will talk to you about it before the procedure.
The procedure is best done when a woman is not having her period. This gives the doctor a better view of the cervix. For at least 24 hours before the test, you should not
As with a pelvic exam, you will lie on your back with your feet raised and placed on foot rests for support. A speculum will be used to hold apart the vaginal walls so that the inside of the vagina and the cervix can be seen. The colposcope is placed just outside the opening of your vagina.
A mild solution will be applied to your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab or cotton ball. This liquid makes abnormal areas on the cervix easier to see. You may feel a slight burning.
During colposcopy, the doctor may see abnormal areas. A biopsy of these areas may be done.
During a biopsy, a small piece of abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix. The sample is removed with a special device.
Cells also may be taken from the canal of the cervix. A special device is used to collect the cells. This is called endocervical curettage (ECC).
If a biopsy was taken, the tissue will be studied in a lab. When biopsy results come back from the lab, your doctor will discuss them with you. Depending on the results, you may need to be checked more often, or you may need further testing or treatments.
If you have a colposcopy without a biopsy, you should feel fine right away. You can do the things you normally do. You may have a little spotting for a couple of days.
If you have a colposcopy with a biopsy, your vagina may feel sore for 1 or 2 days. You may have some vaginal bleeding. You also may have a dark discharge for a few days. This may occur from medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site. You may need to wear a sanitary pad until the discharge stops.
Your doctor may suggest you limit your activity for a brief time. While the cervix heals, you will be told not to put anything into your vagina for a short time:
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these problems:
A Pap test is a good way to find cervical changes that could become cancer. Colposcopy gives more information if a Pap test result is abnormal. Talk with your doctor about the results of your colposcopy and biopsy.
Glossary
Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of tissue that is then examined under a microscope in a laboratory.
Cervix: The opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.
Polyps: Benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from membrane tissue, such as that lining the inside of the uterus.
Speculum: An instrument used to hold apart the walls of the vagina so that the cervix can be seen.
Vagina: A passageway surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body; also known as the birth canal.
