Colposcopy

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple medical exam that lets your health care provider take a closer look at your cervix, vagina, and vulva. The provider uses a special instrument called a colposcope. It has a bright light and works like a small microscope to help the provider see the area clearly. 

Your health care provider may recommend a colposcopy if your Pap test or pelvic exam shows any changes, or if you have a type of HPV (human papillomavirus) that can increase the risk for cervical cancer. 

During the colposcopy, your health care provider looks closely at your cervix to check for: 

• Abnormal cells
• Signs of infection
• Early changes that can be treated before they become cancer

If your provider sees any area that looks abnormal, they may do a biopsy. This means removing a small sample of tissue to send to the lab for testing. The tests look for signs of disease or cell changes, including early signs of cervical cancer. 

Getting ready for a colposcopy

Your care team will tell you if you need to do anything special to get ready for your colposcopy. 

You may need to:

• Schedule the appointment when you are not on your period if possible. You can have a colposcopy during your period. But you may have to reschedule if you are bleeding heavily.
• Avoid sexual activity, douching, or using tampons for 48 hours before the exam.
• Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Colposcopy during pregnancy is generally considered safe. But it raises the risk of bleeding after a biopsy.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Bring a trusted adult or friend for support if you want.
• Ask your doctor if you could take a pain medicine like ibuprofen.
• Use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help reduce anxiety if needed.

Before the colposcopy

Before the colposcopy, your provider will explain why it is needed. They may ask you about your health history and any medicines you take. 

Ask your care team any questions you have. 

During the colposcopy

During the colposcopy: 

• You will undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown.
• You will lie on your back on an exam table. You will put your feet in footrests called stirrups.
• Your provider will place a small tool called a speculum in your vagina. It lets your provider get a better view of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. You may feel some pressure or discomfort. 
• They will use the light and magnification lens to closely examine your vulva, vagina, and cervix. The colposcope stays outside of your vagina. 
• The provider will swab your vagina and cervix with a liquid that makes it easier to see any abnormal areas. You may feel pressure, mild cramping, or stinging.
• If your provider sees something unusual, they may do a biopsy. It may cause some discomfort or cramping. After the biopsy, the provider may use a liquid to help stop bleeding. 
• The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes.

After the colposcopy

After the colposcopy:

• You may have light bleeding or discharge for a few days, especially if you had a biopsy.
• Use pads, not tampons, if you have bleeding.
• Avoid sexual activity, tampons, and heavy exercise for a week or long as your provider recommends.

Your provider will tell you when to expect your test results and what they mean.

What results mean

After the procedure, you will find out if the results were normal or abnormal.

• Normal means no abnormal cells were found.
• Abnormal means that the test showed abnormal cells. Some cells may be precancerous, meaning that the cells may become cancerous over time. Your provider will tell you if you need more tests or treatment.

Possible risks of colposcopy

A colposcopy is considered safe. But, like any procedure, there are some risks. Risks may include:

• Mild cramping or discomfort
• Light bleeding or discharge
• Infection or heavier bleeding after a biopsy (This is rare.)

When to call your care team

You should call your care team if you have:

• Heavy bleeding
• Bleeding that lasts for more than 7 days
• Bad-smelling discharge
• Severe pain or cramping
• A fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher
• Any other symptoms that worry you

Questions to ask your care team

• Why do I need a colposcopy?
• How is a colposcopy different from a pelvic exam or Pap test?
• Are there ways to make the procedure more comfortable?
• How will I learn my results?
• What happens if my results are abnormal?
• When should I come back for a follow-up exam?

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