What is a colposcopy? – Procedure, purpose, and what to expect

Before your colposcopy, your provider may ask you for some information about any medications you are taking and whether you are pregnant. They may also ask about your menstrual cycle to select a suitable date for the procedure. While it is possible to undergo a colposcopy while menstruating, it is easier and more comfortable for both doctor and patient to avoid this.

In the two days before your appointment, avoid any form of vaginal penetration. This includes the use of tampons and insertion of any vaginal medications, as these may alter your colposcopy test results.

On the day of the colposcopy, patients may wish to take a simple pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to ease their discomfort during the procedure. You can also bring a friend or family member for support.

The procedure should last between 15 and 30 minutes, at the most. You will lie back on an examining table, with your feet supported. To begin, the doctor inserts a speculum to widen the vaginal opening. This may induce mild discomfort.

The doctor then uses the colposcope to examine the vagina and cervix. They will apply a special liquid solution to help highlight any abnormal cells. You may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation at this stage.

In many cases, colposcopy and biopsy are performed together. For the biopsy, a tiny tissue sample will be taken from the cervix to be analysed in a laboratory later. You may experience a pinching or pinprick sensation, accompanied by mild pressure, during this stage. In our clinic we use local anaesthetic prior to taking cervical biopsies to minimise any discomfort.

Post-procedure, you should be able to return to your routine for the most part. You may, however, experience some cramping, similar to period pain. Light bleeding after a colposcopy is also possible if you had a biopsy. The bleeding should subside within a few days. If it persists for any longer, please contact your doctor.

Use pads to manage bleeding and discharge and avoid any vaginal penetration for the days following the procedure.

It will take a few days to have the result of the biopsy. We will explain the results to you, and if you need further treatment, we will discuss that with you.

If your results are abnormal, the following steps will vary. You might need medication and a repeat colposcopy in 6 months. Possible treatments include a large loop excision, or LLETZ procedure, which uses an electrically-powered wire loop to remove abnormal tissue, or a cone biopsy, in which a cone-shaped tissue sample is taken from the cervix for further analysis.

LLETZ has a brief recovery time, and most patients can return to their normal lives within a day.