A special magnifying device with a light, called a colposcope, is used to visually examine the cervix and vagina.
Colposcopy is usually done when a:
This procedure can be used to:
-
Help diagnose
cervical cancer
or precancerous changes
- Give more information about abnormal cells found on a pap smear
-
Find the location where a tissue
biopsy
should be done
- Monitor treatment of abnormalties of the cervix
- Allow a visual inspection of the cervix, vaginal walls, or vulva
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have colposcopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Discomfort
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
In the 24 hours leading up to the procedure, your doctor may advise you to avoid:
- Douching
- Having sexual intercourse
- Using medicine or creams in your vagina
Anesthesia
Usually no anesthesia is needed. In certain cases, the cervix may be numbed with a local anesthetic.
Description of the Procedure
You will lie on your back with your feet in foot rests. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. The vaginal walls will be spread apart to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix. The doctor will place the colposcope at the opening of the vagina. Then, the doctor will wipe the cervix with a solution. The solution will make abnormal areas easier to see. The cervix and vagina will be examined closely with the colposcope. The doctor may use a long tool to take a sample of tissue from the cervix or vaginal wall.
How Long Will It Take?
About 5-10 minutes
How Much Will It Hurt?
This procedure is usually painless. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a slight pinch and mild cramping.
Post-procedure Care
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- If you did not have a biopsy, return to normal activities. You may have light bleeding for a couple of days.
- If you have a biopsy, you may feel sore for a day or two. You may also have bleeding and dark discharge. You may need to use a sanitary pad for a few days. Do not put anything into your vagina for at least a week. Do not use tampons, have sex, or douche.
- Baths and showers are OK.
Results from a biopsy should be ready in about one week. The results will determine whether you need further testing or treatment.
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Heavy bleeding
- Fever, chills
- Severe pain
- Bad-smelling vaginal discharge
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Colposcopy. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2000.
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology.
Practice Bulletin No. 99.
December 2008.
Colposcopy. National Women’s Health Information Center website. Available at:
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/colposcopy.htm. Accessed March 16, 2004.
Colposcopy: patient information. Louisiana State University Health Science Center website. Available at:
http://lib-sh.lsumc.edu/fammed/pted/colpopre.html. Accessed March 16, 2004.
Last reviewedDecember 2011by
Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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