Colposcopy: Overview
Colposcopy lets a doctor look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. If the doctor sees a possible problem, they can take a small sample of tissue. This is called a biopsy. Then another doctor studies the tissue under a microscope.
Most people have this procedure after they have abnormal results from a Pap or human papillomavirus (HPV) test.
During the test, your doctor puts a lubricated tool into your vagina. This is called a speculum. It opens the vagina a little bit. This allows your doctor to see inside your vagina and the cervix. The doctor also uses a magnifying device to help see better. This device does not go inside your vagina.
The doctor may put vinegar or iodine on your cervix. This can help the doctor to see any areas that are not normal. Sometimes the doctor also takes photos or videos.
When the speculum goes in, it can feel a little uncomfortable. If the doctor does a biopsy, you may feel a pinch and have some cramping.
Why is a colposcopy done?
Colposcopy is done to:
- Look at the cervix for problem areas when a Pap test was abnormal. If an area of abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy is often done.
- Check a sore or other problem (such as genital warts) found on or around the vagina and cervix.
- Follow up on abnormal areas seen on a previous colposcopy. It can also be done to see if treatment for a problem worked.
- Look at the cervix for problem areas if an HPV test shows a high-risk type of HPV.
How is a colposcopy done?
This test can be done in your doctor's office.
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist. You will be given a covering to drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table. Your feet will be supported by footrests.
The doctor will place a lubricated tool called a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit so your doctor can see inside the vagina and the cervix.
The colposcope is moved near your vagina. Your doctor looks through it at the vagina and cervix. Vinegar (acetic acid) or iodine may be used on your cervix to make abnormal areas easier to see. Photos or videos of the vagina and cervix may be taken.
If areas of abnormal tissue are found on the cervix, your doctor will take a small sample of the tissue. This is called a cervical biopsy. Usually several samples are taken. The samples are looked at under a microscope for changes in the cells that may mean cancer may be present or is likely to develop. If bleeding occurs, a special liquid (Monsel's) or silver nitrate swab may be used on the area to stop the bleeding.
If a sample of tissue is needed from inside the opening of the cervix, a test called endocervical curettage (ECC) will be done. This area can't be seen by the colposcope. So a small brush or tool called a curette is gently put into the area to take a sample. ECC takes less than a minute to do. It may cause mild cramping. An ECC is not done during pregnancy.
After colposcopy: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain.
- Bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have questions or concerns.
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