Preparing for a colposcopy
If your cervical screening test reveals that you have cervical cell changes, your GP will refer you for a colposcopy examination. The colposcopy will be carried out at your nearest colposcopy clinic, which will usually be located in the outpatients department of your local hospital.
You may not be able to have a colposcopy if you are on your period, because this may make it harder to accurately assess the cells in your cervix. If your period starts when you are due to have your colposcopy, ask the colposcopy clinic whether it will need to be rescheduled. A colposcopy can be performed during pregnancy.
If you feel nervous about having a colposcopy, it may be possible for a friend or relative to be present during the procedure to help you feel more at ease.
For at least 24 hours before your colposcopy you should avoid:
- using a tampon
- using vaginal creams or pessaries (medication that is inserted into the vagina)
- having sexual intercourse
- washing directly inside your vagina (douching)
Before the colposcopy
Before having a colposcopy, your colposcopist (a specially trained doctor or nurse) will explain the procedure to help put you at ease. They will ask you questions about your:
- periods
- the type of contraception that you are using
- your general health
You will be asked to undress from the waist down. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, you might want to wear a skirt that can be lifted up without having to take it off.
Do not feel embarrassed about having a colposcopy. Although this type of procedure may make you feel self-conscious, it is important to remember that your colposcopist will be used to examining women in this way.
During the colposcopy
A nurse will help you into position on a special type of couch, which has padded supports for your legs. During the procedure, you will lie on your back with your knees drawn up and your legs apart. If you are uncomfortable lying in this position, your colposcopist may be able to perform the procedure while you are lying on your side with your knees drawn up towards you.
An instrument called a speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to hold it open and allow the colposcopist to access your cervix. They will then use a colposcope to examine your cervix.
A colposcope is a magnifying instrument that has a light source attached to it and looks similar to a pair of binoculars. The colposcope does not touch you or go inside you; it just allows the colposcopist to examine the cells inside your cervix.
Your colposcopist may put some liquids directly onto your cervix (using a cotton swab) to help them see any abnormal cells more clearly. Any abnormal cells will show up as a different colour. The solutions that may be used are:
- acetic acid (a vinegar-like solution)
- an iodine solution
You should tell the colposcopist if you have an allergy to iodine. When the liquid is applied to your cervix you may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation. This will only be mild, and most people do not feel any burning at all.
If abnormal cells are found, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from your cervix. This should not be painful, although you may feel a slight stinging sensation. If necessary, you may be given a local anaesthetic (medication to numb the area).
See the Health A-Z topic about Biopsy for more information about this procedure.
It usually takes around 20 minutes for your cervical investigation to be carried out, but allow about an hour for the whole visit.
After the colposcopy
You will usually be allowed to go home straight after having a colposcopy. Following the examination and for a few days afterwards you may have a slight brown or black vaginal discharge. You may want to bring a sanitary towel with you to use after the examination.
Seek advice from your GP if, after having a colposcopy, you experience:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
- bright red heavy vaginal bleeding (where you need to use one sanitary pad or more an hour)
- severe cramps and lower tummy pain
- chills
These symptoms may indicate the presence of an infection.
Check-ups
Following a colposcopy, you will usually need to attend a check-up appointment to ensure that the cells in your cervix have returned to normal. You will usually have a check-up appointment four to six months after having a colposcopy.
As part of the check-up you may need to have a cervical screening test (where a sample of cells is taken from your cervix) or you may need to have another colposcopy. You may also need to have a further check-up appointment six months later.
