What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device called a colposcope. It shines a light into the vagina and onto the cervix. A colposcope can greatly enlarge the normal view. This exam allows the health care provider to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.

Why is colposcopy done?

Colposcopy is done when cervical cancer screening test show abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. A colposcopy offers more information about the abnormal cells. Colposcopy may also be used to assess other problems:

• Genital warts on the cervix
• Cervicitis (an inflamed cervix)
• Benign (not cancer) growths, such as polyps
• Pain
• Bleeding

How is the procedure performed?

Colposcopy is done in a doctor’s office. You may be referred to another health care provider or to a special clinic to have it done. The procedure is done when a women is not have her menstrual period. This allows the health care provider a better view of the cervix. For at least 24 hours prior to the test you should not:

• Douche
• Use tampons
• Use vaginal medications
• Have sex

As with a pelvic exam you will lie on your back with your feet placed in foot rests. A speculum will be placed to hold apart the vaginal walls so that the inside of the vagina and cervix can be seen. The colposcope is placed just outside the opening of your vagina. A mild solution will be applied to your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab. The liquid makes abnormal areas on the cervix easier to see. You may feel slight burning.

When is a biopsy done during colposcopy?

During colposcopy, the health care provider may see abnormal areas. A biopsy of these areas may be done. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed from the cervix. Cells also may be taken from the canal of the cervix. A endocervical curettage (ECC) is used to collect the tissue and cells.

What should you expect during recovery?

If you have colposcopy without a biopsy, you should feel fine right away. You can resume to normal activities and may experience a little spotting.

If you have a colposcopy with a biopsy, you may have pain and discomfort for 1 or 2 days. Over-the-counter pain medications may be helpful. You may have some vaginal bleeding and a dark discharge for a few days. This may occur from medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site.

Your health care provider may suggest you limit your activity for a brief time. While the cervix heals, you will be told not to put anything into your vagina for a short time:

• Do not have sex
• Do not use tampons
• Do not douche

If you experience the following problems, contact your health care provider right away:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one sanitary pad per hour)
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Chills