Having a colposcopy

There are a few reasons a colposcopy may have been recommended for you. The most common reasons are:

• your cervical screening test found a certain type of human papillomavirus, or HPV
• you may have changes in the cells of your cervix or the appearance of your cervix, or
• you are experiencing symptoms.

A colposcopy is a short procedure, like a cervical screening test, that allows a closer examination of your cervix to help your health care providers work out the next steps for you.

Most people won’t need any treatment, some may need a simple treatment, and very few will have cervical cancer, which can be treated in a variety of ways.

If you do need treatment, of any kind, your doctor will discuss your options with you.

First, call the clinic you were referred to and confirm your appointment.

If you will have your period on the day of your appointment, let the clinic know since some clinics may re-schedule if you are bleeding.

Please, let the clinic know if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. You can still have a colposcopy when you are pregnant, but the clinic needs to know.

In the 24 hours before your colposcopy appointment, it is better not to have sex. You can eat and drink normally.

You might like to bring a pad with you, as you may have some slight bleeding or spotting afterwards.

If, for any reason, you can’t attend your appointment, please call the clinic to re-schedule.

Remember that a colposcopy is a common procedure. Most people who have one won’t need any treatment.

Your colposcopy appointment will take around 20 to 30 minutes.

First, your doctor will talk to you about your colposcopy, ask about your cervical screening history, and answer any questions that you may have. You can ask as many questions as you like, before, and at any time during your appointment.

A colposcopy procedure is quick, and is similar to a cervical screening test.

You will be asked to take off all the clothing on the lower half of your body, in private, and lie on an examination bed, covered with a sheet, with your legs supported.

When you are ready, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and look at your cervix using a colposcope. This is a special piece of equipment, like a pair of binoculars on a stand with a strong light attached. It does not touch your body.

Once the doctor can see your cervix clearly, they will put a liquid on it which will turn abnormal cells white.

The doctor may take biopsies, or small pieces of tissue, from any areas that look abnormal.

A biopsy does not need anaesthetic; some people don’t feel it, some feel a pinch or discomfort.

If you have a biopsy, your doctor may put a medical paste on your cervix to reduce bleeding.

After your colposcopy, you can return to your usual life immediately. You can drive yourself home or catch public transport and work as normal.

If you have had a biopsy, you might feel some mild period-type pain or cramping, but this should only last a few hours.

You might have a small amount of bleeding from your vagina that may be darker than usual. Any bleeding should stop after a few days.

To reduce the risk of infection, you should not have sex, use tampons, swim, or take a bath or spa for a few days after a biopsy. Showering is fine.

Contact your doctor if you have heavy bleeding, fever, or a smelly discharge. After your colposcopy, your doctor will talk to you about the next steps.

You will usually need to wait a few weeks for your results to be ready.

If your results are normal or show only small changes, you will usually be asked to have another cervical screening test in a year with your regular GP.

If your results show more significant changes, you will need to return for treatment.

Your doctor will talk to you about your recommended treatment, which is most commonly a short procedure to remove the area of abnormal cells.