What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a diagnostic test that provides a clear view of the vagina, vulva and cervix. The procedure helps detect precancerous growths, cancer, inflammation and genital warts.
Your provider performs colposcopies with an instrument called a colposcope. This lighted, magnifying tool makes it easier to see potential issues.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
Your provider may recommend a colposcopy if they detect abnormalities during a pelvic exam or Pap test, or if you have an HPV strain associated with cervical cancer.
Colposcopy can help diagnose and guide treatment for the following conditions:
- Genital warts
- Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
- Noncancerous cervical growths, such as polyps
- Precancerous changes in cervical tissue
- Precancerous changes in vaginal tissue
- Precancerous changes in the vulva
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
How to prepare for a colposcopy procedure
Colposcopy is an outpatient office procedure that does not require much special preparation. To prepare for your colposcopy, your healthcare team may recommend:
Steps
- Avoid scheduling the procedure during your period
- Refrain from vaginal intercourse for one to two days before the colposcopy
- Do not use tampons for one to two days before the procedure
- Avoid vaginal medicines for two days prior to the colposcopy
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before your appointment
The colposcopy procedure
Having a colposcopy takes approximately 20 minutes, but you may be at your provider’s office for a few hours. You will need time to check in, talk with your provider beforehand and recover from the procedure.
Before the procedure
A colposcopy is usually no more uncomfortable than having a Pap test, and anesthesia or pain medication is not required. Your provider will explain the procedure and what to expect afterward. This is a good time to ask any questions about the procedure.
During the procedure
Throughout the procedure, you lie on your back, feet raised on footrests. Your provider inserts a speculum, the same tool used during a Pap test, into your vagina to hold your vagina open. While you’re in this position, your provider performs the colposcopy.
Your provider first applies a liquid solution to your cervix and vagina for a clearer view. Next, your provider looks through the colposcope, using the tool’s special magnifying power and attached light to detect abnormalities.
If there are abnormalities, your provider may perform a cervical biopsy, taking a small sample of tissue for review. The sample is sent to a lab to be tested for cancer or precancerous cell changes.
You may experience mild cramping during a colposcopy, but you shouldn’t feel pain. Following a biopsy, you may experience discomfort for a few days.
After the procedure
You can return home the same day as your colposcopy and return to your daily activities. You should feel normal, although you may experience spotting for one to two days afterward.
If you had a biopsy during your colposcopy, you may notice dark discharge or vaginal bleeding afterward. These symptoms may last a few days. Wearing a sanitary pad can help prevent staining your clothes. If you experience pain after your biopsy, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief.
In the days after your biopsy, avoid douching, using tampons or engaging in intercourse. You may also need to cut back on other activities. Ask your provider which activities to avoid and when to safely resume them.
Colposcopy results
Colposcopy with a biopsy can detect precancer, cancer, HPV and other abnormalities. If your doctor or nurse finds abnormal cells, immediate action may not be necessary. The next steps depend on the severity of the abnormalities:
- Observation: Your healthcare provider may suggest waiting to see if the cells return to normal on their own. You will likely have follow-up Pap tests and possibly other tests to monitor the cells.
- Biopsy as treatment: Sometimes, the biopsy itself can remove all abnormal cells. In this case, no further treatment will be needed, and you will resume regular pelvic exams, Pap tests and/or HPV tests as advised by your provider.
- Further treatment: Additional treatment might be required based on the biopsy results. Your provider will provide guidance on any further steps and how often to schedule follow-up tests.