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Examination of vaginal and cervical tissues to investigate and identify the presence of abnormal cells.
A cervical screening test is offered regularly to all women as a way to examine the health of the cells in the cervix. In 1 in 20 women, a cervical smear test may show abnormal cells that, if left untreated, might develop into cancer. A colposcopy allows a closer and more detailed look at these abnormal cells.
During a colposcopy, a type of microscope, known as a colposcope, is used to observe the cervix while liquids are applied to highlight abnormal cells. Should any abnormal cells be present, the consultant will take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) to send away for further analysis.
Your doctor will recommend you have a colposcopy if:
You may also need a colposcopy if you have:
For at least 24hrs before your appointment, you will need to abstain from having sex and refrain from using any vaginal creams, lubricants, menstrual cups or tampons.
If you suspect you may be on your period during the colposcopy, there is no need to cancel your appointment as this will not interfere with the colposcopy assessment.
However, should you be pregnant during the time of your colposcopy, please do notify your consultant. The procedure is safe during pregnancy but collecting a tissue sample (biopsy) or subsequent treatment will likely be postponed until after you’ve given birth.
On the day of your colposcopy, it is recommended to bring a sanitary pad or panty liner with you as you may experience some light bleeding or vaginal discharge after your procedure.
For your colposcopy, you will be asked to lie in a reclining chair with padded supports in the same position as during a cervical screening test with your knees bent and your legs apart.
Your consultant will then gently insert the speculum into your vagina to expose the cervix. A microscope (colposcope) with a strong light will be used to examine your cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina. Special solutions may then be applied to the walls of your cervix to stain and highlight abnormal tissue.
This may be enough for your consultant to determine whether your smear test was correct and there is abnormal tissue that needs to be removed. However, in some cases, a biopsy may be required for closer examination in a laboratory.
If your consultant is confident that abnormal cells are present, you will be booked in for treatment to remove the affected tissue. This is most often done through a process known as large loop excision (LLETZ) which is performed as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic . Loop excision involves using a loop of wire with an electrical current passing through it to remove the abnormal cells.
Not everyone who has a colposcopy needs treatment. If you only have a mild abnormality, it might be suggested that you have a repeat colposcopy in 12 months. The changes in the neck of your womb (cervix) may return to normal by themselves and they may just need monitoring.
A colposcopy is a routine and painless procedure; however, some may experience a little discomfort. Do inform your consultant if you need to stop the procedure at any point.
The colposcopy procedure usually takes about 5 minutes. Overall, including the time it takes to discuss your problem with your consultant, your appointment should last approx. 30 minutes.
Following your colposcopy, you can go home as soon as you feel ready, typically this is as soon as your appointment finishes. You can return to normal activities; however, you may wish to rest for the remainder of the day.
If you’ve had a biopsy or excision, you may have a small amount of bleeding or discharge. Avoid swimming, sex and using vaginal creams, lubricants, medications, menstrual cups or tampons until this has stopped.
We will endeavour to get the results of your biopsy back to your consultant within 10 days following your appointment. Your results will then be discussed with you at the next available appointment.
About 6 out of 10 women who have a colposcopy have abnormal cells in their cervix. This doesn’t mean they are cancerous cells, but they can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated.
Should your results indicate the presence of abnormal cells, your consultant will discuss treatment to remove the affected tissue, usually through large loop excision (LLETZ).
The colposcopy will be £575 (excluding consultant fees).
No, you can self-refer for a Colposcopy, but you must have your smear test results available prior to booking an appointment with the Gynaecology Consultant.
