Colposcopy is the visual examination of the cervix and vagina, usually recommended after a positive cervical smear. It is done by using a colposcope, a magnifying instrument that allows the doctor to get a clear, illuminated view of the area.

Colposcopy is a simple, noninvasive procedure and can be used as a treatment as well as a diagnostic tool. It requires no anesthetic and can safely be done in your doctor’s office.

Why Is It Done?

A colposcopy is recommended to investigate further any abnormalities indicated by a positive smear or, occasionally, by a pelvic examination. The colposcope has a series of powerful lenses that pinpoint much more precisely where any abnormal cells occur, and enables the doctor to obtain a biopsy sample for further investigation.

How Is It Done?

• The doctor will ask you to remove your lower garments and then to lie on your back with your knees raised and apart, and your feet supported in stirrups.
• A speculum is inserted into your vagina as for a smear test, the vaginal mucus is wiped away, and the area is washed with either a saline solution or a dilute acetic acid. These solutions are used because they cause abnormal cells to show up either white or patterned on the colposcope instead of the usual pink color.
• The colposcope is placed at the entrance to the vagina it never actually enters the vagina itself The doctor examines the tissue to identify the precise area of abnormal cells. (A smear test only shows that there is some change but does not pinpoint where.) He will then remove the speculum slowly so that he can inspect the vaginal walls too.
• The procedure takes roughly 15 minutes. Sometimes, using special forceps, your doctor will take a biopsy of abnormal tissue she can see through the lens of the colposcope and this will be sent to a laboratory for further examination.
• If a biopsy is taken, you may have some slight bleeding, but there should be no other side effects.
• If there are abnormal cells inside the cervical canal, a colposcope will not be able to detect them; if this is suspected, a cone biopsy will be recommended, to check on cells from inside the canal.
• If a biopsy sample indicates precancerous change only, the affected tissue can be destroyed by laser treatment or by burning away with a hot loop (LLETZ).

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