What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a test that looks closely at the cervix, the lower part of the womb and the top of the vagina.
You may have this test:
- if cervical screening finds abnormal cells in your cervix
- to diagnose abnormal vaginal cell changes called vaginal intra-epithelial neoplasia (VAIN)
- to help diagnose cervical cancer or vaginal cancer.
See also
Having a colposcopy
What to expect during the test
A specialist doctor or nurse will do the colposcopy. To get ready for the test you undress from the waist down.
You then lie on your back on an examination couch. Some clinics have ones with foot or leg supports you can rest your legs up on. You will be asked to lie with your knees bent and apart.
The doctor or nurse puts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This holds the vagina open so that they can see your cervix.
The doctor or nurse puts a liquid on the cervix to show any abnormal areas.
They then shine a light onto the cervix and look at it through the colposcope. The colposcope is on a stand outside your body, between your legs or feet.
If you need a biopsy
The doctor or nurse may take a small sample of cells during the colposcopy (a biopsy). These will be sent to a laboratory to be looked at.
The biopsy can cause slight bleeding and you may have some vaginal bleeding for up to 2 weeks. You may be advised not to have penetrative sex, use tampons or go swimming for a few days after a biopsy. This is to reduce the risk of infection and to give your cervix time to heal.
A colposcopy takes 15 to 20 minutes. It is not usually painful, but if a biopsy is taken you may feel some discomfort.
If you are worried about having a colposcopy it might help to talk to someone. You can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).