What Is an ATMOS Colposcope?

ATMOS is the manufacturer of the equipment. The colposcope remains outside the body and provides an enlarged, illuminated view; it does not itself make a diagnosis or automatically mean that treatment is needed.

During the examination, you lie on an examination couch and a speculum is placed in the vagina so the cervix can be seen. The clinician looks through the colposcope, applies liquids that make tissue changes easier to see and may capture images for the medical record.

If an area needs laboratory assessment, the clinician may take a small biopsy. A biopsy can cause a brief pinch or cramp. The visual findings and any tissue result guide whether follow-up, monitoring or a procedure such as loop excision is appropriate.

Bring your referral information and a list of medicines, allergies and relevant cervical screening or biopsy results. Tell the clinic beforehand if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, take blood-thinning medicine or expect to have heavy menstrual bleeding on the appointment day.

You may want to bring a sanitary pad in case a biopsy causes light discharge or spotting. Before leaving, confirm whether tissue was taken, when results should be available and whether you need temporary limits on tampons, vaginal medicines, sex, bathing or exercise.

Mild cramping, light spotting or dark discharge can occur after a biopsy. Follow the clinic's aftercare instructions because expected symptoms and restrictions depend on whether a sample or treatment was performed.

Contact the clinic promptly for bleeding heavier than you were told to expect, worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, faintness or vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell. Seek urgent help for severe bleeding, severe pain, collapse or breathing difficulty.

Ask which parts of the cervix were visible, whether a biopsy was taken and how the result will reach you. If treatment is discussed, request an explanation of the aim, alternatives, expected recovery and possible effects on future cervical screening or pregnancy care.