The scope used for colposcopy

It may resemble binoculars on a movable stand and is positioned near the examination couch. A speculum, not the scope, is placed in the vagina to provide a view of the cervix. The clinician adjusts the scope's focus and magnification while its light illuminates the tissue.

Magnification can reveal the transformation zone, surface patterns, small blood vessels and tissue responses to liquids applied during the examination. These details help the clinician select an area for biopsy when sampling is appropriate. The scope may also be used to examine the vaginal walls or vulva if that is relevant to the referral.

An unusual appearance through the scope does not by itself establish cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. The clinician considers the reason for referral and previous cervical screening, and laboratory examination is used when a tissue diagnosis is needed.

Tell the team before starting if you may be pregnant, have pelvic pain, are bleeding, use medicine that affects bleeding or have found previous examinations difficult. Ask where the scope will be positioned and agree on how you will signal if you need a pause. You can also request a chaperone and an explanation before a speculum or biopsy instrument is used.

Try to let your knees rest outward and release tension from your abdomen and pelvic floor while breathing slowly. If discomfort persists, say so; changing position or speculum size may help. Follow the clinic's instructions if a sample is collected.

The external scope does not cause bleeding or pain. Light spotting or cramps can follow contact with the cervix or a biopsy. Call the clinic for heavy or worsening bleeding, severe or increasing pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge or feeling significantly unwell. Obtain urgent care for fainting, shortness of breath, profound weakness or rapidly increasing blood loss.

Ask whether the clinician could see the full area that needed assessment, whether a biopsy was taken and what happens to that sample. Confirm when the report is expected, how it will be shared and whether follow-up depends on the colposcopy view, the sample result or both.