What does colposcopy treat?

A clinician uses a magnifying instrument to inspect the cervix after an unusual cervical screening result, HPV result, or symptom. A small sample may be taken for laboratory examination. The findings can show whether cervical cells are healthy, irritated, infected, or changed in a way that needs monitoring or removal.

Colposcopy may help assess cervical dysplasia, which means abnormal cell changes. It is not the same as treating cervical cancer, and an abnormal appearance does not by itself confirm cancer. HPV infection can be associated with cell changes, so your clinician may explain how the results fit together.

Follow the preparation instructions you receive and tell the clinic if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or take medicines that affect bleeding. After the examination, mild spotting or discharge can occur, especially if a biopsy was taken. Use the aftercare advice provided and wait for the result before assuming that further treatment is needed.

If abnormal cells require treatment, options can include loop excision of the cervix or cone biopsy. The choice depends on the cell changes, their location, the biopsy result, and your future pregnancy plans. A cervical screening test and an HPV test answer different questions from colposcopy.

Contact the clinic promptly if bleeding becomes heavy, pain is severe or worsening, you develop fever, or discharge has an unpleasant smell after the procedure. Seek urgent medical help for fainting, severe weakness, or bleeding that does not settle. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether the colposcopy result is available.

Ask what prompted the colposcopy, whether a biopsy was taken, when results should arrive, and what each possible result would mean. You can also ask whether treatment is needed now, how it could affect a future pregnancy, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent call.