What is colposcopy done with?

A colposcope stays outside the body. It lets the clinician view the cervix and vaginal walls at increased magnification while you lie on an examination table. A speculum gently holds the vaginal walls apart. The clinician may apply liquid solutions to make unusual areas easier to see. If an area needs closer assessment, special forceps can remove a tiny tissue sample for laboratory examination. The procedure itself does not remove the whole cervix or treat every abnormal result.

Before the appointment, tell the clinic if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, take medicines that affect bleeding, or have an allergy to a product used during examinations. Ask whether you should avoid vaginal medicines, sex, tampons, or douching beforehand. During the visit, describe discomfort as it happens; slow breathing and relaxing your pelvic muscles may help. You can ask what will happen before the speculum or biopsy is used.

Mild spotting or cramping can occur after a biopsy. Contact the clinic promptly for heavy bleeding, worsening pelvic pain, fever, chills, or discharge with an unpleasant smell. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, or bleeding that does not settle. Follow the discharge instructions about when to resume vaginal activity and how results will be communicated.

Ask why colposcopy has been recommended, whether a biopsy is expected, how long the visit may take, and when you should receive the result. You can also ask which symptoms after the examination should prompt a call.