What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a procedure used to take a closer look at the cervix for signs of cellular changes caused by the human papilloma virus. It is usually done after having an abnormal pap test.

The procedure itself usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes and the majority of the time is spent with your provider looking through a device that magnifies the cervix called a colposcope. They will apply different liquid solutions to the cervix to better identify areas of concern by looking for color changes after the liquid is applied. 

While your provider will identify the areas of concern, they will likely need to take biopsies of the areas to send to a pathologist to further evaluate the severity of the changes. 

How should I prepare for my colposcopy?

Not much is required of you prior to the procedure. Scheduling your procedure for a time you don’t have your period is preferred. The biggest responsibility of yours is to show up for your appointment. A delay in having your colposcopy could mean a delay in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. 

To help be more comfortable during your procedure you can: 

• Eat meals normally. Skipping a meal could make you feel nauseous or light-headed

• Wear layers

• Bring music if you would like to listen to it

• Bring a friend or family member if you feel like they would be a welcome distraction

• Take 800mg of Ibuprofen, 500mg of Aleve or 1,000mg of Tylenol 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment

• Let your provider know if you feel you need an anti-anxiety medication prior to your procedure. If you do need this medication, you should have someone drive you

Please note that colposcopies should not be done while you are pregnant.

What is the colposcopy procedure like?

During your procedure you will have a speculum placed in your vagina. While the various liquid solutions are being applied to your cervix you could experience some tingling, stinging, or drying sensations. These usually only last a couple minutes. You could also feel some pressure or poking as swabs are applied to the cervix.

The biopsies are taken at the very end of the procedure. They can cause you to feel crampy, like when you get your period. This is why it is recommended to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to your appointment to help this cramping resolve faster.

How can I take care of myself after my colposcopy?

After your appointment you may feel mildly to moderately crampy for the remainder of the day. For this reason you may wish to return home to relax. Some other things that may help are:

• Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen and/or lower back

• Lying down

• Continuing to take Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol for 1 to 2 days after your procedure

It can take up to 2 weeks for the results to return. You will receive a phone call to discuss the results regardless of what they are.

Most commonly you will need to have another pap smear in 12 months, but occasionally the results suggest for you to have an additional procedure to remove the areas of the cervix the HPV has caused cellular changes. This is called a LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure}. We will discuss whether or not this is needed when we receive your results.