Colposcopy

What is a Colposcopy?

An abnormal smear result can often lead to a woman requiring further investigation.

At Kingsbridge Hospital, we provide rapid access to a private colposcopy service delivered by experienced, local Consultant Gynaecologist’s who ensure you are treated with the upmost dignity and respect throughout your consultation. 

A colposcopy is a simple procedure used to look at the cervix, the lower part of the womb at the top of the vagina. It’s often done if cervical screening finds abnormal cells in your cervix.

A cervical screening test is offered regularly to all women to prevent cancer of the neck of the womb (cervical cancer). The cervical screening test is looking for abnormalities in the cervical cells, that, if left untreated, might develop into cancer.

A cervical screening test shows if abnormal cells are present but does not show enough detail about the cells. Colposcopy allows a closer and more detailed look at these abnormal cells. A colposcopy can confirm whether cells in your cervix are abnormal and determine whether you need treatment to remove them.

At your appointment, the Consultant looks at the cervix directly under magnification in order to determine if there is any abnormality that could be a pre-cancerous change. 

The method is similar to a smear test and any abnormal cells are biopsied, removing a pinch of skin about half the size of a grain of rice. A Lletz procedure may be required under local anaesthetic to remove all of the abnormal cells. For most women the examination is painless, however, some may find it a little uncomfortable. 

It is possible to perform a colposcopy examination when you are pregnant or have your period, however, we would advise that you call the clinic so that we may inform your consultant prior to your appointment. 

What happens during a colposcopy?

A colposcopy usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. However, it is best to allow an hour for the whole visit and you can go home the same day.

The doctor or nurse might ask you some questions about your periods, the date of your last period, what contraception you use and your general health.

You will then be asked to undress from the waist down (a loose skirt may not need to be removed)

You will be asked to lie in a reclining chair with padded supports in the same position as during a cervical screening test with your knees bent and your legs apart.

• a device called a speculum (the same instrument that is used during a cervical screening test) will be inserted into your vagina and gently opened
• the colposcope (a microscope with a light) is used to look at your cervix – this does not touch or enter your body
• liquids are applied to your cervix which stain and highlight any abnormal cells
• a small sample of tissue (a biopsy) about the size of a pinhead may also be removed for closer examination in a laboratory

If it’s obvious that you have abnormal cells in your cervix, you may have treatment to remove the cells immediately. If this is not clear, you’ll need to wait until you get your biopsy results.

It is advisable to bring a sanitary towel or panty liner with you, to use after your colposcopy. While it is unlikely you would have much bleeding, you might experience some discharge or staining from the iodine used in the examination.

Colposcopy Test Results

The results of your colposcopy and the small sample (biopsy) taken will show if you need any treatment. It’s often possible to tell you right away if there are any abnormal cells in your cervix.

It’s possible that treatment is recommended at your first visit for colposcopy. However, biopsy results may take 5-10 days. Your test results will be provided at a review appointment with your consultant.

The result of your colposcopy and/or biopsy will be either:

• Normal – about 4 out of 10 people have no abnormal cells and are advised to continue attending cervical screening as usual
• Abnormal – about 6 out of 10 people have abnormal cells in their cervix and may need treatment to remove them

Not everyone who has a colposcopy needs treatment. If you only have a mild abnormality, it might be suggested that you have a repeat colposcopy in 12 months. The changes in the neck of your womb (cervix) may return to normal by themselves and they may just need monitoring.