Everything you need to know about a colposcopy

Colposcopies are a common medical procedure in Australia, with around one in 5 women needing one in their lifetime.¹

A follow-up to an abnormal cervical screening test result, colposcopies look for cervical cancer or precancer, inflammation of the cervix and benign growths, such as polyps.²

Your doctor should fully explain the procedure to you before your appointment, so you know how to prepare and what to expect.

The most common reason your doctor will refer you to have a colposcopy is if your cervical screening test shows an abnormal result.

Reasons for an abnormal result can vary, but it’s important to have a colposcopy to rule out anything serious.

Other reasons for a colposcopy can include unexplained pain or bleeding after sex or any abnormal lump or growth on your cervix, vagina or vulva.

It’s important to be fully prepared for a colposcopy, and your doctor can guide you on what this involves.

During your consultation, your doctor will explain the procedure, what to expect, and any side effects, such as light bleeding or cramping, during and after the procedure.

They may provide guidance face-to-face, over the phone, or with written materials like information leaflets.

Preparation might include avoiding sex, tampons, douches, or vaginal medications for up to 48 hours before your appointment.

On the day of your colposcopy, you may want to wear a sanitary pad, as light bleeding can occur afterwards. While the procedure is usually not painful, taking a painkiller such as paracetamol beforehand can help reduce any discomfort.

Colposcopies are generally scheduled outside your period, so keep this in mind when scheduling your appointment.

Be sure to let your specialist know if you’re pregnant. While you can have a colposcopy during pregnancy, any further investigation, such as a biopsy, may be delayed.

While it’s normal to feel nervous before a colposcopy, it’s a safe procedure and should not be painful. If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety before the procedure, tell your doctor.

They may be able to ease your worry by talking you through what will happen or suggesting other ways you can relax, such as deep breathing or listening to music.

You can also ask to have a support person with you during the procedure, or the clinic may be able to provide a nurse as support.

Your doctor or gynaecologist will perform your colposcopy in a private room. A colposcopy isn’t an operation, and you won’t need to stay overnight at a hospital. The procedure generally lasts between 10-15 minutes.

Just like a cervical screening test, you’ll lie on your back with your legs apart, and a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. This can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. If the procedure involves a particularly sensitive area, you might be offered a local anaesthetic.

The specialist will use a mild vinegar solution to clear the surface of your cervix and then apply iodine, an antiseptic which turns healthy cells brown. A special microscope called a colposcope will be used to closely examine your cervix.

The colposcope will be placed at the entrance to the vagina and won’t enter your body.

If your specialist finds any areas of concern, a biopsy might be performed during the colposcopy, which means a tiny amount of tissue will be removed and sent to the laboratory.

This will feel like a little pressure or a slight pinch. It could take up to 2 weeks for results to come back from the lab and you’ll need to make an appointment with your specialist to discuss them.

You shouldn’t need to take time off work after a colposcopy. However, you may be advised to avoid sex, tampons, lubricants and strenuous exercise for a few days, especially if you have a biopsy during the procedure.

Some vaginal discharge and light bleeding can be expected after a colposcopy.

Contact your doctor if you experience persistent bleeding, tummy pain, bleeding heavier than your usual period, discharge that smells or a fever.