A Colposcopy is a special exam where a doctor uses a special microscope (colposcope) to get a magnified view of the vulva, vagina and cervix. The colposcope will not touch you during the examination.

The most common reason for being sent to the Colposcopy Clinic is because abnormal cells were found on your Pap Test. Another reason may be that your doctor may have noticed changes in your vagina, cervix or genital area that require an examination with the colposcope.

What happens during a colposcopy Exam?

Your first appointment will include a colposcopy examination and you may also have some tests done that will be sent to our lab. Generally, you will not receive a treatment during your first appointment. Treatments will come during later appointments.

When you visit the clinic, you will meet the nurse who will take you to the exam room. They will ask you some general questions about your health and will answer any concerns or questions that you may have.  The nurse will  stay with you throughout any physical exam. During your appointment you may also speak with a medical student. They will ask you general questions about your past medical history and review the information that your doctor sent to the clinic. You will then meet with the Gynecologist who will review your health information, previous Pap results and any other important information.

The exam itself will be similar to a Pap Test. We will ask you to lay on the bed and place your feet in the stirrups. An instrument called a ‘speculum’ will be used so that the doctor can look at the surfaces of the vulva, vagina and cervix through the colposcope. The colposcopy usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. 

During the exam the doctor will put a vinegar or iodine solution on your cervix. This will help them see any areas that contain abnormal cells. It is common for the vinegar solution to cause a mild burning sensation, but you should still tell the nurse or doctor if it is uncomfortable.

While the doctor does the exam, they will explain what they are doing/seeing so you understand what is happening at all times. They will also tell you if any further tests may need to be done.  After the exam you will  be given a chance to ask any questions you may have. In most cases, the doctor will also be able to give you a preliminary opinion on what they see.

Common tests during a colposcopy Exam

There are several common tests which may be used during your initial exam. They are:

  1. Pap Test - although this may have already been done in your doctors office, it may be repeated in the clinic. This does not always mean there is something wrong, for example, perhaps not enough cells were removed during the first Pap Test. The doctor will use a small brush or spatula to remove a few cells from the surface of the cervix. You may feel mild cramping during the exam but it should not hurt.
  2. Endocervical curettage - (ECC)  - the doctor will scrape a few cells from inside your cervix. You may feel cramps in your lower abdomen while this test is being done.
  3. Biopsy -  A  biopsy is when the doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the cervix or vulva. You may feel a pinch or cramps during this test.  A ‘liquid bandaid ‘ or paste may be applied to the area to decrease any spotting you may have after the procedure. After the biopsy you may have some light bleeding or dark discharge that could last for several days. You can use pads or tampons during this time. If you wear tampons, you should change them every three hours to help prevent infection. If you notice the bleeding is heavier than a menstrual period, please call your doctor or the colposcopy nurse. It is safe to shower or bath after the biopsy, but you should not douche until your vaginal discharge completely stops. You also should not have sex for two days after the procedure. If you have vaginal bleeding after sex, do not have sex again for another five days. Otherwise, you can continue with all of your other normal daily activities.

Test results

The doctor will need to wait for the results of any tests before they can give you a final opinion and confirm your treatment plan. This may take up to 2-3 weeks. The colposcopy nurse is unable to provide you with any results until the doctor has reviewed them and has made some decisions on the correct care plan for you. To learn more about the types of treatments you may receive in follow-up visits, click here. 

Before leaving the clinic

The nurse will discuss follow-up care for the tests that were done during your exam and they will provide you with information if you require possible treatments. Before you leave, you will be asked to book a return appointment. You will be called if the doctor feels we need to change the plan of care.  It is important that we have a current phone number to contact you.