Colposcopy

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is an office procedure used to closely examine the cervix, vagina, or vulva for abnormal tissue.

Your provider uses a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope, which remains outside your body. A solution is applied to make abnormal areas easier to identify.

If your provider sees a concerning area, a small tissue sample called a biopsy may be collected and sent to a laboratory for evaluation.

Why might I need a colposcopy?

A colposcopy may be recommended for:

• Certain abnormal Pap smear results
• A positive high-risk HPV test
• Persistent abnormal cervical screening results
• Follow-up of previously diagnosed cervical changes
• An abnormal area involving the cervix, vagina, or vulva

A recommendation for colposcopy does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Your provider considers your current results, previous screening history, and individual risk factors when deciding whether the procedure is needed.

How should I prepare?

For approximately 24–48 hours before the procedure, you may be advised to avoid:

• Vaginal intercourse
• Tampons
• Douching
• Vaginal creams or medications unless your provider instructs otherwise

Tell your provider if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, or have experienced significant discomfort or fainting during previous pelvic procedures.

Do not stop a prescribed medication without speaking with the clinician who manages it.

You may be advised to take an over-the-counter pain reliever before the procedure when medically appropriate. Consider bringing a pad or panty liner because light spotting or discharge may occur afterward.

Schedule your colposcopy

A colposcopy allows abnormal cervical changes to be evaluated more closely and helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is needed.

Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or request an appointment online to schedule your colposcopy.