Colposcopy
Reviewed
A colposcopy is a procedure to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva using a lighted, magnifying device called a colposcope. It is often done after an abnormal Pap smear to look for abnormal cells that could be cancer or precancer. If abnormal areas are seen, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken for testing.
Preparation and collection
Do not douche, use tampons or vaginal medicines, or have any kind of vaginal penetration for 48 hours before the test. Schedule the colposcopy when you are not having your menstrual period. Your provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- A colposcopy is a procedure, not a laboratory test; it provides a magnified view but cannot diagnose cancer without a biopsy.
- The vinegar or iodine solution may cause temporary stinging or burning.
- Biopsy results may take time to process, and false negatives are possible if abnormal areas are missed.
- Pregnancy increases the risk of bleeding after a biopsy.
- After a biopsy, you should not douche, use tampons, or have sex for a week or as advised by your provider.
What to do next
If your results show precancerous cells, you may need a procedure to remove them to prevent cancer. If cancer is found, you may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist. If results are normal, your provider may recommend more frequent Pap smears or follow-up colposcopies. Always discuss your specific results and next steps with your healthcare provider.