Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a procedure to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva: The vagina connects your womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of your body.; The cervix is the lower part of your uterus (the uterus is the place where a baby grows during pregnancy).; The vulva includes your genital parts that are outside your body.; During the procedure, your health care provider will be looking for abnormal cells, which could be cancer or precancer. Precancer means that the cells could turn into cancer over time. To do the procedure, your provider will use a lighted, magnifying device called a colposcope.

They will place the device at the opening of your vagina. The device magnifies the normal view, allowing your provider to see problems that can't be seen by the eyes alone. If your provider sees a problem, they may take a tissue sample for testing (biopsy).

The sample is most often taken from the cervix. This procedure is known as a cervical biopsy. Biopsies may also be taken from the vagina or vulva.

The results of the biopsy will show if you have cells that are cancer or precancer.

Why this test is done

You may need this test if you had abnormal results on a Pap smear. A Pap smear is a test that involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix. It can show if there are abnormal cells but can't provide a diagnosis.

A colposcopy provides a more detailed look at the cells. It may help your provider confirm a diagnosis and/or find other potential problems. It could allow your provider to find precancer cells early enough that they can be treated and might not turn into cancer.

You may also need this test if you have:

• Been diagnosed with HPV
• Abnormal areas on your cervix (which were seen during a routine pelvic exam)
• Bleeding after sex

How to prepare

Do not douche, use tampons or vaginal medicines, or have any kind of vaginal penetration for 48 hours before the test. Also, it's best to schedule your 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. Colposcopy is generally safe during pregnancy, but being pregnant raises your risk of bleeding after a biopsy.

Sample type

Tissue/Biopsy

Other names for this test

colposcopy with directed biopsy