Colposcopy

A colposcopy lets your healthcare team have a more detailed look at your cervix (neck of the womb) using a colposcope (special microscope). The usual reason for having a colposcopy is an abnormal cervical screening (smear test) result.

Colposcopy is also used to investigate an unusual looking cervix or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

The colposcopist will be looking for cells that appear cancerous or are showing pre-cancerous changes.

Pre-cancerous changes are known as ‘cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia’ or CIN. There are 3 grades of CIN. The grades describe how far the abnormal cells have gone into the surface layer of your cervix. With all 3 grades of CIN, often only a small part of the cervix is affected by abnormal changes.

Sometimes the abnormal cells are found in special mucus-producing tissue. These abnormal cells are called cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN).

Neither CGIN or CIN mean that you have cancer, but if left untreated, these abnormal cells are at risk of developing into cancer over a long period of time in the future.

• Colposcopy is carried out at Greenoaks, Rotherham Hospital. You are welcome to bring a person with you for support, or ask for a chaparone.
• The colposcopist will ask about your medical history and answer any questions you may have. The colposcopist will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives before asking if you are happy for the colposcopy to go ahead.
• You will need to remove clothing below your waist for the examiniation. If you wear a loose skirt, this can be kept on. A sheet will always be provided to cover your waist and upper legs.
• The colposcopy staff will help you to lie on your back on a special couch with your legs supported by stirrups.
• The colposcopist will insert a lubricated instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently parts your vaginal walls, allowing the inside of your vagina and the cervix to be examined.
• The colposcopist will look at your cervix through the colposcope (which stays outside your body and does not touch you). There is a television screen connected to the colposcope so you can watch the examination if you wish. We may take a photograph of your cervix to store in your patient record. The photograph of your cervix may be useful if you are seen by a different colposcopist at a future appointment.
• The colposcopist will apply some different dyes to your cervix that help to show any abnormal cells.
• The colposcopist will discuss with you any recommended treatments or investigations. Some of these can be done during your appointment.
• Colposcopy appointment usually takes 20 minutes in total.

• It is the only way that we can further investigate abnormal cervical cells
• It is quick and effective
• There is no effect on your fertility (the ability to conceive)
• Colposcopy is safe, even during pregnancy.

There are no risks associated with having a colposcopy, but there are some risks associated with the treatments or biopsies you may be offered. Your colposcopist will discuss these with you during the appointment.

Colposcopy alone will not leave you with any side effects. However, if you accept any treatments or biopsies, your colposcopist will discuss with you what to expect.

• Please make sure you eat and drink something before your appointment.
• You can have a colposcopy during your period, but if your blood loss is heavy it could be difficult for the colposcopist to fully and accurately examine your cervix. If you take the 21 day contraceptive pill, you may wish to carry on to your next pack without a break, to delay your period so that you can attend. If in any doubt, please call the Colposcopy Office for advice before cancelling your appointment.
• Please let your colposcopist know if you have any upcoming holidays, as it may affect your care plan. We may need to delay biopsies or treatment until after your return home, because of the risk of bleeding and infection. We will still be able to carry out your colposcopy at a later date.

After your colposcopy, you may be discharged back to the care of your GP straight away. If any tests are performed we aim to write to you within 8 weeks with your results and a plan of care. Please ensure we have the correct contact details for you.

Appointments

Colposcopy office
01709 424300
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)

Health advice

Greenoaks
01709 427641
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Further information

Public information from the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP)