Version July 2025
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What is a colposcopy? —
This is a test that lets as doctor look at the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus, where it meets the vagina (figure 1). Colposcopy can also be used to look at the vagina and vulva.
Your doctor might recommend a colposcopy:
●If you had an abnormal Pap test or HPV test – "HPV" stands for "human papillomavirus." It is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer. Both of these tests are used for cervical cancer screening.
●To look more closely at something they noticed during your pelvic exam
●During a procedure to remove abnormal cells from your cervix, vagina, or vulva – This might be done to treat or prevent cancer.
During colposcopy, a doctor can also take a small sample of tissue, called a "biopsy."
How do I prepare for a colposcopy? —
The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare. You can have a colposcopy at any time during your menstrual cycle. But if you are bleeding heavily on the day of the test, ask your doctor or nurse if you should reschedule.
Your doctor will also ask you about your "health history." This involves asking you questions about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:
●Any medicines you are taking – This includes any prescription or "over-the-counter" medicines you use, plus any herbal supplements you take. It helps to write down and bring a list of any medicines you take, or bring a bag with all your medicines with you.
●Any allergies you have, including iodine allergy
●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.
●Whether you are or could be pregnant – You can get a colposcopy if you are pregnant. But your doctor might not want to do a biopsy during pregnancy.
Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.
What happens during a colposcopy? —
When it is time for the procedure:
●You will undress from the waist down.
●You will lie on your back on an exam table, with your feet in foot holders. This keeps your legs bent and apart.
●The doctor will gently insert a device called a "speculum" into your vagina. This helps push apart the walls of your vagina. They might do a Pap or HPV test if you have not had one recently. For this, they use a small tool to lightly collect cells from the surface of your cervix.
●The doctor will use a device called a "colposcope" to get a close-up view of your vagina and cervix (figure 2). This is like a microscope on a stand. It does not touch you.
●They will put a liquid called "acetic acid" on your cervix. This does not hurt. It makes it easier to see any abnormal areas. Sometimes, they will also use another type of liquid.
●If you need to have a biopsy, the doctor will use a special tool to remove a few small samples of tissue from your cervix. You might have some discomfort or cramping during this. Then, the doctor will send the samples to a lab. After the biopsy, they might use a special liquid to stop bleeding.
●Colposcopy takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
What happens after a colposcopy? —
You can go back to your normal activities. You might feel dizzy or nauseous right after the test. But this usually passes quickly.
If you had a biopsy:
●You might have some light bleeding for a few days. You might also have dark-colored vaginal discharge. This is from the liquid the doctor used to control bleeding. Use pads or panty liners.
●Avoid vaginal sex for 48 hours. Do not put other things in your vagina, like tampons or douches. These can cause the cervix to bleed.
●Your doctor will tell you when to expect your results and what they mean.
What are the risks of a colposcopy? —
Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:
●Bleeding
●Infection
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●Heavy vaginal bleeding
●Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
●Bad-smelling vaginal discharge
●Pelvic pain or cramping
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Patient education: Cervical cancer screening tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Biopsy (The Basics)
Patient education: Pelvic exam (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical dysplasia (The Basics)
Patient education: Colposcopy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Follow-up of low-grade abnormal Pap tests (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Follow-up of high-grade or glandular cell abnormal Pap tests (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Management of a cervical biopsy with precancerous cells (Beyond the Basics)
