You may be asked to come for a colposcopy if your cervical screening test (smear) has shown evidence of abnormal cells. It is not unusual for a screening test to be abnormal; about 1 in 12 tests reveal cell changes.

Much like a smear test, you’ll have a speculum inserted into your vagina – sometimes a repeat smear is taken. After this your consultant will look at your cervix using the colposcope (a microscope). No part of the microscope itself enters the vagina.

The doctor will dab different liquids onto your cervix to help identify areas of abnormal cells, which will appear white. Sometimes they may take a biopsy, a small sample of tissue about the size of a pinhead. You may feel a slight stinging, but it’s more uncomfortable than painful. Some patients may experience a brown discharge for a couple of days following the procedure, but this is quite normal.

It is  possible to carry out a colposcopy if you have your period as long as you are not bleeding heavily. Please telephone us to check  should you start your period on, or just before on the day of your appointment.