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A closer look, for your peace of mind.

A colposcopy is a simple office exam that gives us a magnified view of your cervix. It is usually the next step after an abnormal Pap or HPV test, and it helps us find and treat changes early, long before they could become cancer.

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What to expect
Colposcopy at a glance
  • What it is A magnified look at the cervix
  • Why Follow-up for an abnormal Pap or HPV test
  • How long About 10 to 20 minutes
  • Recovery Back to most activities the same day
About Abnormal Results

First, take a deep breath

Being asked to come in for a colposcopy can feel worrying. Here is what most women find helpful to know.

1

Abnormal results are common

Millions of women get an abnormal Pap or HPV result each year. A colposcopy helps us understand what it means for you.

2

HPV is usually the cause

Most cell changes are caused by HPV, a very common virus. Many changes go away on their own.

3

It is not a cancer diagnosis

Colposcopy lets us find changes early, often years before they could ever become cancer.

Why It’s Done

Reasons we may recommend colposcopy

Colposcopy gives us a much closer look at your cervix than a regular exam, so we can see exactly where any changes are.

  • An abnormal Pap test Cell changes found during your routine cervical screening.
  • A positive HPV test Especially for the high-risk types most linked to cervical cancer.
  • Changes seen during an exam Something on the cervix that needs a closer look.
  • Follow-up care To check on changes found before, or after treatment.
  • Unexplained bleeding Such as bleeding after sex, in some cases.
  • Other changes Warts or other areas on the vulva or vagina that need a closer look.
Results And Next Steps

What your results can mean

Your next steps depend on what we find. Most women need only follow-up testing, and changes that need treatment are very treatable.

Normal

No changes found

  • No abnormal areas are seen or biopsy results are normal
  • You return to regular screening
  • We’ll tell you when your next test is due

Low-grade changes

Often called CIN 1

  • Mild changes that often go away on their own
  • Usually watched with repeat testing
  • Treatment is rarely needed right away

High-grade changes

Often called CIN 2 or 3

  • More serious changes that are less likely to go away
  • Treatment is usually recommended to remove them
  • Treating them now helps prevent cervical cancer

LEEP

Treatment

  • A thin wire loop removes the abnormal tissue
  • Done with numbing medicine, often in the office
  • The tissue is sent to a lab for testing

Ablation

Treatment

  • Destroys abnormal cells with freezing or heat
  • A quick procedure with little recovery time
  • An option for some types of changes

Follow-up

An important step

  • More frequent Pap and HPV tests after abnormal results
  • Helps make sure changes are gone
  • Keep every follow-up appointment
What To Expect

Your colposcopy, step by step

We’ll explain each step before we begin and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

01

Before

We schedule your colposcopy when you’re not on your period. It is usually done in the office and takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

02

During

Like a Pap test, a speculum is placed. The colposcope, a magnifying lens, stays outside your body as we look at your cervix.

03

Biopsy

We apply a vinegar-like solution to highlight changes. If we see any, we take a tiny sample. You may feel a pinch or cramp.

04

Right after

You can drive yourself home and go back to most activities the same day.

Before your colposcopy

A few simple steps help us get the clearest view.

  • Plan your timing Schedule when you’re not on your period.
  • For 1 to 2 days before Avoid sex, tampons, douching and vaginal creams or medicines.
  • Tell us if you could be pregnant Colposcopy is safe in pregnancy, but we may change how it’s done.
  • Ask about pain relief We may suggest taking ibuprofen about an hour before.
  • No special arrangements You can usually drive yourself to and from your visit.
  • Bring your questions About your results, the procedure or what happens next.
Recovery

An easy recovery.

Most women feel fine right away. If you had a biopsy, for a few days it’s normal to have:

  • Light spotting
  • Mild cramping
  • A dark, coffee-ground-like discharge from the medicine used to stop bleeding

After a biopsy, avoid sex, tampons and douching for a few days, or as long as we recommend, to let your cervix heal.

Your results

What we see during the exam is often shared right away. Biopsy results usually take 1 to 2 weeks.

  • We’ll contact you With your results and a plan for next steps

Risks are uncommon

Colposcopy is very safe. Rarely, a biopsy site can bleed more than expected or become infected.

  • We’ll review What to expect and answer your questions

When to call us

Call us right away if you have any of these after your colposcopy.

  • Call for Heavy bleeding, fever or chills, severe belly pain or a bad-smelling discharge
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.

Almost never. Most abnormal results are caused by HPV and minor cell changes, many of which go away on their own. Colposcopy helps us find out what’s going on and treat changes early, before they could become cancer.

The exam itself feels much like a Pap test. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a quick pinch or cramp. Taking a pain reliever beforehand can help.

It’s best to schedule it when you’re not on your period, because bleeding can make it harder to see the cervix. Call us if your period starts before your appointment.

Yes, it is safe during pregnancy. We may avoid certain biopsies, and if treatment is needed, it is usually done after your baby is born.

Colposcopy and biopsy don’t affect fertility. Treatment such as LEEP can slightly raise the chance of preterm birth in a future pregnancy, so we’ll talk with you about your plans.

Get the HPV vaccine if you’re eligible, don’t smoke, use condoms and keep up with your Pap and HPV tests and every follow-up visit.

Have questions about your results?

We’re here to help you understand them and plan your next steps. Call us to schedule your colposcopy. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

CALL 770-451-3100
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