You may be recommended a colposcopy if a smear test (cervical screening) found abnormal cells in your cervix.
These cells are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They aren’t cancerous at this stage but could become cancerous if left untreated.
You may also be recommended a colposcopy if:
- your smear test didn’t provide clear results
- you have other symptoms, like abnormal bleeding, that require investigation
A colposcopy shouldn’t be painful. However, some people may feel more pain than others.
This is what to expect during each part of the procedure:
- Placing the speculum – may feel uncomfortable but not painful, like a pressure sensation
- Applying the solution – may feel like a cold or tingling sensation
- Taking a biopsy – may feel like a scratching, pinching, or cramping sensation
If you’re worried about pain, your consultant can use a local anaesthetic for your procedure. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers afterwards.
It is possible to have a colposcopy while on your period. However, you should let your consultant know beforehand, as heavy bleeding may make it more difficult for them to see your cervix clearly.
You won’t necessarily need a colposcopy if you have HPV. However, you will need a colposcopy if:
- your smear test shows abnormal cells
- you have had two smear tests in a row that showed the HPV virus was present
- you have a high-risk type of HPV
In rare cases, you can develop an infection after your colposcopy. You should look out for the following symptoms:
- a fever or high temperature
- thick, foul-smelling discharge
- severe pelvic pain that doesn’t improve after taking painkillers
- heavy bleeding (enough to soak a pad within an hour)
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your consultant as soon as possible.
You can have a private colposcopy at either Cromwell Hospital in Kensington or at Basinghall Clinic, an outpatient centre in the City of London.
