Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a diagnostic test used to evaluate an area of abnormal tissue on the cervix, vagina, or vulva using an instrument called a colposcope. A colposcope looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand. It magnifies tissue so a healthcare practitioner can see abnormalities that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The healthcare practitioner will insert a speculum to open the vagina and make the cervix visible, swab the cervix and vagina with a vinegar solution that makes abnormal tissue easier to see, position the colposcope between your legs, and look through it to examine the cervix. No part of the instrument will touch you, and you will not feel any pain. A colposcopy is usually done in the doctor's office or clinic.

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You should not douche or use tampons or vaginal medications for 24 hours before the exam. If biopsies are taken during the colposcopy, you may experience light to medium bleeding for two to three days after the procedure. The bleeding should not be heavier than a menstrual flow. To allow the biopsy areas to heal, you should not have sexual intercourse, douche, or use tampons for two to three days.