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Colposcopy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal cells that may indicate cancer or precancer.

Overview

A colposcopy is a procedure to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva. During the procedure, your health care provider uses a lighted, magnifying device called a colposcope to identify abnormal cells that cannot be seen by the eyes alone. If a problem is detected, your provider may perform a biopsy—taking a small tissue sample for further testing—to determine if the cells are cancerous or precancerous.

What is it used for?

This procedure is most often used to find abnormal cells in the cervix, vagina, or vulva. It may also be used to:

  • Check for genital warts, which may indicate an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.
  • Look for noncancerous growths called polyps.
  • Check for irritation or inflammation of the cervix.
  • Investigate the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding or vulvar itching.
  • Monitor cell changes in the cervix for patients previously treated for HPV.

Why do I need a colposcopy?

You may need this test if you have had abnormal results on a Pap smear, which indicates the presence of abnormal cells but does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Other reasons for the test include:

  • A diagnosis of HPV.
  • Observation of abnormal areas on the cervix during a routine pelvic exam.
  • Bleeding after sex.

What happens during a colposcopy?

The test is typically performed in a provider's office and takes 10 to 20 minutes. If a biopsy is required, it may take an additional 10 minutes.

During the procedure:

  • You will lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups.
  • A speculum is inserted into your vagina to spread the walls and make the cervix visible.
  • The colposcope is placed outside the vagina to provide a magnified view.
  • Your provider will swab the area with a vinegar or iodine solution to make abnormal tissues easier to see.
  • If abnormal tissue is identified, a biopsy may be performed.

During a biopsy:

  • Your provider may use a small tool to remove a tissue sample.
  • An endocervical curettage (ECC) may be performed, which involves taking a tissue sample from the inside of the cervical opening using a tool called a curette.
  • Topical medicine may be applied to the site to manage bleeding.

Preparation and Risks

For 48 hours before the test, do not douche, use tampons, use vaginal medicines, or engage in vaginal penetration. It is best to schedule the procedure when you are not menstruating. Inform your provider if you are pregnant, as this increases the risk of bleeding after a biopsy.

While the procedure is generally safe, you may experience discomfort from the speculum or a stinging sensation from the solutions used. After a biopsy, you may experience soreness, cramping, or slight bleeding for up to a week. Seek medical attention if you experience heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, or signs of infection such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

No special dietary preparation is required, and you can eat and drink normally before the appointment. However, you should avoid using vaginal creams, douches, or spermicides for at least 24 to 48 hours prior to the exam, as these substances can alter the appearance of cervical cells and interfere with the accuracy of the visual examination or any subsequent biopsy. What does it feel like during the procedure, and is it painful?::The procedure itself is generally not painful, though you may feel mild discomfort or pressure when the speculum is inserted to hold the vaginal walls open. If a biopsy is taken, you will likely feel a sharp pinch or cramping sensation that lasts only a few seconds. Many patients report that the experience is similar to a routine Pap smear but slightly longer due to the magnified inspection. How long do I have to wait for results, and what happens if a biopsy is taken?::If no biopsy is performed, your provider can often give you a preliminary assessment immediately after the exam. If a biopsy is taken, the tissue sample must be sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis, which typically takes one to two weeks. Your provider will contact you with the final pathology report, which will indicate whether the cells are normal, precancerous, or cancerous, and outline the next steps for treatment or monitoring. Can I have sexual intercourse or use tampons immediately after a colposcopy?::If no biopsy was performed, you can usually resume normal activities, including sexual intercourse, immediately. However, if a biopsy was taken, your provider will likely advise you to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douching for 24 to 48 hours to allow the small wound to heal and to reduce the risk of infection. You may experience light spotting or brown discharge for a few days, which is normal.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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