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The colposcopist may be either a doctor or a specialist nurse trained in this procedure.
The most common reason for having a colposcopy is because a cervical sample test has shown the presence of high-risk HPV and or abnormal cells.
However, women may also be referred for a colposcopy if they have:
- Post-coital bleeding (bleeding after sexual intercourse)
- An unusual appearance of the cervix
- Persistent inadequate smears (Three or more)
Referrals to our Colposcopy Clinic are usually made by the cytology laboratory, GPs or gynaecologists.
There are 4 possible things that might happen during your colposcopy appointment:
- Your cervix appears normal and healthy. You will be advised that it is safe to return to the routine smear test programme, either 3 or 5 yearly depending on your age.
- Your Colposcopist might see some very minor changes and will offer to take some biopsies. These are tiny pinches of skin that are sent to the laboratory for analysis. You will be offered a local anaesthetic for this. Your colposcopist will write to you and your GP with the results and advice on what to do next.
- Your colposcopist might see some more severe changes and advise you to have them treated. The treatment is called Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ). This can be done straight away or on another day – it is up to you. You will be offered a local anaesthetic for this.
- Your Colposcopist might see some more severe changes and advise you to have them treated under a general anaesthetic (asleep in the operating theatre). This does not mean the problem is more serious. The abnormal area may be deeper into the cervix or require a bigger biopsy called a cone biopsy. This is very unusual.
We also hold a smear test clinic on the last Wednesday afternoon of the month. This is for women who have been unable to have an adequate smear test sample taken at their GP surgery.
See the NHS website for more information on cervical screening.
Can you have a colposcopy during a period?
If your blood loss is heavy, it could be difficult for the colposcopist to fully and accurately examine your cervix. A light flow should not be a problem. Always call the Colposcopy CAO 01246 513007 to discuss before cancelling or rearranging.
I have a holiday booked – should I delay my appointment?
If you are planning on going abroad soon after your appointment, please advise the colposcopist on the day of your appointment. We will not perform certain treatments or biopsies, as we would normally suggest that you do not travel abroad for at least two weeks following treatment. This is because of the risk of bleeding and other complications. We would still be able to carry out your colposcopy, however.
My smear test result was abnormal – do I have cancer?
A smear test is not a test to find cancer. It is a screening test to detect changes to the cells of the cervix. None of these changes mean that you have cancer, but if left untreated, the abnormal cells are at risk of developing into cancer over a long period of time in the future. About one in 12 smear tests come back as abnormal.
What is HPV and how have I caught it?
Almost all cervical cell changes are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is as common as a cold – 80% of adults will develop HPV in their lifetime. That includes men too. If you are sexually active, you can get HPV, no matter what type of sex you have. It is impossible to tell how long you have had HPV or from whom you caught it. There is no treatment for HPV, but most strains are harmless and disappear by themselves. HPV infection isn’t cancer, but it can cause changes in the body that lead to cancer. Smear tests can spot these changes in your cervix while they are still in an early stage. Treatment can be given before they become cancerous.
Does a colposcopy hurt?
A colposcopy should be no more uncomfortable than a smear test. You will be offered local anaesthetic for any biopsy or treatment. This is an injection that might sting but will make your cervix numb. If you have a biopsy or treatment, you may experience period-like cramps for up to 2 days.
Patient Information
Below are some coloscopy patient information leaflets.
Useful Links
Below are some useful information links about colposcopy and cervical services.
British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology