Your colposcopy appointment

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is a colposcopy

A colposcopy is a test carried out to take a closer look at your cervix. A specialist doctor or nurse, known as a colposcopist will examine your cervix using a magnifying lens and light, known as a colpo​scope.

It’s a very common test and does not mean you have something seriously wrong with your cervix.

Why it’s done

There are many reasons why you may be invited for a colposcopy which include:

• your cervical screening test or smear test has shown some abnormal cells
• your cervical screening test has shown an infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix
• it was not possible to get a clear result after several screening tests
• you have had some symptoms, such as bleeding caused by sex

Having a colposcopy does not mean you have cancer. It is to check for abnormal cells that may develop into cancer over time.

If we see abnormal cells, we can remove them to stop them from getting worse.

Preparing for your appointment

Ensure you eat before your appointment.

If you have your period or are due your period on the day you should still attend. It usually doesn’t affect the colposcopy. 

Avoid the following for 24 hours before your appointment:

• having sex 
• using tampons
• using vaginal medication, creams or lubricants

You can take some pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, about an hour before your appointment.

Your appointment

The procedure takes about 10 minutes and the appointment will take about 30 minutes in total.

A nurse or health care assistant will be with you throughout your colposcopy however you can also bring a friend, partner or family member with you to be in the room.

During your appointment:

• you'll need to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch with a towel or blanket covering your lower half. If you’re wearing a loose skirt you can just remove your underwear
• you’ll be asked to put your legs on a padded support so that you can comfortably bend your knees. If you have back pain or mobility problems, tell the doctor or nurse
• your colposcopist will put some fluid onto your cervix. It will change the colour of any abnormal cells
  
• your colposcopist will insert a smooth, tube-shaped tool known as a speculum, into your vagina to open it. The colposcope doesn’t go inside you, it makes your cervix appear larger so that the cells can be checked

The colposcopist will be able to tell you straight away if they see any abnormal cells. 

How you may feel during a colposcopy

A colposcopy can feel uncomfortable, and some patients​ may find it painful. If you do feel pain, tell the colposcopist and they will try to make it as comfortable as possible.

You can ask for the procedure to be stopped at any time.

Some patients​ find personal examinations like this can have an emotional effect on them, and can make patients​ feel:

• anxious
  
• distressed
• depressed
  
• vulnerable

The colposcopy staff are aware that people may feel like this. If you would like to speak to a member of the team about your appointment you can contact the Rayner department by calling +44 (0) 1534 442512 or +44 (0) 1534 444347 

Having a biopsy

During the colposcopy, a small sample of cells may need to be taken from your cervix to decide whether you need treatment to your cervix. This is called a biopsy.

This is a quick procedure and doesn’t usually require a local anaesthetic.

In some cases, if it is obvious that you will be likely to need treatment, this can be done at your appointment.

Before any treatment, you will be given a local anaesthetic.

All of the abnormal area is removed and checked in the laboratory. Your colposcopist​ will let you know how and when you are likely to receive the results.

After your appointment

Most patients​​ feel well enough to go about their day to day activities straight away, however you may need to go home and rest for a while. 

You may have discharge or have some light bleeding from your vagina. This is normal and usually stops after 3 to 5 days.

Until the bleeding stops, it’s recommended to avoid the following:

• having sex 
  
• using tampons
• using vaginal medication, creams or lubricants

Improving the service

Your privacy and dignity should be protected at all times when you're having any type of  examination or treatment.

We need your feedback to keep improving the care and services we offer.​

If you feel there is anything we could have done differently to improve your experience, let us know.

To give feedback on health services and care you can:

• email the Feedback Team on feedback@health.gov.je​
• call +44 (0) 1534 442044
• submit the online form below 

Send feedback​​