What is a Colposcopy and Why Might I Need One?

Hearing that you need a colposcopy after an abnormal Pap or HPV test can feel unsettling. The word colposcopy sounds complicated, but it is a straightforward procedure that lets your doctor review your cervix more closely to help determine whether abnormal cells need further attention.

At Piedmont Preferred Women's Healthcare, Makunda Abdul-Mbacke, MD, MPH, FACOG, delivers warm, compassionate care to girls and women who need OB-GYN and urogynecologist services. 

An abnormal cervical screening result doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. In many cases, it means your doctor found changes that need monitoring or close examination.

Reasons you might need a colposcopy

Your doctor may recommend a colposcopy after an abnormal Pap test or a positive test for certain high-risk types of HPV. The specific follow-up depends on your age, previous screening results, HPV status, and other factors that affect your individual risk.

A colposcopy helps your doctor determine what is happening with the cells on your cervix. Some changes are minor and may resolve on their own, while others may be precancerous and require treatment to prevent them from developing into cervical cancer.

Following up on an abnormal result is essential for cervical health. It gives your doctor the information needed to decide whether you need another screening test, a biopsy, treatment, or routine follow-up.

What happens during a colposcopy

During a colposcopy, your doctor uses two special tools. The speculum, which looks like a duck’s bill, is inserted into your vagina and opened slowly to allow a view of your cervix. The colposcope, a magnifying instrument, stays outside your body while your doctor looks through the lens to identify areas of abnormal tissue.

A small amount of vinegar solution is placed on the cervix to make abnormal areas easier to see. It creates a tingling sensation. If your doctor finds an area that needs a closer look, they may take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, for laboratory testing, which feels like a small pinch.

A colposcopy usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes and is performed in the office. You may feel pressure or mild cramping during the procedure, particularly if we take a biopsy.

What to expect after a colposcopy

You can typically return to your normal activities after a colposcopy. If a biopsy was performed, you may have light bleeding or spotting for a few days. Your doctor discusses specific recovery instructions, rare side effects, and when to call the office.

If you've been told you need a colposcopy or have other questions, contact our office to schedule an appointment today. We provide services in Rockingham County, North Carolina (Reidsville and Eden, North Carolina), southern Virginia (Danville and Ridgeway, Virginia), and surrounding areas.