What is the Colposcopy Procedure?
Colposcopy is typically performed in order to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. During a colposcopy, your physician uses an instrument called a colposcope. Your doctor might recommend colposcopy if your Pap test shows abnormal results. If your doctor finds unusual cells during colposcopy, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be collected for laboratory testing.
Colposcopy can be used to diagnose:
- Cervical cancer
- Genital warts
- Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
- Precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix
- Precancerous changes in the tissue of the vagina
- Precancerous changes of the vulva
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
Colposcopy is a safe procedure that carries very few risks. Rarely, complications from biopsies taken during colposcopy can occur, including:
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Pelvic pain
