Colposcopy

Also known as: cervical biopsy or cervical examination

Colposcopy is an examination of vaginal and cervical tissues to investigate and identify the presence of abnormal cells.

Gynaecology

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What is a colposcopy?

A cervical screening test is offered regularly to all women as a way to examine the health of the cells in the cervix. In 1 in 20 women, a cervical smear test may show abnormal cells that, if left untreated, might develop into cancer. A colposcopy allows a closer and more detailed look at these abnormal cells.

During a colposcopy, a type of microscope, known as a colposcope, is used to observe the cervix while liquids are applied to highlight abnormal cells. Should any abnormal cells be present, the consultant will take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) to send away for further analysis.

How do I know if I need a colposcopy?

Your doctor will recommend you have a colposcopy if:

You’ve had a cervical smear test that has shown abnormal cells.
You’ve had several cervical smear tests without a clear result
On examining your cervix during your smear test, your doctor or nurse thought that your cervix didn’t look completely healthy.

You may also need a colposcopy if you have:

Genital warts on the cervix
Inflammation of the cervix
Polyps and cysts i.e., benign (non-cancerous) growths
Tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV)
Unexplained vaginal bleeding e.g. after sex
Genital warts

Hospital fee guide price: £575

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included

More about pricing

Before the exam

You can self-refer for a Colposcopy, but you must have your smear test results available prior to booking an appointment with the Gynaecology Consultant.

For at least 24hrs before your appointment, you will need to abstain from having sex and refrain from using any vaginal creams, lubricants, menstrual cups or tampons.

If you suspect you may be on your period during the colposcopy, there is no need to cancel your appointment as this will not interfere with the colposcopy assessment.

However, should you be pregnant during the time of your colposcopy, please do notify your consultant. The procedure is safe during pregnancy but collecting a tissue sample (biopsy) or subsequent treatment will likely be postponed until after you’ve given birth.

On the day of your colposcopy, it is recommended to bring a sanitary pad or panty liner with you as you may experience some light bleeding or vaginal discharge after your procedure.

During the exam

For your colposcopy, you will be asked to lie in a reclining chair with padded supports in the same position as during a cervical screening test with your knees bent and your legs apart.

Your consultant will then gently insert the speculum into your vagina to expose the cervix. A microscope (colposcope) with a strong light will be used to examine your cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina. Special solutions may then be applied to the walls of your cervix to stain and highlight abnormal tissue.

This may be enough for your consultant to determine whether your smear test was correct and there is abnormal tissue that needs to be removed. However, in some cases, a biopsy may be required for closer examination in a laboratory.

If your consultant is confident that abnormal cells are present, you will be booked in for treatment to remove the affected tissue. This is most often done through a process known as large loop excision (LLETZ) which is performed as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic . Loop excision involves using a loop of wire with an electrical current passing through it to remove the abnormal cells.

Not everyone who has a colposcopy needs treatment. If you only have a mild abnormality, it might be suggested that you have a repeat colposcopy in 12 months. The changes in the neck of your womb (cervix) may return to normal by themselves and they may just need monitoring.

A colposcopy is a routine and painless procedure; however, some may experience a little discomfort. Do inform your consultant if you need to stop the procedure at any point.

The colposcopy procedure usually takes about 5 minutes. Overall, including the time it takes to discuss your problem with your consultant, your appointment should last approx. 30 minutes.

After the exam

Following your colposcopy, you can go home as soon as you feel ready, typically this is as soon as your appointment finishes. You can return to normal activities; however, you may wish to rest for the remainder of the day.

If you’ve had a biopsy or excision, you may have a small amount of bleeding or discharge. Avoid swimming, sex and using vaginal creams, lubricants, medications, menstrual cups or tampons until this has stopped.

We will endeavour to get the results of your biopsy back to your consultant within 10 days following your appointment. Your results will then be discussed with you at the next available appointment.

About 6 out of 10 women who have a colposcopy have abnormal cells in their cervix. This doesn’t mean they are cancerous cells, but they can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated.

Should your results indicate the presence of abnormal cells, your consultant will discuss treatment to remove the affected tissue, usually through large loop excision (LLETZ).

We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment

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Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.

Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.

Whether you pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.

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We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.

We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.

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Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.

Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.

A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.

Pay using PMI

We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.

Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.

Hospital fee guide price: £575

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included