Colposcopy

Why have a colposcopy?

You may have been referred for colposcopy because a cervical screening test (smear test) has shown evidence of abnormal cells and high-risk HPV.

Some women are seen in the clinic who have never had an abnormal smear. Their GP has referred them because of uncertainty about the appearance of the cervix, vulva, vagina or because a satisfactory smear cannot be obtained.

What happens during a colposcopy?

A specialist called a colposcopist carries out the colposcopy. This may be a doctor or a specially trained nurse.

Following assessment, you would be advised on management. This could be a simple reassurance, biopsy or a treatment.

Biopsy: A small sample of tissue (a biopsy) may be removed for closer examination in a laboratory – this shouldn’t be painful, but you may feel a slight pinch or stinging sensation

Treatment: The main treatment performed is called a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). This treatment is very quick and is performed under local anaesthetic. This is either done at your first visit or after an initial biopsy. A very small proportion of women may need to have this under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.

Other treatments can be performed for other problems affecting the cervix such as ‘cold coagulation’ cautery, which is again performed under local anaesthetic.

What if I am pregnant?

Colposcopy can be done safely during pregnancy and will not affect delivery of your baby, nor will it affect your ability to become pregnant in the future. However, treatment is usually postponed until after the delivery of your baby. Very occasionally biopsies may need to be taken during pregnancy.

Please contact and inform the colposcopy coordinator if you are pregnant. This is so an appointment is made with a colposcopist who has expertise in this area.

Further information

If you are anticipating the need for treatment, it is advisable to take simple pain killers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, one hour prior to the procedure to help with the mild discomfort you may feel.

If you think your period might arrive around the time of your appointment then continue the contraceptive pill without a break if you are already on it. For others, you should usually still be able to have the procedure, so please attend.

You can see our information leaflets and consent forms on the Trust’s dedicated patient information leaflets page – just scroll down to gynaecology.

Where are the clinics located?

• Lister Hospital – Colposcopy clinic is situated in Bancroft clinic area at the Lister.

Our key clinical staff

• Dr Savita Peace – Lead Colposcopist
• Mr Alasdair Drake MRCOG – Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Oncologist
• Miss Ghadah Ahsan – Oncology
• Mrs Sunitha Puthucode-Easwaran – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Ms Vernika Sharma – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Louise Brady – Hysteroscopy Nurse Specialist and Trainee Colposcopist
• Bev Swallow – Lead Nurse Colposcopy
• Abbie Hadley – Colposcopy Coordinator
• Paige Roberts – Colposcopy Secretary
• Tracy Coston – Colposcopy Administrator