The Colposcopy Clinic
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) using a colposcope. This looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand. It does not go inside you, but allows the doctor or nurse to see the cervix in more detail. The examination will take place in the outpatient clinic.
There are no childcare facilities at the clinic. If you need to rearrange your appointment, please contact the clinic secretary.
Why do I need an appointment?
Most of the women who are asked to go to the clinic will have had an abnormal smear result showing cell changes known as dyskaryosis. These may be due to a minor change such as an infection or inflammation of the cervix, or it may mean that a few cells are at risk, if neglected, of becoming cancerous in later years.
In some women the previous smears may have been inadequate.
Occasionally, your GP, clinic doctor or nurse will want us to examine the appearance of your cervix in more detail.
What will happen at the clinic?
When you come to the clinic please report to the clinic clerk or receptionist, who will check your details. You will then be seen by either the nurse or doctor who will explain your results.
It may be helpful to know the date of your last period.
If you are pregnant, please tell the nurse or doctor as, although colposcopy can be safely carried out during pregnancy, the examination may need to be altered slightly.
After removing your underwear you will be positioned on a special couch or bed which will support your legs. A speculum (the instrument your doctor or nurse used when you had your smear taken) is placed inside your vagina. A smear test may be repeated. Different liquids are dabbed onto your cervix which help show up any abnormal areas. The doctor or nurse will look at these areas using the colposcope. A small piece of tissue may be taken from the surface of the neck of your womb. This is called a biopsy. You may feel a slight stinging, but this does not need an anaesthetic.
In some clinics you are able to watch your examination on a TV monitor.
What can you tell from the colposcopy?
The doctor or nurse may be able to tell you what is wrong and what treatment, if any, you need, but will often need to wait for the results of the tests. In some clinics if the area looks abnormal you may be offered treatment at the same visit. In this case, instead of a biopsy you will have the area treated with a biopsy technique known as LLETZ or diathermy loop excision using a local anaesthetic (you will not need to be asleep).
If you have had inadequate smears or have been referred to check the appearance of your cervix, the doctor or nurse may be able to tell if your cervix looks healthy, but will often need to wait for the results of the tests.
How can you tell if I need treatment?
This depends on the reason for your colposcopy, the results of the tests and how your cervix looks. If your results show no abnormality or a minor change, you will need follow-up smears. The date of your next smear will depend on your previous results. If your results show CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - sometimes called pre-cancerous cells), you will be advised to have this treated to prevent cancer developing in the future.
The clinic staff will advise you of the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
Following the examination
If you have had a biopsy taken you may notice a bloodstained discharge for a few days. Wear towels rather than tampons to prevent infection. You should avoid sex for at least 24 hours.
If you have been treated at your first visit, you will need to avoid sex for one month. You should avoid swimming until any discharge has stopped.
If you notice a heavy blood loss, vaginal discharge or severe pain please contact the clinic or, if out of hours, your GP. Before you leave the clinic make sure you know how and when you will receive your results and what numbers to contact if you have any questions or problems.
I need to cancel my appointment - what do I do?
Please phone the number on your clinic letter so that you can be given another appointment. If you are likely to be menstruating, and you have regular periods, please make another appointment. If you have irregular periods or are bleeding all the time, please keep your appointment.
I didn't come to my appointment - what will happen?
It is important that you are seen in the clinic. If you have not informed the clinic, you will be sent one further appointment. If you do not attend this you will NOT be sent another appointment.
You will be contacted by the local Nurse Co-ordinator and your GP will be informed. You can be referred back at any time by your GP or Nurse Co-ordinator.
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