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Colposcopy

Investigates cervical abnormalities and spots any potential problems

If you have recently had a smear test that showed some abnormalities, you will probably have a colposcopy. This is an examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) using a binocular microscope called a colposcope.

It’s a routine and painless procedure that is carried out by a specialist doctor or nurse to ensure that there are no signs of cervical cancer.

Why us

  • Fast access to treatment when you need it
  • Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
  • Clear, inclusive pricing
Typical hospital stay

Same day discharge

Type of anaesthetic

Local

Covered by health insurance?

Yes

Available to self-pay?

Yes

Find a consultant at Sussex Premier Health

Mr Waleed Yousef

Consultant Gynaecologist and Minimal Access Surgeon

Mr Jamal Zaidi

Consultant Gynaecologist

Before your treatment

You’ll meet your consultant in one of our private consultation rooms, during this time you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

The procedure

You will be asked to sit in a special chair with padded supports, where you can rest your legs.

Your Consultant Gynaecologist will insert a speculum into your vagina, which is gently opened to allow them to examine your cervix – as happens during a smear test. They will then examine your cervix using a colposcope (a binocular microscope) with a strong light that will remain outside your body. After this, your Consultant will dab different liquids onto your cervix that will stain abnormal cells a different colour so they can be seen more clearly.

If any abnormal area is identified, a small sample of tissue will be taken from the surface of the cervix.

This biopsy is about the size of a pinhead and you may feel a slight stinging, but it should not be painful. If there is an obvious abnormality, or if you have had a previous positive biopsy result, treatment may be needed. Most often, that treatment is loop excision. This can be done during the same appointment or carried out at a later visit.

For loop excision, a local anaesthetic will be injected into your cervix to numb the area. A loop of fine wire with an electric current flowing through it is then used to remove abnormal cells. If a larger area has to be treated, you might be given a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep during the procedure.

Alternatively, abnormal cells can be destroyed by freezing, heat or laser treatment. Your doctor will discuss these options with you if further treatment is needed.

Aftercare

Colposcopy is carried out as an out-patient or day care procedure depending upon the location and anaesthesia is often not necessary.

If you have had loop excision, freezing, heat or laser treatment, you will have been given either a local or general anaesthetic.

If you have had a biopsy, the results will be ready one to two weeks later and will usually be sent to your Consultant Gynaecologist, they will either send you a letter explaining the results, or may discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment.

For guidance on pain relief and your recovery time, please see our patient information sections below.

A colposcopy is a common procedure that makes sure that you do not have any signs of cervical cancer. It happens to around one in 20 women whose cervical screening test shows some possible abnormalities. Less than one woman in 1,000 who are referred for a colposcopy is found to have cervical cancer needing immediate treatment. (source: NHS Choices)

Possible reasons you may need a colposcopy include:

  • abnormal cervical cells – but not necessarily cancerous – following a cervical screening
  • you have human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the main cause of the abnormal cell changes and could lead to cancer
  • it wasn’t possible to get a result despite having several screening tests
  • your cervix did not look as healthy as it should when you had your screening test.

This examination can also sometimes be used to investigate:

  • unexplained vaginal bleeding, for example, after sex
  • inflammation of the cervix
  • polyps and cysts – benign (non-cancerous) growths
  • genital warts on the cervix.

The aim of having this examination is to spot problems early on before anything more serious develops and to prevent that from happening.

The procedure only takes five minutes and if abnormal areas are spotted, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken.

Further treatment can be carried out immediately after the examination, if necessary. For example, a common procedure called a large loop excision involves your doctor removing abnormal cells with a thin wire loop that is heated with an electric current. This can be carried out using a local anaesthetic.

At Sussex Premier Health, your surgery will be performed by your consultant surgeon.

This procedure should be painless, although a small sample of cervical tissue may be taken and sent for laboratory analysis. A small number of women may have heavy bleeding after the procedure. Occasionally an infection may develop. We will make sure this is treated with antibiotics. If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.

We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you’ve left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

After the procedure, you might experience some vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, similar to a light period. This should clear up after two weeks but may last for up to six weeks. You should be able to return to work the following day.

To help reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid swimming, sexual intercourse and tampons until the discharge has cleared up. Your gynaecologist will give you specific advice.

Healing is usually very rapid. The small area left behind after the abnormal cells are removed fills up quickly and normal tissue grows over.

You may find that your first period following the procedure is heavier or more prolonged than usual and that your periods are irregular for a couple of months.

After you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us. On rare occasions, complications following a colposcopy can occur. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, please call us straight away:

  • heavy bleeding
  • severe pain
  • pain that lasts more than 48 hours
  • fever or high temperature
  • vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant.

Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

You can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.

A guide price for colposcopy is from £771.

An initial consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist is from £200 and does not include the cost of any diagnostic tests, scans or treatment.

To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.

Interested in finding out more?

Speak to a member of our team

Phone01424 757400

Enquiry form

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