A colposcopy is a close-up exam of the cervix, vagina, and vulva through a lighted magnifying device - most often done after an abnormal Pap smear.
The Pap can show abnormal cells but cannot diagnose them; the colposcopy provides the closer look, usually with a small biopsy of anything suspicious. The biopsy result shows whether cells are cancer, precancer, or nothing serious. The procedure takes minutes and needs no sedation for most women.
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What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure where your provider examines your cervix, vagina, and vulva through a lighted, magnifying device that stays outside your body - think of it as a very close look at tissue a Pap smear already sampled. The most common reason is an abnormal Pap result: the Pap can show abnormal cells but cannot diagnose what they are, and the colposcopy provides the closer look, usually with a small tissue sample (biopsy) taken from anything that appears abnormal. The biopsy results show whether cells are cancer, precancer - cells that could turn into cancer over time - or nothing serious at all. The procedure itself takes minutes, feels like a longer pelvic exam with possible mild cramping from the biopsy, and needs no sedation for most women. It is also used to check genital warts, polyps, and unexplained bleeding. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you understand why one was recommended and what results mean.