Colposcopy in Ormskirk

A colposcopy is a detailed examination of your cervix, typically recommended following an abnormal cervical screening result. It’s a straightforward procedure that allows your clinician to closely examine your cervical tissue and identify any areas that may need treatment.

The procedure uses a specialised microscope called a colposcope, takes around 20 minutes, and is performed as an outpatient appointment. Most people recover the same day, though if a biopsy is taken, you may experience light spotting for a day or two.

If you’ve been referred for a colposcopy, we understand you may have questions or concerns. Here, we explain what a colposcopy involves, why it’s needed, what to expect during and after the procedure, and how Ramsay Health Care can support you.

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a detailed examination of your cervix, vagina, and vulva to check for abnormal cells or tissue changes. It's typically recommended following an abnormal cervical screening result, allowing your clinician to investigate any areas of concern more closely.

The procedure uses a colposcope – a specialised microscope designed specifically for examining the cervix. The colposcope is mounted on a movable arm and positioned a few inches from your body. It has a bright light and a magnifying lens that displays detailed, magnified images on a screen, allowing your clinician to examine your cervical tissue closely.

During the examination, a mild solution may be applied to your cervix to help identify any abnormal areas. If any unusual tissue is found, a small sample (biopsy) may be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Colposcopies usually take 20 minutes or less to perform and are carried out as an outpatient procedure, meaning you won't have to stay in the hospital overnight and can go home the same day.

Does a colposcopy hurt?

The majority of people don’t feel pain during a colposcopy. Some experience mild discomfort when the speculum is inserted, similar to that during a cervical screening, but pain is uncommon. A solution may be applied to your cervix during the examination, which can cause a mild tingling or cooling sensation.

If a cervical biopsy (tissue sample) is taken during your colposcopy, you may feel a brief pinching, stinging, or cramp-like sensation. This usually passes quickly. Your clinician may offer a local anaesthetic before taking a biopsy, which will numb the area so you won't feel any discomfort.

After your colposcopy, particularly if you’ve had a biopsy, you may experience:

• Mild cramping similar to period pain

• Light spotting or bleeding

• Watery discharge

These symptoms typically last one to two days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you have concerns about discomfort during or after your colposcopy, please speak to your Ramsay clinician. We can discuss pain management options and help ensure you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.

Why you might need a colposcopy procedure

A colposcopy is usually recommended as a follow-up investigation after a cervical screening test (smear test) has detected abnormal cells, or if you have symptoms that need further examination.

Common reasons for referral

You may be referred for a colposcopy if:

• A cervical screening showed abnormal cells in your cervix or changes that need further investigation.

• You’ve had a positive HPV (human papillomavirus) (HPV) test - HPV is a common virus that can cause cell changes in the cervix, which may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

• Several cervical screening tests have been inconclusive and haven’t provided clear results.

• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding, particularly after sex or between periods.

• Your doctor has noticed an unusual lump, growth, or other abnormality on your cervix or vagina during an examination.

• You need follow-up after previous treatment for cervical abnormalities.

Common reasons for referral

Not everyone with HPV needs a colposcopy. HPV is very common, and in most cases, your immune system clears the infection naturally. However, a colposcopy may be recommended if:

• You have a high-risk strain of HPV along with abnormal cervical screening results.

• HPV has been detected repeatedly over time.

• Your doctor wants to examine your cervix more closely to check for any cell changes.

What a colposcopy can help diagnose

A colposcopy procedure can help identify:

• Precancerous cell changes (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN).

• Early signs of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.

• Non-cancerous growths, such as cervical polyps.

• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).

• Genital warts.

The colposcopy procedure: What to expect?

When you arrive for your colposcopy, we’ll check you in, ask you to change into a gown, and take you to the examination room.

You’ll be asked to lie on an examination couch with your legs supported and raised, similar to the position for a cervical screening. A speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to allow your clinician to see your vagina and cervix clearly.

The colposcope itself stays outside the body – it doesn’t enter your vagina. It acts like a magnifying camera, positioned a few inches away. Your clinician will apply a solution to your cervix (typically acetic acid, which is similar to vinegar, and sometimes an iodine solution) to help highlight any abnormal cells. These solutions may cause brief tingling or a mild cooling sensation.

Your clinician will then examine your cervix through the colposcope, which displays magnified images on a screen. The examination typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Some clinics may allow you to watch the screen if you’d like, though you can also choose to look away. 

If your clinician identifies any areas of concern, they may recommend taking a colposcopy biopsy – a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This involves using a slender instrument to remove a tiny piece of tissue, which you may feel as a brief pinching or cramping sensation.

In most cases, you're welcome to bring a companion with you for support. Please check with us in advance to confirm we can accommodate this at your chosen Ramsay hospital.

Preparing for your colposcopy appointment

Proper preparation can help ensure your colposcopy is as comfortable and effective as possible. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions before your appointment, but here’s what to expect:

Timing and your period

It’s best to schedule your colposcopy when you’re not menstruating, as bleeding can make it difficult to examine your cervix clearly. Light spotting may be acceptable, but heavy bleeding is not. If your period starts unexpectedly before your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule.

What to avoid before your colposcopy

For 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, you should avoid:

• Sexual intercourse or any form of vaginal penetration

• Using tampons

• Vaginal creams, pessaries, or medications (unless advised otherwise by your doctor)

What to bring to your appointment

We recommend bringing the following items:

• Sanitary pads (in case of light bleeding or discharge afterwards)

• Any previous test results or referral letters

• Loose, comfortable clothing for easy changing before and after the procedure

Arranging transport

Most patients don’t require sedation or anaesthesia and are fine to drive themselves home after the procedure. 

However, if you’re given any form of sedation or anaesthesia, you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours afterwards and should arrange for someone to take you home. Even without sedation, you may prefer to bring someone with you for support.

Colposcopy biopsy

A cervical biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from your cervix for laboratory analysis. Not everyone who has a colposcopy will need a biopsy; it’s only performed if your clinician identifies abnormal-looking cells during the examination.

If a biopsy is needed, a slender instrument will be used to remove a tiny sample of tissue from your cervix. You may feel a brief pinching sensation or cramp-like discomfort, which usually passes within seconds. The sample is then sent to a specialist pathologist for microscopic analysis.

Your colposcopy biopsy results will typically be available within 2 to 4 weeks and will be communicated to you according to your preferences (by phone, letter, or at a follow-up appointment).

Understanding your biopsy results

Your results will typically fall into one of the following categories:

• Normal tissue – no abnormal cells found; no further treatment needed.

• Low-grade cell changes (CIN 1) – minor abnormalities that often resolve on their own. Regular monitoring through follow-up screening will be recommended.

• High-grade cell changes (CIN 2 or CIN 3) – more significant precancerous abnormalities that require treatment to prevent progression to cervical cancer.

• Cancer detected – further investigation and treatment will be arranged urgently

Whatever your results, your doctor will discuss them with you, explain what they mean, and outline the recommended next steps for your care.

After your colposcopy

Most people recover quickly after a colposcopy and can return to normal activities the same day or within 1 to 2 days, including work, driving, and light exercise.

Normal side effects

After your procedure, you may experience:

• Light bleeding or spotting

• Dark brown or black discharge (this is particularly common if you’ve had a biopsy, as it’s caused by the solution used to stop bleeding).

• Mild lower-abdominal cramping, similar to period pain/

These side effects are more likely if you’ve had a biopsy, but they typically settle within a few days. 

When to seek medical attention 

Contact your GP, visit a walk-in clinic, or go to A&E if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking through more than one pad per hour)

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve with painkillers

• Fever or flu-like symptoms

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

These symptoms could indicate an infection or other complication that needs prompt treatment.

Activities to avoid after a colposcopy

If you had a diagnostic colposcopy only (no biopsy), there are usually no activity restrictions, and you can resume normal activities immediately.

If a biopsy was taken, you’ll typically be advised to avoid the following for up to 7 days:

• Sexual intercourse or vaginal penetration

• Using tampons (use sanitary pads instead)

• Swimming or taking baths (showers are fine)

• Strenuous exercises

These precautions help reduce the risk of infection and allow your cervix to heal properly. Your clinician will give you specific guidance based on your individual procedure.

Colposcopy results and next steps

The timeframe for receiving your results depends on whether you had a biopsy.

If you had a diagnostic colposcopy only

Your results may be available immediately, as your clinician can explain what they observed during the examination. You'll typically receive a written summary within a few days to a couple of weeks, which will also be shared with your GP.

If you had a cervical biopsy

Biopsy results take longer because the tissue sample needs laboratory analysis. Colposcopy biopsy results typically take 2 to 4 weeks, though occasionally longer in complex cases. At Ramsay, we'll give you a clear timeframe for when and how to expect your results.

Understanding your results

When you receive your colposcopy results, the outcome will typically be one of the following:

• Normal cells only – no abnormal cells found. No further action required, though you'll continue with routine cervical screening as per national guidelines.

• Low-grade cell changes (CIN 1) – minor abnormalities detected. These often resolve naturally, so the recommended approach is usually regular monitoring through follow-up colposcopies and screenings to ensure the changes don't progress.

• High-grade cell changes (CIN 2 or CIN 3) – moderate to severe precancerous abnormalities. Treatment is recommended to remove these cells and prevent progression to cervical cancer.

• Cancer detected – if cancer is found, you'll be referred urgently to a specialist team who will arrange appropriate treatment, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Treatment options for abnormal cells

If high-grade cell changes are found, treatment will be recommended to remove the abnormal tissue. Your clinician will suggest the most appropriate option for your situation, which may include:

• LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) – also known as loop diathermy or LEEP. This is the most common treatment and uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal tissue.

• Cone biopsy – a cone-shaped section of tissue is removed from the cervix for examination and treatment.

• Laser ablation – abnormal cells are destroyed using a focused laser beam.

• Cervical cryotherapy – abnormal cells are frozen and destroyed using liquid nitrogen or argon gas.

Most of these procedures are performed as outpatient treatments under local or general anaesthetic and typically take less than 30 minutes. You'll usually be able to go home the same day.

Your clinician will discuss the recommended treatment with you in detail, explain what's involved, and answer any questions you may have.

Why choose a private colposcopy?

Choosing to have a private colposcopy can offer a range of benefits, including:

• Enhanced privacy and dignity – Your own private room throughout your stay, giving you the comfort and discretion you need during your recovery.
• Faster access to treatment –Private care means you can schedule your surgery quickly, at a time that suits you, rather than being placed on a lengthy waiting list.
• Continuity of care – You'll be cared for by the same consultant from initial consultation through to follow-up care, building a relationship with a specialist who understands your individual needs and treatment plan.
• Flexible appointments – Appointments arranged at times that work around your schedule, from your initial consultation through to post-operative follow-up appointments.

What is the cost of a private colposcopy?

The cost of a colposcopy with Ramsay Health Care depends on several factors, including:

• Whether you require a diagnostic colposcopy only, or a colposcopy with biopsy

• Any additional treatments that may be needed

• Which Ramsay hospital you choose for your procedure

We'll provide you with a personalised quote after your initial consultation, which will be valid for up to 60 days.

We can offer you a range of payment options for your colposcopy, including:

• 0% Payment Plans – Spread the cost with fixed monthly payments over a timeframe that suits you.

• Self-funded treatment – Our all-inclusive Total Care package covers all aspects of your treatment for one pre-agreed price.

• Private medical insurance – Your private healthcare insurance may cover your colposcopy. Please obtain written confirmation from your insurance provider before booking your treatment with us.

For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact our friendly team.

Colposcopy treatment at Ramsay Health Care

Choose Ramsay for your colposcopy and benefit from quick access to expert gynaecological care in a modern hospital close to you. With locations across the UK, we make specialist care convenient and accessible when you need it most.

You’ll receive patient-focused care from experienced consultant gynaecologists who specialise in colposcopy. Your appointments will be arranged at times to suit you, and you’ll have a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Your Ramsay experience includes:

• Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site parking

• State-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern colposcopy and gynaecological technology

• Comprehensive care from initial consultation to full recovery

• Dedicated patient support with easy access to your dedicated private patient team throughout your journey

• Experienced consultants who specialise in colposcopy and cervical health

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly advisors, learn more about colposcopy at Ramsay Health Care, and book your consultation.

Colposcopy treatment FAQs