A colposcopy is a procedure in which a special instrument is used to examine your cervix. A colposcopy is usually performed after an abnormal result from a smear test.

The results will determine whether you need additional treatment to remove abnormal cells from your cervix.

What Are The Reasons for Having a Colposcopy?

You may need to have a colposcopy if:

abnormal cells were detected during your routine cervical smear.

the smear test produced inconclusive results

anything unusual was spotted during a routine smear test or gynaecological exam

you’ve been experiencing symptoms that could be associated with your cervix, such as bleeding between periods or after sex

An abnormal smear result isn’t usually anything to worry about, but it does need to be investigated. Your gynaecologist can use the colposcopy to check your cervix and identify the cause of the problem. It can help her to make a diagnosis and find the right treatment. The colposcopy can confirm the presence of abnormal cells that could be precancerous. If you have abnormal cells, there is a risk that they could develop into cervical cancer if they are left in place. The doctor may need to remove them to prevent this from happening.