Having a Colposcopy examination
This information aims to answer your questions about having a colposcopy. It explains the benefits, risks and alternatives. It also tells you what you can expect when you come to hospital.
If you have any further questions please contact our Colposcopy unit 08.30am-5.00pm
Cumberland Infirmary Colposcopy secretary 01228 814220
Colposcopy specialist nurse: 07500857533 or 01946 523218
What is colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a test used to see if there are abnormal cells in your cervix. If so it will check how serious they are. This is a follow-up to your cervical screening test (used to be called a smear) or an examination at the request of your doctor. A specialist (colposcopist) will take a close look at your cervix using a magnifying lens and light (colposcope). They may take a small sample (biopsy) to check any areas of your cervix which look abnormal.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
You may have been invited to have colposcopy for one of the following reasons:
- Abnormal cells on your cervical screening result
- Persistent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) with normal cells
- The nurse or doctor who examined your cervix was concerned about its appearance
Being offered a colposcopy does not mean you have cancer. Most women who have a colposcopy will not go on to develop cancer. Early treatment can prevent an abnormality from becoming cancer.
We strongly recommend that you go to your appointment. If you do not attend your appointment and then change your mind, you will have to wait for another appointment. If you do not attend on 2 occasions you may be discharged from the service.
Are there any alternatives to colposcopy?
There are no alternatives. This is the only way that we can investigate this further an abnormal screening result.
How can I prepare for a colposcopy examination or treatment?
You do not need to do anything. You do not need to bring anyone with you but you can if you like. Some people like to have someone to take them home after if they are feeling unwell. It is unlikely that you will feel unwell, but it does happen sometimes.
It is very important that you eat and drink before you come to the clinic. Do not fast. It is also a good idea to read the information leaflets that we have given you.
If you are on your period, we would still advise you to attend.
We advise all patients to allow 2 hours in the department for their appointment time. Your appointment may not take the whole 2 hours. We do not want you to feel rushed after your appointment so we recommend you pay for 2 hours parking.
If you are planning to go abroad soon after your appointment, please advise the Colposcopist on the day of your appointment. We will not be able to do some parts of the treatment if you are due to travel abroad within 2 weeks of your appointment. This is because of a small risk of bleeding and other complications meaning your holiday insurance cover may be affected.
What happens during a colposcopy examination?
You will be seen in the colposcopy unit which is located in the Women’s Outpatients Department in the Cumberland Infirmary or West Cumberland Hospital.
Awe are a teaching hospital so a medical or nursing professional may wish to observe the clinic on the day that you are there. We will always ask for your consent before allowing any observations to take place. You can say no at any time. If you have said yes before but change your mind your care will not be affected.
Before the examination you will be asked questions about your medical history. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and given a sheet to wrap around you. A toilet will be available. The nurse who is looking after you will then help you to get into a comfortable position on the couch.
The colposcopy examination usually takes around 15 minutes
During the examination a device called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina and opened to show your cervix (neck of your womb). This is similar to when you had your screening test. A type of magnifying glass is then used to look closely at the cervix. You will have the option to look at your cervix on a screen. A liquid is then applied to the cervix to show where any abnormal cells might be coming from. Tiny samples of tissues (called biopsies) may be taken from your cervix. Some women say that the biopsy is painless, while others say that it is slightly uncomfortable and gives them period-like pains. This pain often only lasts for a few minutes.
Most women feel well enough to go home or back to work. You may get some discharge from the liquids used.
For the next few days you may have light bleeding if you had a biopsy taken. This is normal and usually stops after 2 - 7 days. We advise that you:
- use pads rather than tampons
- avoid sex, lubricant and creams until the bleeding stops
- shower rather than have a bath whilst bleeding
If you have a biopsy taken you will get a leaflet at your appointment. This will explain what to expect and after care.
Colposcopy results
If you have had samples taken these are sent to the laboratory to be checked. We will write to you with the results within 4 weeks.
The letter will tell you what the results of any investigations are and:
- if you need to come back for treatment
- if we would like to see you again
- if we are discharging you back to the care of your GP
If I need treatment, what will happen?
Please see additional leaflet enclosed with your appointment.
What risks are associated with colposcopy to the cervix?
There are no risks associated with having a colposcopy examination itself.
What shall I do if I have problem or concern?
- contact or visit your GP
- contact the colposcopy clinic on tel. 01228 814220, 01228 814213
- call NHS 111
- go to A&E if it is an emergency
Commonly asked questions.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant and have had an abnormal result, we would still like to see you. This examination is safe to do when you are pregnant but you should still phone us for further advice.
We might still do a colposcopy but it is not usual for us to do this if you are pregnant.
We will ask you about the dates of your last period. If there is a chance you may be pregnant we may do a pregnancy test.
If you are pregnant when you are due to have the procedure we will defer your treatment until after you have had your baby. Please let us know your expected due date when you come to see us.
The doctor or nurse looking after you may want to monitor the abnormal cells throughout your pregnancy. They will do this by asking you to come for another colposcopy while you are pregnant. This does not harm your baby. You will be asked to come back to unit 12 weeks after the birth of your baby. This is so that we can have another look at your cervix. We may also do any treatment at this time.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in all the decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead with the colposcopy examination, you will be asked to give your consent verbally. This means that you agree to have the examination and you understand what it involves.
If you would like more information about our consent process speak to a member of staff caring for you.
If a small biopsy is needed
After a small biopsy we would expect you to have some light bleeding for up to 2 to 7 days. During this time you should:
- use pads instead of tampons
- avoid intercourse
- shower instead of having a bath
This is to allow time for your cervix to heal and to lessen the risk of bleeding and infection.
Infection
If you have a vaginal discharge which has a bad smell after a biopsy, it may indicate that you have an infection. Please go to your GP who may decide to prescribe antibiotics.
Pain
Most women say that the colposcopy examination is not painful. Some women report slight discomfort. This is usually related to the speculum that we have to use to keep the vaginal walls open. You may have some pain if you have to have a biopsy. Some women say that the biopsy is painless. Some women say that it hurts slightly and gives them period-like pains. This pain often only lasts for a few minutes. It usually responds to simple painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Please note our colposcopy clinic has a select and treat policy
If you have been referred with high grade dyskaryosis (moderate/severe), glandular neoplasia, borderline change in endocervical cells we offer assessment and possible treatment at the first clinic visit. If appropriate an additional treatment leaflet will be enclosed.
Useful sources of information
The websites recommended below are run by cancer charities, but this does not mean that you have cancer. These websites are the ones we believe have the most detailed information, which we hope may help answer more of your questions.
Cancer Research - http://www.cruk.org/ Telephone: 0808 800 4040
Macmillan - www.macmillan.org.uk
NHS website www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical
You can find more detailed information on cervical screening, including the sources of evidence used in writing this leaflet:
Informed choice about cancer screening http://informedchoiceaboutcancerscreening.org/
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302