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Colposcopy

We have made a list of the most common questions people ask us about this clinic and have give the answers to them.
If you have any further questions which you wish to ask then please feel free to ring us on tel:0151 708 9988.

Why am I attending the Colposcopy Clinic?
Usually it is because your cervical smear showed some "early warning" cells which need closer inspection.
What am I coming for?
You are coming for an examination with a colposcope which will take about 15 minutes.
What is Colposcopy?
Colposcopy means looking at the neck of the womb (cervix) with a magnifying instrument (colposcope).
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Does that go inside me?
No - Definitely not. The magnifying instrument and its light are only on the OUTSIDE. The only thing to go inside is the instrument which is used when you have a smear taken.
What is different from a smear test?

Firstly, your legs will have some support because the actual examination takes about 15 minutes. By the way there is no need for you to undress completely. You may feel more comfortable in a dress or skirt which you can keep on.

Secondly, we will take a small piece of skin from the cervix. This is called a BIOSPY. So that we know the best place to take the biopsy from, we paint the cervix with a very dilute vinegar which shows up the cells that we are looking for.
Why is it being done?
It is part of preventing cancer of the cervix (you are very unlikely to have cancer at this time). Your smear test has shown some changes in the cells. In many cases these could return to normal without any treatment but sometimes the changes become worse and could lead to cancer in the future.
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What is the treatment?

When we have the results of your biopsy, all we need to decide then is what treatment is best for you.

The treatment depends upon three things:
1. The smear report
2. How your cervix looks
3. The biopsy report

The treatments most usually used here are the coagulator and loop excision. Both of these remove the unhealthy cells and then the new cells which replace them should be normal. The treatment is successful in about 95% of cases.

We use some anaesthetic on the neck of the womb before the treatment. You can be completely confident that we will do all we can to make sure that you do not experience any pain. A local anaesthetic is not normally given when a biopsy is taken. If you find the biopsy uncomfortable please let the staff know.

Sometimes you are offered the examination and the treatment at the same visit but it is often better to wait for a few weeks to have the biopsy result before being treated.
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Are there any other treatments?
Sometimes it may be necessary for you to come into hospital. This may be for a cone biopsy.
Important
If you are still concerned please keep your appointment so that we can talk about your anxieties.
After Colposcopy

Following your treatment you may have a vaginal discharge for several weeks. You should avoid full sex for one month.

If only a biopsy is taken you may have some vaginal bleeding for a few days. You should avoid full sex during this time. If you have any questions about your treatment, do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the clinic.

If you are due to have a period on your appointment day please telephone the department to let us know, another appointment will be offered to you

If you have any queries before your attend the clinic contact the Nurse Colposcopists:-

Kate Sheldon or Toni Gleave on 0151 702 4266.