Colposcopy

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is an examination in which the gynaecologist carefully examines the cervix with a colposcope, a sort of microscope.

Just as with the pap smear, the doctor inserts a speculum (duckbill) into the vagina. The doctor then places a colposcope in front of the entrance of the vagina. This is a kind of microscope. The doctor looks through this and sees the tissue of the cervix enlarged. The gynaecologist uses iodine and a type of vinegar solution to detect the abnormality.

Depending on the result of the pap smear, and the possible visible abnormalities in the colposcopic examination, the gynaecologist determines whether treatment is required. The treatment is done immediately after the examination. A possible treatment can be a biopsy. With a biopsy we remove a very small piece of tissue. This happens without anesthesia.