What is colposcopy?
Colposcopy is where the vagina and cervix are examined with a colposcope – which is basically a set of binoculars with a light.
The vulva can also be examined with a colposcope – and this is called vulvoscopy.
Why is colposcopy performed?
When the Cervical Screening Test (CST) shows persisting HPV or potential high-grade (pre-cancerous) cell changes, a colposcopy is recommended.
Also, if there is any indication of pre-cancerous or cancerous changes, such as unusual symptoms, a colposcopy may be recommended.
Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding) is one of the most common symptoms referred for colposcopy due to the small (3%) association with cervical cancer.