For the colposcopy, you will lie on your back on a special couch in a similar position to that used to have a cervical smear. A speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to allow your cervix to be clearly seen. Sometimes, a cervical smear will be taken. After this, the doctor or nurse will look at your cervix using the colposcope. Different liquids may then be applied to your cervix to make any abnormal areas easier to see.

If nothing is found at colposcopy, what happens next will depend on your cervical smear result. Your doctor or nurse will explain the options to you.

If an abnormality is found, a small sample of the abnormal area (a biopsy) may be taken to see if treatment is required or not.

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