Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a close examination of the cervix using a colposcope, a low-power microscope on a stand that stays outside your body. It is the standard next step after an abnormal cervical screening result or a persistent high-risk HPV test.

It lets the gynaecologist see areas of abnormal cells and take small targeted biopsies. It does not treat anything by itself, and a normal colposcopy does not replace routine screening afterwards.

What Colposcopy shows

After a speculum is placed, the cervix is dabbed with dilute acetic acid and sometimes iodine solution. Abnormal areas turn white or fail to take up the iodine, and their pattern, borders and blood vessels suggest whether changes are low grade or high grade. The examiner also checks where the junction between the two cell types of the cervix lies, because that is where precancerous change (CIN) starts. Any suspicious area is sampled with a punch biopsy, and the laboratory grades it as CIN 1, 2 or 3, or rarely as invasive cancer.

When Colposcopy is recommended

• An abnormal smear (Pap) result of any grade that your screening programme refers on
• A positive high-risk HPV test that persists or comes with abnormal cells
• A cervix that looks unusual to the examining doctor
• Bleeding after sex or between periods with no other explanation
• Follow-up after previous treatment for CIN

Limits and situations where another test is better:

• It cannot assess the inside of the womb; bleeding from there needs ultrasound or hysteroscopy
• If the transformation zone lies inside the canal and cannot be seen, a sampling of the canal or a cone biopsy may be needed instead
• It is not a screening test for women with normal results

How to prepare

• Book it for a day when you are not having a heavy period
• Avoid vaginal creams, tampons and intercourse for 24 to 48 hours beforehand
• Bring your smear and HPV reports, translated if possible
• Tell the doctor if you are or might be pregnant, or take blood thinners

What happens during the test

You lie on a gynaecological couch with leg supports. The speculum feels like a smear test. The solutions may sting mildly. A biopsy feels like a sharp pinch or a cramp lasting a second or two; local anaesthetic is rarely needed. The whole appointment takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can often watch on a screen if you wish.

Results and next steps

The doctor tells you the visual impression straight away. Biopsy results take about 3 to 7 working days. Low-grade change is usually watched with repeat testing because it often clears. High-grade change (CIN 2 or 3) is normally treated by removing the affected zone with a loop excision or cone biopsy.

• Test time: 15 to 20 minutes
• Results ready: Visual findings at once, biopsy in 3 to 7 working days
• Back to everyday activity: None; avoid tampons and sex for a few days after biopsy

Safety and risks

• Light bleeding or brown discharge for a few days after a biopsy
• Period-like cramps for a few hours
• Infection is uncommon; report offensive discharge or fever
• Heavy bleeding is rare

Arranging Colposcopy in Türkiye

Flying only for a colposcopy rarely makes sense, because your home screening programme usually provides it. It fits well into a gynaecological check-up, or a second opinion when you have been advised to have treatment. If a biopsy is taken, allow a week for the result or arrange to receive it remotely.

Send your previous reports and the question you want answered and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

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