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Going for a Colposcopy

This leaflet explains what you need to know about having a colposcopy.

An entrance of a hospital. Outside the door is a hospital a map and a sign titled 'East Wing Entrance 1'.

When you arrive at Dorset County Hospital, please come to the East Wing Entrance 1, which is near the landmark called the ‘Pencils’.

A patient lying on a procedure bed. A medical professional is standing next to them holding a speculum.

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a test of your cervix. The cervix is inside your vagina. A colposcopy checks for any changes that may turn into cancer.

A drawing of a hospital building. Outside you can see signs that read: 'Hospital Entrance Accident and Emergency'. Two ambulances are parked outside.

A colposcopy happens at a hospital. You can go home when it is finished.

Having you colposcopy

You will have to take off your trousers and pants.

A person is sitting on a bed for a medical procedure. Their legs are in supports and a medical professional is sitting at the end of the bed.

You will lie on a special couch. The couch will have supports for your legs.

The doctor or nurse will gently put a speculum inside your vagina.

A nurse in a blue tunic smiling at the camera.

The doctor or nurse might put some liquid into your vagina. This helps them to see any changes. This should not be sore.

The doctor or nurse will use a special camera to look inside your vagina.

A sanitary towel with a bit of blood on it.

You will need to wear a sanitary towel when the colposcopy is finished. You may bring your own or we will give you one if you do not have one.

When it is finished you might have a brown or black discharge from your vagina. This is normal.

A person sitting on a stool, pointing upwards and thinking, depicted with a speech bubble containing a question mark.

It may also be possible to have the colposcopy on another day while you are asleep if you find it too uncomfortable when you are awake – you will need to speak to your doctor or nurse about this.

A person looking unwell. They are holding onto their stomach and head.

After the colposcopy

Your vagina and tummy can be sore after your colposcopy. This is normal.

An iPhone screen displaying a keypad for dialling phone numbers, with digits 1 through 9 arranged in three rows and associated letters beneath each digit.

Phone the doctor if:

A person suffering with the heat. They have 'red steam' coming out from the sides of her head.

You have a high temperature

You have lots of bleeding from your vagina

A person clutching their stomach as if they are experiencing cramping/period pain.

You have a very sore tummy

A person is wrapping their arms around themselves as if they are cold.

You have the chills and are feeling very cold and shivery.

A person in a wheelchair is talking on a landline phone, showing an expression of concern. In the background, another person is also speaking on the phone, depicted within a circular inset. Both individuals appear engaged in serious conversations.

We hope that you have found this information useful.

If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to your family doctor (GP) or the following Dorset County Hospital staff:

Colposcopy Department: 01305 255729

A person holding a sign that says 'easy read' above images of various people interacting and smiling, with text lines below.

About this leaflet

Author: Jen Potter and Lorraine Bond
Written: June 2025
Approved: June 2025
Review date: June 2028
Edition: v1

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk

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