Introduction
The purpose of this leaflet is to give information about your visit to the Colposcopy Clinic.
What is colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a test to take a closer look at the cervix (neck of the womb). During a colposcopy a smooth tube-shaped tool (speculum) is used to open the vagina to expose the cervix just like when your cervical screening test is taken. A colposcope is used to examine the cervix in greater detail, the colposcope remains outside of the body. The colposcopist may be either a doctor or nurse trained in this specialist procedure.
Why have I been referred to colposcopy?
There are several reasons why you may have been referred to the Colposcopy Clinic. We see patients in the clinic for:
- Your cervical screening test (often known as a ‘smear test’) has identified abnormal cells on your cervix or your HPV test has returned positive in the last three screenings.
- Your GP or nurse has had some difficulty obtaining a cervical sample or it has returned inadequate on two consecutive occasions.
- Your GP is worried about the appearance of your cervix, vagina or vulva.
- If you have been experiencing symptoms such as bleeding after sex or bleeding in between your periods.
Is there anything I need to know before I attend the Clinic?
If you are menstruating (having a period) and do not wish to attend please ring to arrange another appointment.
Please note that colposcopy examination can still be carried out satisfactorily unless the period is heavy.
There is no need for you to fast (not eat or drink) before you come for your appointment.
Please bring with you the name of any medications that you are currently taking and also have a record of the date of your last period.
You are welcome to bring a companion if you would like some support or company. If you wish, and there is room in the examination room, your companion may stay with you during the examination.
A designated nurse will be with you throughout the examination.
If, after the colposcopy, you need further treatment, this may be carried out on the same day – what we call ‘see and treat’ or you may be asked to return on another day.
If you would prefer a female doctor or nurse to perform your examination, please contact us as soon as possible, your appointment may need to be rescheduled as a female clinician is not always available.
Please note, due to the nature of the procedure, a pregnancy test may be required as a precaution, if positive, we may postpone your treatment. If this is the case, we will discuss the options with you.
Note: If you have a contraceptive coil in place: This may need to be removed just before starting the procedure if the specialist thinks the coil threads may be damaged during the treatment.
In case your coil needs to be removed we advise you to avoid sexual intercourse for one week before your appointment. If this is not possible you must use barrier contraception (e.g. condom) for the week prior to the treatment.
You can have your coil replaced by your own GP six weeks after your treatment. Extra contraceptive precautions should be used until your coil is replaced
When you arrive at the Clinic
If attending at Scunthorpe General Hospital, you will need to go to the Gynaecology Outpatients Clinic. Gynaecology Outpatients is well signposted from Church Lane entrance to the site.
If you are attending at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, you will need to go to the reception area on ward B1. This is on the first floor of the main hospital building and is signposted Colposcopy from the lift and the stairs
If you are attending at Goole & District Hospital, you should ask at the main reception desk in the hospital for directions to outpatients department where your colposcopy will take place.
Maps for all sites are available on the website.
Before your examination, you will be shown into the colposcopy room or a consultation room and the colposcopist or nurse will explain the procedure and ask you some questions regarding your periods, any abnormal bleeding, use of contraception, any serious illnesses you may have had as well as details of any previous colposcopy and treatment. They will also ask for your consent. They will ask you to complete a consent form and a copy of this can be provided.
You will be asked to remove your clothing below the waist prior to the procedure. We advise you wear something light, avoid thick jumpers. Wearing a skirt can be helpful, however, we do offer gowns to cover yourself with also.
Who will be present?
Normally, only the colposcopist and two assisting nurses are present. The colposcopist is a doctor or a nurse who has undergone specialist training in the procedure. Occasionally we have students that observe the clinic or a colposcopist in training may perform your examination under the supervision of an experienced Colposcopist. You will be asked for your consent should we have additional staff in the room. Your help and co-operation in the training of these doctors and nurses of the future would be greatly appreciated. However, if you do not wish any observers or trainees to be present, please inform the clinic nurse. If you have a companion with you, he / she will be able to give you extra support.
The Examination
You will be asked to lie on a special couch with leg supports as this makes the examination easier. The colposcopist will insert a speculum in your vagina, just like when your smear test was taken. The cervix will then be inspected through the colposcope. The colposcope does not touch you or enter your body.
The colposcopist may apply a solution to your cervix, vagina or vulva, depending on the area which requires examination. This will show up any abnormal cells. This may feel cold and may sting a little; iodine may also be applied to confirm that there are abnormal cells. During the examination the colposcopist will explain what is happening. If the facility is available, you may also be asked if you wish to see on a monitor what the colposcopist sees via a camera attached to the colposcope. This makes it easier for the colposcopist to explain the procedure. Please be aware that the picture on the monitor is magnified.
The examination will last between 10-15 minutes and does not require a local anaesthetic, unless you have treatment on a ‘see and treat’ basis or the clinician wishes to take a vulval biopsy. If the clinician finds an area on your cervix they want to investigate further, they may ask you if they can take a small skin biopsy of a few millimeters we call a punch biopsy or directed biopsy. You may be asked to cough whilst this is taken. Some patients may feel a nip when this is taken, others may feel period like cramp following the biopsy, the doctor or specialist nurse may also need to use a special solution or silver nitrate to stop any minor bleeding from the biopsy site. If you have had a biopsy or treatment, you will be given a specific aftercare advice leaflet during your appointment.
It is advisable to take some paracetamol and ibuprofen (do not take if allergic to either of these medications) one hour before the appointment.
If you feel pain during your treatment, please let us know. Any discomfort following the procedure can be relieved with over-the-counter analgesia such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
The results of the examination, and monitoring, if necessary, will be discussed with you in clinic.
If there is any bleeding or a smelly discharge from your vagina up to 10 days after your visit and your period is not due, contact the Gynaecology Assessment Unit on the telephone numbers on the last page of this leaflet or your own GP for advice.
‘See and Treat’
Our colposcopists may offer treatment at the first visit for high grade changes on your cervical screening. This is called a ‘Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone’ or LLETZ or loop biopsy. LLETZ may be offered to you at your first appointment but only when the whole area of abnormal cells can be seen. Alternatively, it may be offered following confirmation of abnormal changes shown on a punch biopsy of the cervix. These samples will be examined under a microscope in the laboratory to identify the degree of abnormality.
The results of the examination and future review if necessary, will be discussed with you in clinic.
If you have treatment, DO NOT have sexual intercourse, swim or use tampons for 4 weeks. These measures allow the cervix to heal as quickly as possible.
If there is any bleeding or a smelly discharge from your vagina up to 10 days after your visit and your period is not due, contact the Gynaecology Assessment Unit on the telephone numbers on the last page of this leaflet or your own GP for advice.
Results
You will receive a letter in 2-6 weeks’ time informing you of your results and further management. RESULTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE – but feel free to contact the secretary if you have not received the letter informing you of the results.
RESULTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE – but feel free to contact the secretary if you have not received the letter informing you of the results.
Do you need any further information?
More information and additional leaflets can be found on the colposcopy section of our website. The NHS website and the charity Eve Appeal also have useful information. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone prior to your procedure please contact the Nurse Colposcopists on the telephone number provided on the next page. At any time during your colposcopy examination, you may ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Contact Telephone Numbers
If you have any concerns / queries about any of the services offered by the Trust, in the first instance, please speak to the person providing your care.
Appointments
Scunthorpe and Goole appointments: 03033 306537
Grimsby appointments: 03033 306536
For Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital Grimsby
Colposcopy Secretary: 03033 303048
Gynaecology Assessment Unit: 03033 303770
Nurse Colposcopist (answer machine): 03033 303593
For Scunthorpe General Hospital
Colposcopy Secretary: 03033 302666
Gynaecology Assessment Unit: 03033 303018
Nurse Colposcopist (answer machine): 03033 303593
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
Review information
Date of issue: June 2026
Review period: June 2029