Colposcopy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Colposcopy?
A colposcopy may be done by your primary care provider or a gynecologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system. The test is usually done in the provider's office. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A colposcopy is a procedure to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva. The cervix is the lower part of your uterus, the place where a baby grows. The vulva includes your genital parts that are outside your body. Your provider uses a lighted, magnifying device called a colposcope. It sits at the opening of your vagina. Your provider looks for abnormal cells. These could be cancer or precancer. Precancer means the cells could turn into cancer over time.
Why a doctor might recommend it
You may need a colposcopy if you had an abnormal Pap smear. A Pap smear collects a sample of cells from the cervix. It can show if there are abnormal cells but cannot give a diagnosis. A colposcopy gives a more detailed look at the cells. You may also need one if you have any of the following.
- An HPV (human papillomavirus) diagnosis
- Abnormal areas on your cervix seen during a routine pelvic exam
- Bleeding after sex
It can also check for genital warts, polyps, or the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
How to prepare
- Do not douche or use tampons, vaginal medicines, or anything else in the vagina for 48 hours before the test.
- Schedule the visit for a time when you are not having your period.
- Your provider may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment.
- Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Colposcopy is generally safe during pregnancy, but being pregnant raises your risk of bleeding after a biopsy.
What happens during it
You lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your provider inserts a speculum, the same tool used in a Pap smear. It spreads open your vaginal walls so the cervix is visible. Your provider looks through the colposcope. Your provider also swabs your cervix and vagina with a vinegar or iodine solution. This makes abnormal tissue easier to see. If an area looks abnormal, your provider may take a small tissue sample for testing. This is called a biopsy. The test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and a biopsy may take about 10 minutes longer.
Recovery
After a biopsy, you may be sore for a day or two and may have some cramping and slight bleeding. A little bleeding and discharge for up to a week after a biopsy is normal. Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for a week, or as long as your provider advises. Biopsy results most often take 1 to 2 weeks.
Risks and side effects
There is very little risk to having a colposcopy. The speculum may feel uncomfortable. The vinegar or iodine solution may sting, tingle, or burn. Serious complications from a biopsy are rare. Call your provider if you have very heavy bleeding, bleeding that lasts longer than 2 weeks, belly or pelvic pain, or signs of infection. Signs of infection include fever, foul odor, or discharge. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if bleeding will not stop, or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Who performs it
A primary care provider or a gynecologist may perform a colposcopy.
Common questions
Does a colposcopy hurt?
A colposcopy can cause some discomfort. You may feel a pinch or some pain when a tissue sample is taken.
How long does a colposcopy take?
The test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. A biopsy may add about 10 minutes.
What happens if the biopsy shows abnormal cells?
If the results show precancer cells, you may need a procedure to remove them. This may stop them from turning into cancer. If the results show cancer, you may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a provider who treats cancers of the female reproductive system.
Can a colposcopy affect pregnancy?
A colposcopy and biopsy will not make it more difficult to become pregnant or cause problems during pregnancy.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can talk through an abnormal Pap smear or HPV result with you and refer you to a gynecologist for a colposcopy when needed.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
