A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix (the neck of the womb) which is often done if a cervical smear has been abnormal.

The procedure is usually done as an out-patient. It involves lying on a couch with padded supports on which you rest your legs. When you are comfortable the doctor, or specialist nurse, inserts a speculum into your vagina (just the same as when you had your smear test taken). They then look at your cervix with an instrument called a colposcope. This is really like a large magnifying glass, with a light source attached to it. It looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand. The colposcope does not touch you and certainly does not go inside you.

During the examination, which usually lasts about fifteen minutes, they will clean the cervix with sterile fluid and then look carefully at the tissues with the colposcope. They may also take a biopsy of anything that looks abnormal. This involves taking away a small piece of tissue and if this is needed they will use a local anaesthetic so you wont feel anything.

There are no special preparations you need make before your colposcopy examination but some doctors prefer not to do the procedure if you are having your period - so if you are menstruating when the test is due just check with the hospital that you should still go ahead. It is quite safe to have a colposcopy if you are pregnant.

You may want to spend a few minutes after the examination, relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee, but there certainly won't be any need to take time of work.

You are quite likely to have a brownish discharge from the vagina for a few days afterwards, so it might be as well to take a sanitary towel with you to the clinic to wear after the examination. If you do have a biopsy done then you will probably be advised to avoid intercourse for up to five days and avoid tampons during your next period, this is to allow healing of the cervix.