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What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a medical procedure used to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of abnormal cells or other conditions. It is performed using a colposcope, a special magnifying instrument, to allow your doctor to identify any changes in the tissue that may require further investigation or treatment.
A colposcopy is typically recommended if:
- Abnormal cells are detected during a smear test.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found during cervical screening, even if there are no visible cell changes.
- You have had repeated smear tests showing the presence of HPV without abnormal cell changes.
- You experience symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unexplained discharge.
Conditions Diagnosed with a Colposcopy
A colposcopy can help diagnose:
- Genital warts: Caused by HPV, these are small growths on the genital area.
- Noncancerous growths: Such as polyps or cysts on the cervix.
- Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix, often due to infection or irritation.
- Precancerous changes: Abnormal cells in the cervix, vagina, or vulva that could develop into cancer if left untreated.
This procedure is an important step in diagnosing and addressing potential issues early, ensuring timely and effective treatment while providing peace of mind.
Treatment During a Colposcopy
In some cases, treatment can be performed during the colposcopy itself. For instance, if a small area of abnormal cells is identified, it may be removed using a procedure called Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ).
Also referred to as a loop cone, loop biopsy, or loop excision, LLETZ involves using a heated wire loop to remove abnormal tissue. The procedure typically takes 5–10 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring the treated area is numb and you remain comfortable.
This approach allows for immediate treatment, reducing the need for further appointments and addressing the issue promptly.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about Colposcopy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
- Avoid scheduling your appointment during your period.
- For two days before your appointment, avoid vaginal intercourse, tampons, or vaginal medications and creams.
- Take pain-relief medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, before your appointment.
- Bring sanitary pads and additional pain relief with you.
- If you prefer a female doctor or wish to have a chaperone present, let us know in advance.
- You’ll be taken to a consultation room in our Outpatients Department.
- After discussing the procedure, you’ll undress from the waist down in private.
- A speculum is inserted to view the cervix, and a colposcope (a magnifying instrument) is used to examine it.
- If needed, a vinegar-based solution is applied to highlight abnormal areas. This may cause mild burning or tingling.
- A biopsy (a small tissue sample) or treatment, such as LLETZ, may be performed if abnormalities are detected.
Some issues can be treated during your colposcopy. For example, if your doctor sees a small area of abnormal cells, this could be removed during your colposcopy. This is done with a ‘Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone’ (LLETZ), also known as a loop cone, loop biopsy or loop excision. An LLETZ takes 5-10 minutes and involves using a heated wire to remove abnormal cells. This is done under local anaesthetic, so the area being treated is numb.
- Mild cramping or spotting for a day or two is normal.
- If you had a biopsy, you might experience light bleeding, dark discharge, or mild pain for up to two days. Avoid tampons and intercourse for a week or as advised.
- If you had LLETZ, light bleeding may last up to four weeks. Avoid tampons, sex, and strenuous activity during this time.
Your doctor will inform you when to expect results. You may need a follow-up appointment, either in-person or remotely, to discuss them.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing abnormal cells.
- Laser ablation: Using a laser to destroy abnormal cells.
- Cone biopsy: Surgically removing the affected cervical area.
- Cold coagulation: Burning away abnormal cells with heat.
- Hysterectomy: Removing the uterus, only in severe or recurring cases.
Medically reviewed by Mr Emeka Okaro - MBBS FRCOG on 17/01/2024