What is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure used to closely examine the cervix, vagina and vulva for abnormal cells or other conditions, using a colposcope, a special magnifying instrument. It’s commonly recommended after a smear test shows abnormal cells or the presence of HPV, or for symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or unexplained discharge, and can help diagnose conditions including genital warts, cervicitis and precancerous changes.
If a small area of abnormal cells is found, this can often be treated during the same appointment using Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ), which removes the tissue using a heated wire loop under local anaesthetic in around 5 to 10 minutes. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this procedure to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is a Colposcopy suitable for?
- Abnormal cells detected during a smear test
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) found during cervical screening, even if there are no visible cell changes
- Repeated smear tests showing the presence of HPV without abnormal cell changes
- Symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unexplained discharge
Your consultant will assess your smear history and symptoms before recommending a colposcopy and discussing whether same-day LLETZ treatment may be appropriate.
Gynaecologists who perform Colposcopies in London
How Much Does a Private Colposcopy Cost?
from £775*
The cost of private Colposcopy starts from £775* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6
There’s no special preparation needed, though it’s best to avoid using tampons, vaginal creams or having intercourse for 24 to 48 hours beforehand, as these can affect how clearly your doctor can see your cervix. It’s also worth avoiding scheduling your appointment during your period if possible.
You’ll lie on a couch with your feet in supports, similar to a smear test, while a speculum is used to gently open the vagina so your doctor can examine your cervix with the colposcope. A liquid may be applied to highlight any abnormal areas, and the appointment usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Your doctor may take a small biopsy for further testing, or, if appropriate, treat the abnormal area straight away using LLETZ. They’ll talk you through what they can see and what the next steps involve before going ahead with any treatment.
You may have some light spotting or a brownish discharge for a few days, particularly if a biopsy or LLETZ was performed. Most people can return to normal activities straight away, though it’s best to avoid intercourse, tampons and swimming for a few weeks if you’ve had treatment, as advised by your doctor.
If a biopsy was taken, results usually take around two to four weeks and will be sent to you by post or discussed at a follow-up appointment. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and whether any further treatment or monitoring is needed.
Many cases can be treated during the colposcopy itself with LLETZ. Depending on the extent of the changes, your doctor may instead recommend a period of monitoring with repeat smear tests, or occasionally referral for further treatment if the changes are more advanced.
A colposcopy is the standard way to closely examine and, if needed, treat abnormal cells identified on a smear test. There isn’t a direct alternative that provides the same level of detail, though your doctor may recommend a period of watchful waiting with repeat smear tests in some cases rather than proceeding straight to colposcopy.
Medically reviewed by Mr Emeka Okaro - MBBS FRCOG on 2/11/2026