The short answer
A colposcopy is a follow-up procedure after an abnormal Pap or HPV test. The doctor uses a lighted magnifying tool to look closely at the cervix and usually takes a small tissue sample (biopsy). Most people who need one do not have cancer — it's a way to check cell changes carefully.
A colposcopy is a follow-up exam after an abnormal Pap or HPV screening result.
The doctor uses a lighted, magnifying instrument called a colposcope to look closely at the cervix.
It usually includes a biopsy — a small tissue sample checked under a microscope.
Most people who have a colposcopy do not have cancer.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
A colposcopy is a follow-up procedure your doctor may recommend after an abnormal Pap or HPV test. It lets them take a closer, magnified look at the cervix to understand what the screening result found.
Here is the most important thing to know first: most people who have a colposcopy do not have cancer. Screening is designed to catch changes early, and a colposcopy is simply the next careful step to see those changes up close.
A colposcopy is a closer look after an abnormal result — most people who have one don't have cancer.
Why it's recommended
Screening tests like the Pap and HPV test are very good at flagging when something needs a closer look, but they can't show exactly what is going on. A colposcopy fills in that picture. Your doctor may recommend one to find out whether cell changes are:
- Minor, and likely to go away on their own, or
- More significant, and worth treating early to prevent cancer
Your specific screening result, your age, and your past history all help decide whether a colposcopy is the right next step.
What happens during the procedure
A colposcopy is similar to a Pap test in how it starts. Here is the sequence:
- You lie on an exam table and the doctor inserts a speculum to see the cervix
- A vinegar-like solution is applied to the cervix, which makes abnormal areas easier to see
- The doctor places a colposcope — a magnifying instrument with a bright light — near the vagina to look closely
The colposcope stays outside your body. The exam is usually not painful, though you may feel some pressure.
The colposcope magnifies the view from outside the body — nothing large goes inside.
The biopsy
A colposcopy usually includes a biopsy, where a small sample of cervical tissue is removed and checked under a microscope. This is how your doctor learns exactly what the cell changes are.
When the sample is taken, some people feel a brief pinch or a cramp, similar to a menstrual cramp. Afterward, light bleeding or discharge for a short time is common. Your doctor will explain how to care for yourself and what to avoid for a day or two.
A biopsy gives the exact answer — expect a quick pinch and some light bleeding afterward.
How results are reported
Biopsy results are often described using the term CIN, which stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. It's graded from 1 to 3, based on how abnormal the cells look and how much tissue is affected:
- CIN 1 — mild changes, which usually go away on their own without treatment
- CIN 2 — moderate changes, often treated by removing the abnormal cells, though they can sometimes resolve on their own
- CIN 3 — more severe changes; not cancer, but they could become cancer over time, so they're usually treated
Your doctor will explain your specific grade and what it means for you.
CIN 1 often resolves on its own; CIN 2 and CIN 3 are usually treated to prevent cancer.
What treatment can involve
If the biopsy shows more significant changes (CIN 2 or CIN 3), treatment aims to remove or destroy the abnormal cells before they could become cancer. These are usually simple procedures, and treating these changes early is highly effective at preventing cervical cancer.
Your care team will walk you through your options, what to expect, and any special considerations — for example, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Getting the recommended follow-up is the key step that keeps you protected.
Treating abnormal cells early is simple and very effective at preventing cervical cancer.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸Why do I need a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is recommended when a Pap or HPV test result is abnormal and your doctor wants a closer look at the cervix. It helps find out whether the cell changes are minor or more significant. Most people who have a colposcopy do not have cancer — it's a careful way to check.
▸What happens during a colposcopy?
You lie on an exam table as for a Pap test. The doctor inserts a speculum to see the cervix, then applies a vinegar-like solution that makes abnormal areas easier to spot. A colposcope — a magnifying instrument with a bright light — is placed near the vagina so the doctor can examine the cervix closely. It stays outside the body.
▸Will I have a biopsy?
A colposcopy usually includes a biopsy, where a small sample of cervical tissue is removed and checked under a microscope. This is how the doctor learns exactly what the cell changes are. You may feel a brief pinch or cramp when the sample is taken.
▸Does a colposcopy hurt?
The exam itself is usually not painful, though you may feel pressure. If a biopsy is taken, some people feel a brief cramp, like a menstrual cramp. Afterward, light bleeding or discharge is common for a short time. Your doctor will tell you what to expect and how to care for yourself.
▸What do the results mean?
Biopsy results are often reported as CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), graded 1 to 3. CIN 1 changes are mild and often go away on their own. CIN 2 and CIN 3 are more significant and may be treated to prevent cancer. Your doctor will explain your specific result and any next steps.
▸What if the biopsy shows serious changes?
More significant changes (CIN 2 or CIN 3) are not cancer, but they could become cancer over time if not treated. They are usually treated by removing or destroying the abnormal cells with simple procedures. Treating these changes early is very effective at preventing cervical cancer.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 4 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.