What is a Colposcopy?

Has your clinician recommended a colposcopy? While this may feel intimidating, the procedure itself is relatively quick and painless. You'll also want to remember that getting a colposcopy doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. In fact, many colposcopies return normal results.

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a procedure done when clinicians need a closer look at the cervix. Typically, it's recommended after an abnormal pap test or HPV result. It's commonly used to detect precancerous cells in the vagina.

During a colposcopy, your clinician will utilize an instrument called a colposcope. It's similar to binoculars and is used to view the cervix from a short distance.

If the cervix does not look normal, your clinician may perform a biopsy to remove a tiny sample of tissue. This sample will be sent to a laboratory to be evaluated by a pathologist to determine if further treatment is required.

Colposcopies at FPA Women's Health

At FPA Women's Health, our clinicians follow the ASCCP (American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology) guidelines for managing abnormal pap and HPV results. We offer colposcopy to ALL patients, those with insurance and those without.  We believe that every patient has a right to cervical cancer screening and prevention.   

We're also proud to utilize the most cutting-edge technology for colposcopy.  Our instruments allow remote consultation with experts should your clinician have any questions or concerns during the procedure. Images from your cervix will be uploaded to your medical record for you to reference at any time. 

The best option for preventing cervical cancer is the HPV Vaccine. Gardasil-9 protects against nine of the most common and dangerous strains of the HPV virus. Join us in the fight to ensure not a single woman has to die from Cervical Cancer, which is an entirely preventable disease!

Colposcopy training

At FPA, we are delighted to be training the next generation of expert colposcopists. Our unique training program has been presented at ASCCP conferences across the country, and even at the International HPV conference in Australia.

If you're interested in learning more about this procedure, visit our dedicated Colposcopy page.