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After a colposcopy, the doctor or nurse will often be able to tell you what they've found straight away. If they take a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue to be examined in a laboratory), you may need to wait 4 to 8 weeks to receive your result by post.

When a colposcopy may be needed You may be referred for a colposcopy within a few weeks of cervical screening if: some of the cells in your screening sample are abnormal. the nurse or doctor who carried out the screening test thought your cervix did not look as healthy as it should.

During a cone biopsy, your doctor will remove a small, cone-shaped part of your cervix. They will study it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your cervix to heal after this procedure.

Other abnormal cells or precancerous changes to cells may develop into cancer if they aren't treated. Women with abnormal cervical biopsy results may have one or more of the following procedures for follow-up or treatment: A Pap test removes a small sample of cells from the cervix.

Results. After a colposcopy, your colposcopist will usually be able to tell you what they have found straight away. If there is any uncertainty, a small sample of tissue from the cervix may need to be removed (a biopsy) for further examination. In some cases, abnormal cells can be treated during your colposcopy.

Results of a cervical biopsy A positive test means that cancer or precancerous cells have been found and treatment may be needed.

You may need treatment if the results of your colposcopy show that there are abnormal cells in your cervix. The abnormal cells will be removed, which usually involves removing an area of the cervix about the size of a finger tip.

It takes four to six weeks for your cervix to heal. To reduce the risk of infection during this time, you should avoid sexual contact or wearing tampons. It is advisable to wear sanitary towels during this time. Have a shower rather than take a bath for six weeks following a treatment at colposcopy.

What happens after a colposcopy? After a colposcopy, you may have dark vaginal discharge for up to three days, and some bleeding for up to a week. Your vagina may be sore, and you may experience mild cramping for 1 to 2 days. If no biopsy was taken, you may resume normal activity right away.

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free. You might feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash your cervix with the vinegar-like solution. If you get a biopsy, you might have some discomfort.