A colposcopy is a painless examination of the cervix and vagina with a colposcope. This exam usually is done between menstrual periods and generally takes less than ten minutes. A woman lies down in the position used to take a Pap smear and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to give a view of the cervix and vagina. Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the cervix using a specially designed instrument. One or more biopsies may be necessary during your colposcopy.
Most women describe the procedure as feeling like a sharp pinch.
The treatment will depend on the results of the colposcopy. All treatment options will be discussed with you, and appropriate follow-up planned. Cryotherapy Services Cryotherapy is one option for treating abnormal cells on the cervix. Cryotherapy is usually performed after colposcopy and biopsies of the cervix. It is done with the patient in the same position used for taking a Pap smear and takes several minutes.