You should not douche or have sexual intercourse for 24-hours before the exam. A colposcopy is painless. The biopsy may feel like a pinch each time a tissue sample is taken and may have some cramping with it. Any pain or cramping occurring during the biopsy may be helped by relaxing and taking a few slow deep breaths. Some cramping may occur after the biopsy.
Many women have a tendency to hold their breath during pelvic procedures in anticipation of pain.
Making an effort to concentrate on slow regular breathing will help you relax and will reduce or eliminate some pain. After the biopsy there may be some bleeding for up to a week. Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, and using tampons for 1 week to allow the biopsy area to heal. A smooth, pink surface of the cervix is normal. A biopsy is only performed when abnormal tissues are seen or suspected because of abnormal pap smear results.