If you have an abnormal Pap smear, a common next step is a colposcopy. This is a more detailed look at the cervix, and allows your provider to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. If anything is unusual, some tissue can be removed for a biopsy, which is a lab test for cancer and other disease. Colposcopy is used to diagnose inflammation of the cervix; precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix, vagina or vulva; and genital warts.

The colposcopy is done right in our Women First office, like a Pap smear during a pelvic exam, with a magnifying instrument called a colposcope that can examine closely and allow us to obtain a biopsy of your cervix, if needed. The procedure may involve swabbing your vagina with a solution to help highlight suspicious cells. Your Women First Care Team will let you know when you can expect results and what your next steps will be.