Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix using a colposcope — a magnifying device (like binoculars) that gives the gynaecologist a close-up view of the cervix surface. It is performed when a Pap smear shows abnormal cells (ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL) or when an HPV test is positive. The procedure is not painful — a speculum is placed (like a Pap smear), acetic acid (vinegar) and then iodine are applied to the cervix, and abnormal areas show up as white patches. A small biopsy may be taken for laboratory analysis. At Charak Hospital, colposcopy is offered in a private, comfortable setting with experienced gynaecologists who explain every step.
When Is Colposcopy Recommended?
- Abnormal Pap smear result — ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL, AGC
- Positive high-risk HPV test (HPV 16 or 18, or other high-risk strains)
- Two consecutive unsatisfactory Pap smears
- Visible abnormality on the cervix noted during routine examination
- Post-coital bleeding (bleeding after sexual intercourse)
- Unexplained vaginal discharge or contact bleeding
- Previous cervical treatment (LEEP, cryotherapy) follow-up
What Colposcopy May Find
CIN 1 (Mild Dysplasia)
Low-grade changes. Most resolve on their own. Managed with surveillance Pap smear every 6–12 months rather than immediate treatment.
CIN 2 / CIN 3 (Moderate to Severe Dysplasia)
High-grade changes that need treatment to prevent progression to cancer. Treated by LEEP (loop excision) or cold-knife cone biopsy — removing the abnormal area with a thin wire loop under local anaesthetic. This is curative in the majority of cases.
Early Cervical Cancer
If biopsy confirms early invasive cancer, the patient is referred to our gynaecological oncology team for staging and treatment planning.
The Colposcopy Procedure — Step by Step
- You lie on the examination couch — same position as a Pap smear
- Speculum placed gently into the vagina
- Colposcope positioned outside the body — it does not enter you
- Acetic acid (dilute vinegar) applied — you may feel a mild cool sensation
- Abnormal areas turn white (acetowhite areas) and are visualised
- Lugol's iodine applied — normal cells turn brown, abnormal cells stay pale
- Biopsy taken if needed — a small pinch sensation, not usually painful
- Entire procedure takes 10–20 minutes
- Results available in 2 weeks
Recovery & Aftercare
No recovery needed after colposcopy itself. If a biopsy was taken, you may experience mild cramping and light spotting for 2–3 days. Avoid tampons and intercourse for 5 days after biopsy. After LEEP treatment, a brown discharge is normal for 2–3 weeks while the cervix heals. Future Pap smear surveillance schedule will be discussed at your results appointment.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Colposcopy is recommended after an abnormal Pap smear result, a positive HPV test, or if your gynaecologist notices abnormal-looking areas on your cervix during examination. It is a closer look—not a diagnosis of cancer. Most women who need colposcopy do NOT have cancer; the procedure is simply the next step to understand what the abnormal cells mean and decide if any treatment is needed.
No—an abnormal Pap smear means some cells look different from normal, but the vast majority of abnormal results are due to minor inflammation, infection (like HPV or yeast), or low-grade cell changes that the body often clears on its own. Only a very small number of abnormal results represent pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. Colposcopy is needed to investigate further and give you a precise answer.
Colposcopy itself is not painful—it is essentially an enhanced gynaecological examination where a magnifying instrument is placed near (not inside) the vagina to view the cervix. You may feel mild discomfort when a speculum is inserted (the same as a Pap smear). If a biopsy is taken, you might feel a brief sharp pinch or cramp for a few seconds. Most women describe the overall experience as uncomfortable but not painful.
You lie on the examination table as for a Pap smear. The gynaecologist uses a speculum to open the vagina and then places the colposcope (a magnifying instrument on a stand—it does not enter your body) to view the cervix. A mild vinegar solution is applied to the cervix, which makes abnormal cells appear white. If any concerning areas are seen, a small biopsy (tiny tissue sample) may be taken. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
After a biopsy, you will have some light bleeding or spotting for a few days—use sanitary pads, not tampons. You should avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and vaginal douching for 1 week. Results take 1–2 weeks and your doctor will explain what they mean and what, if any, treatment is needed. Most biopsy results do not require any further treatment.
Results are categorised based on the degree of cell abnormality: Low-grade (CIN 1) changes often resolve on their own and are monitored. High-grade (CIN 2/3) changes have a higher risk of progressing to cancer and usually need treatment—which is straightforward and highly effective. Only a small fraction of high-grade changes become cancer, and even these are caught before they have spread when screening is done regularly.
A diagnostic colposcopy and cervical biopsy do not affect fertility. If treatment of high-grade changes is needed (such as LLETZ/cone biopsy to remove abnormal cells), there is a small risk to future pregnancies (slightly increased risk of premature birth), but your gynaecologist will discuss this carefully before recommending any treatment, especially if you have not completed your family.
This depends on your results. For low-grade changes that are being monitored, colposcopy with a repeat Pap smear every 6–12 months is typical until results normalise. After successful treatment of high-grade changes, follow-up Pap smears and occasional colposcopy will be needed for 3–5 years. Once the situation resolves, you return to routine screening like any other woman.
For 1 week after colposcopy with biopsy: avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and swimming to reduce infection risk. You may use sanitary pads for any spotting. Take pain relief (like paracetamol) if you have mild cramping. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain, or an offensive vaginal discharge, as these may indicate infection.
A colposcopy in India typically costs between ₹2,000 and ₹8,000 in most hospitals, with biopsy adding a small additional cost. The procedure is relatively affordable compared to many other gynaecological investigations. At Charak Hospital, Lucknow, our team performs colposcopy in a sensitive, private, and supportive environment with experienced specialists.
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