Header image

Colposcopy Procedure

An abnormal smear result can be a worrying time. Our colposcopy package gives reassurance with thorough analysis of the cells and treatment, if required, often within the same appointment.

Colposcopy is a simple outpatient clinic procedure to examine the cervix. As an experience, it is very similar to having a smear test performed. During colposcopy, the cervix is visualised using a speculum and is examined under magnification and bright light to look for signs of any abnormality.

Two dyes are applied to the cervix (acetic acid and iodine) which highlight the abnormality if present. From the colposcopy appearance, the abnormalities can also be graded as low grade (CIN1) and high grade changes (CIN2-3).

Who is it for?
A colposcopy is for women who have:

  • had an abnormal smear result and need further examination
  • symptoms such as bleeding after sex, irregular bleeding or contact bleeding
  • been referred by their GP for unusual appearance of the cervix

What does it involve?
A colposcopy is a simple outpatient procedure to examine the cervix under magnification and bright light to look for signs of abnormality and is carried out within an outpatient appointment.  During this procedure it may be advised to remove cells for histological analysis or even carry out treatment.  Our standard colposcopy package includes:

  • A consultation with a consultant gynaecologist
  • Full history taking
  • Colposcopy procedure
  • Explanation of results
  • Detailed written report emailed or posted to you and your GP
  • Direct access for any urgent health concerns

The following tests & services can also be added to the colposcopy service at an additional cost:

  • Cervical smear and HPV sub-typing test
  • Biopsy and histological analysis
  • LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone) and histological analysis*
  • follow up consultation

*price applicable if within the same appointment as the colposcopy

When will I get the results of my colposcopy?

Your specialist will discuss the colposcopy findings with you. The results will usually be ready within 10 days.

If I have my period, should I cancel my appointment?

There is no need for cancelling a new colposcopy appointment or treatment appointment as a period will not interfere with the colposcopy assessment. However, if a smear test is also required (as in a follow up colposcopy appointment), then it may be better to avoid it during a period.

Where can I find out more information or access any useful support services?

If you wish to learn more about colposcopy and what happens during the procedure, visit our Colposocpy expertise page.

For further information please visit our specialist pages London Colposcopy and see our patient information leaflet. For more information on the treatment of CIN, download our patient information leaflet here.

If you are visiting us at The Portland Hospital, there may be additional hospital charges that will be billed directly to you by the hospital and the total invoice amount should be the same. Kindly note, treatment for loop/LLETZ and laser cone biopsy are now only available at The Portland Hospital.

Whilst we aim to provide a one stop service for the maximum convenience of our patients, if you have any questions pertaining to your results, we request a follow up appointment is booked. Follow up appointments can be done virtually 30 mins (£175), 15 mins (£100) or face to face 30 mins (£280).

COSTS

  • £675 (consultation and colposcopy)
  • £940 (consultation and colposcopy and cervical biopsy, including lab fees)
  • £1,500 (Colposcopy & Treatment Includes consultation and colposcopy and loop excision of transformation zone and histological analysis)
  • £4,000 (laser cone biopsy under general anaesthetic daycase procedure including hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist fees and histology)