Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
This leaflet has been designed to answer the commonly asked questions about Colposcopy. If you have any questions not covered in this leaflet, the staff will be pleased to advise you.
If you need to change your appointment, please phone the Colposcopy unit at the hospital where you are being treated (see page 4). If we know in good time, we can offer that date to someone else.
If applicable, please arrange for childcare or bring a suitable adult along with you to look after any children. We cannot have any children under the age of 18 in the department during the appointment.
Question & Answers
Q. Where do I go?
For Wexham Park Hospital
Please come to the hospital via Entrance 4 (signposted Maternity, Women’s and Children) and follow the signs for Colposcopy and Urgent Gynae Care Centre (UGCC).
For Heatherwood Hospital
Please come to the main entrance - you will enter into the central atrium / outpatient waiting area. Please report to the main reception desk who will direct you further.
For Frimley Park Hospital
Please report to Heatherwood Hospital, see above.
Q. Why am I having a Colposcopy?
A. When you had your last cervical screening, the test showed the presence of high-risk HPV and some cells that need further examination. Alternatively, you may also be attending for Colposcopy if your GP has requested a check-up.
Q. Does this mean I have cancer?
A. This almost certainly is not the case.
Q. So why do I need to have this test done?
A. The test allows the clinician to examine your cervix in detail with a special microscope, called a Colposcope. At this appointment, further samples of any area where abnormal cells are seen, may then be taken (either a cervical biopsy or LLETZ).
Q. What can I expect on the day?
A. Please check in at reception, you will be called for in the waiting room and taken into the Gynaecology Unit. There will be three members of staff in the room; the colposcopist and two nursing staff – this is to assist the colposcopist throughout the appointment and to support your wellbeing. Occasionally there will be a trainee or student in the room, Frimley Trust strives to teach junior staff to promote their learning so that we can offer the best care possible for our patients. If you would like to enquire about the presence of a student or make a request, please phone the Colposcopy unit at the hospital where you are being treated (see page 4).
Q. My period is due that week. Should I cancel my appointment?
A. We can generally carry out Colposcopy even if you are on your period. Please telephone if you are at all unsure about whether to come or not. If necessary, we will change your appointment date.
Q. I’m pregnant. Should I cancel my appointment?
A. No, do not cancel – we can carry out a Colposcopic examination while you are pregnant, without any risk to your baby. We will not carry out any treatment to your cervix, until around three months after your baby is born.
Q. Can I have intercourse in the week of my appointment?
A. It is important that you know whether you are or are not pregnant, in case treatment is necessary. Therefore, you can have intercourse provided you have used reliable contraception. If you have a coil (IUCD) in place, please use an additional method of contraception (i.e. condoms) for 10 days prior to your appointment. This is in case the coil has to be removed in order to carry out treatment.
Q. What should I bring to the appointment?
A. Please bring your appointment letter and a sanitary pad.
Q. Is the colposcope put into my vagina?
A. No, a speculum (the instrument used when you have a cervical screening test) is put into the vagina.
Q. How long does this examination take?
A. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes - Your legs will be supported on flat leg rests during this time.
Q. How is the examination performed?
A. The clinician will paint your cervix with a solution which turns a different colour when it touches abnormal tissue. This does not hurt, though some people say there is a slight stinging sensation.
It may be necessary to sample or remove the abnormal cells, this will depend on your cervical screening result and what the Colposcopy examination shows.
• If this solution reveals a mildly abnormal area, cervical punch biopsies may be taken. This is around 3mm of tissue, which may feel like a pinch when taken.
• If a higher grade of change is seen during Colposcopy, we may need to remove an area of abnormality. This is a slightly different procedure than the cervical punch biopsy and removes a larger piece of tissue.
To do this we use a small electrically heated wire loop to remove the cervical tissue, where the abnormal cells are; this treatment is called a LLETZ treatment. A local anaesthetic injection is used to numb the cervix before the procedure, this may sting when injected.
If treatment is needed, this does not mean that you have cancer. Treatment is offered to reduce the risks of you developing cervical cancer in the future.
After the procedure, most people feel well enough to continue with their daily routine.
Q. Will the procedure hurt?
A. A biopsy can feel like a quick pinch, it is likely we will need take around 3 of these.
A LLETZ is carried out after an injection of local anaesthetic. Most people experience nothing more than a little discomfort for a few seconds when this is injected.
Q. What happens next?
A. If tissue is taken from your cervix, this is sent to the laboratory for examination. This process normally takes around 4 weeks. We will write to you and you GP once we have these results, advising you of your follow up care and/or the timing of your next cervical screening.
Before you leave the clinic, the staff will answer any questions you may have and advise you on the follow-up care. A letter will also be sent to you and your GP providing details of the procedure.
Q. Will my periods change?
A. Your next period may be heavier after a LLETZ but, after that, they should return to normal.
Q What precautions must I take if I have a biopsy or LLETZ ?
A. The cervix is susceptible to infection while healing. For this reason we advise you to avoid to following for 5-7 days after a cervical punch biopsy or 4 weeks after LLETZ:
- vaginal sex
- vaginal tampons
- vaginal douching
- swimming
- long baths
If you travel abroad after a LLETZ, you may not be covered by your insurance should any complications related to the treatment arise. Please check with your insurance company. We can reschedule your treatment if necessary.
Q. What if I have heavy bleeding after biopsy or LLETZ?
A. Following a biopsy you should expect some spotting for 3-4 days.
Following a LLETZ it is normal to have some vaginal discharge or bleeding for 4 weeks. Heavy bleeding or offensive discharge is not normal, and you should contact the Colposcopy clinic, Urgent Care Gynaecology, 111 if this occurs (telephone numbers are of the back of the leaflet).
Q. Can I use tampons after colposcopy?
A. If you have had a cervical punch biopsy or LLETZ, only sanitary towels should be worn until the bleeding stops. The cervix takes about 5-7 days to heal after the punch biopsy and around 4 weeks to heal after a LLETZ. During this time tampons should NOT be used.
Q. When can I start having sex again?
A. You can have sex when the bleeding has stopped, around 5-7 days after punch biopsy and 4 weeks after LLETZ.
Q. Will treatment affect my chances of having a baby?
A. A punch biopsy does not affect this.
A LLETZ rarely affects pregnancy – please discuss this in more detail with your Colposcopist.
Q. Should I have a smear test after treatment?
A. You will be advised by the hospital when your next cervical screening is due.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your Colposcopy visit or treatment in more detail, please contact your local Colposcopy unit (the numbers are below) and ask to speak to the Colposcopy nurse or the Colposcopy secretary.
You can also to learn more about Colposcopy by looking at:
https://
Colposcopy unit contact numbers (9am-4pm, Monday Friday)
Wexham Park 0300 615 4526
Frimley Park/Heatherwood Hospital 0300 613 4839
Urgent care Gynaecology contact numbers (8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday)
Wexham Park Patients 0300 615 4429
Frimley Park Patients 0300 613 6418
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Gynaecology service.
About this information
Service:
Gynaecology
Reference:
L/044
Approval date:
1 July 2025
Review date:
1 January 2028
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.