A colposcopy is a microscope examination of your cervix, vagina, and vulva. During colposcopy, your doctor will use a unique tool called a colposcope.

If the findings of your Pap test are abnormal, your doctor may advise you to have a colposcopy. If your doctor detects an atypical region of cells during your colposcopy procedure, a tissue sample might be obtained for laboratory investigation (biopsy). You may have anxiety before your colposcopy surgery. If you are prepared for your colposcopy, you may feel more at ease.

If an irregularity was discovered during a pelvic exam or Pap test, your doctor might recommend a colposcopy.

Colposcopy is used to determine the following:

• Warts on the genitalia
• Cervical inflammation (cervicitis)
• Precancerous alterations in the cervix tissue
• Precancerous alterations in vaginal tissue Precancerous changes in the vulva.