A colposcopy is a procedure to closely examine the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus, or the surrounding tissues. It is usually performed as a follow-up test after a Pap smear reveals the presence of abnormal cells that may indicate a cancerous, precancerous or infected condition in the cervix.

During this procedure, a specially lighted microscope called a colposcope is used to examine a woman’s genital area, including the cervix, vagina and vulva (vaginal opening). A specialist known as a colposcopist performs the test, which magnifies the area of examination by many times its normal size.

The colposcopist uses these enhanced images to identify abnormal cell growth that cannot be seen with the naked eye. If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy will be performed to remove a tissue sample that will be sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist.

A patient should reveal if she is or might be pregnant because:

• Special precautions may be taken to reduce the increased risk of bleeding when cervical biopsy is performed during pregnancy.
  
  
• Biopsy may be postponed.
  
  
• The patient may be referred to a colposcopist experienced in examining pregnant women.

Colposcopy should not be confused with culdoscopy, which involves inspection of a woman’s pelvic cavity with a lighted tube.